The Arcanum Council

Arch Sanctum

The Sanctum Orders are governed by a collective of leading representatives from each of those Orders. Named the Arch Sanctum, the governing council's members are known as Archmages, and in total there are roughly thirty members; although there are rumours that there are a few other members, whose identities are kept hidden. All representatives have equal power in the Arch Sanctum, as each major decision they make is laid down to a vote, and events or issues concerning the Sanctum Orders and the Sanctum Laws are discussed carefully.

The overall purpose of the Arch Sanctum is to oversee the communication and cooperation between the Sanctum Orders, and also bring forth the interests of the represented Orders. It is also a way for the Archmages to come together to take stances on international concerns, such as wars and national revolutions, and decide whether the Sanctum Orders are to partake in these events, remain neutral, or adjust the scales in secrecy. The Arch Sanctum holds a lot of international power in nation and city politics, and its Archmage members are typically respected and wealthy individuals in their given societies.

The Arch Sanctum operates from the tallest spire in Caldum (the Archspire), yet it's not their only meeting place, as other spires around the world also act as sanctuaries; some of which are hidden and secret. Most Archmages prefer to conduct their studies and meetings in secrecy, and there is little doubt that the majority of the Arch Sanctum's members have hidden agendas and personal goals. Rivalry between the Archmages is a openly known thing, and often the only thing keeping the Arch Sanctum together is the shared wish to advance the general and higher understanding of magic; whether it's for personal gain or the common good.

Archmages are generally selected and elevated from members of the various Sanctum Orders who act as leaders, although some are often chosen for their often legendary feats of magical practice, discovery and contribution. New Archmages are chosen through a process of candidacy, then voted on by the current council-members. Typically only the most powerful mages become Archmages, and there have been a few who weren't originally members of a Sanctum Order; so called Freemages, though only those considered Legal Mages by Sanctum Law.

Generally the ongoings of the Arch Sanctum are kept away from public eyes, and even members of the different Sanctum Orders don't usually know what the Archmages discuss and decide upon. It is implied that a meeting of all Archmages is only ever conducted when major events have or will occur; especially events that could have a devastating effect on the world or the Arcane Laws.

Type

Guild, Mages