Mage Lord

The height of the meritocratic realm D'arcan, the thirteen Mage Lords are both the height of knowledge, and the heads of state of their individual provinces.

Qualifications

Although training in magic is more readily accessible in D'arcan than most other nations, it is also more heavily guarded. Training to be a wizard also contains schooling typically granted to nobles in other lands; diplomacy, statecraft, economics, and so on. This training comes with the expectation that one works in some facet to the benefit of D'arcan and the specific province. Higher levels of training in the magical arts are also accompanied with higher responsibilities to the state.

Requirements

There are no hard requirements that exist at this level: the expectations upon any individual seeking this position transcend the notion of written requirements.

At an esoteric level, the Mage Lords must be constantly inquisitive.They must prove to be prudent administrators of their people, stewards of magical knowledge, mentors and role models for the future, and inclined to a cooperative disposition.

Appointment

A Mage Lord will typically choose their direct replacement, as many have working and intimate knowledge with the possible contenders. Although it has not been asked for, a Lord must be prepared to provide a justification of their selection to the other twelve, as a check against nepotism and other forms of corruption. In the case where a Mage Lord has died before choosing their replacement, the remaining Lords will gather together and choose. As a manner of good will, the Lord Council will usually choose a replacement to come from the same Province as the deceased Lord, though exceptions have occurred.

Responsibilities

Each Mage Lord is responsible for all that transpires within their territory. Much of these responsibilities, such as the care and feeding of the common citizen, is delegated down to lower positions, but the fault of failure will ultimately come to them. A responsibility that cannot be delegated down is defense, both of the province and the nation. Although training and disposition will differ from region to region, all Mage Lords recognize the precarious position of their nation.

Beyond the preservation of the nation, it is understood that the ultimate responsibility of the Mage Lords is to preserve and progress knowledge and expertise in the magical arts.

Type

Magical, Professional

Form of Address

Lordship

Equates to

Each of the Mage Lords within D'arcan falls somewhere between a regional Governor and a King or other head of state in an alliance. Outside of a few areas where the Mage Lords have agreed on a common method or policy, each Lord has total power to rule as they see fit.

Length of Term

For life, or good behavior

Related Organizations

• D'arcan