The Concord of the Nine Flames.

The Concord of Nine Flames. Also known as: The Ninefold Concordance, or The First Codex of Accord

Year of Origin: Circa 312 A.F. (After the Fall – referring to the War of the Aetherial Factions) - Subject to change

Signed at: The High Summit of Arevael Isle(the future site of the Aetheri Citadel)

The Concord of the Nine Flames is the sacred and binding foundational charter that established the Aetheri Council and its Citadel, laws, responsibilities, and ideology.

Forged from desperation after the calamitous The War of the Aetherial Factions, where entire cities were incinerated and reality itself cracked in places from unchecked magical conflict, this document represents a solemn vow: that magic shall serve life, not dominate it.

It is both a spiritual manifesto and a legal contract, said to be scribed upon mythwoven vellum—a parchment crafted from the essence of purified Aether, impervious to age, fire, and corruption.

The Concord is divided into Nine Seals, one for each of the original High Aetheri founders, each representing a core pillar of magical governance and harmony.

Seal I - The Law of Unity

"None shall rise alone; none shall fall unchallenged."

This seal binds all Aetheri to Council oversight. Magic users are forbidden from acting with unchecked authority, particularly in foreign lands. No Aetheri may wage war, take dominion, or claim territory without express consent from the Council and the blessing of the Gods (particularly Raeos and Myri).

• Magical factions are outlawed unless sanctioned.
• Any Aetheri acting as a "god-king" or "chosen one" without verification is to be captured or neutralised.
• The Aetheri are a community, not rulers.

Seal II – The Codex of Binding

"Magic is gift and burden; both must be bound with wisdom."

This section outlines the core laws of Aetheric practice:

• Forbidden casting (e.g. soul manipulation, living constructs without consent).
• Permissible enchantments, and limits on world-altering magics.
• A code of conduct in duels or magical dispute (via The Veil of Parley, a formal magical arbitration rite).

Seal III – The Sanctum Protocol

"Power must be taught, guarded, and endured."

Establishes the Aetheri Citadel as the only officially recognised centre for magical training.

This seal outlines:

• The selection and training of new Aetheri.
• The structure of apprenticeships and trials.
• Safeguards against abuse of magical power during education.
• The concept of Ascension—a formal recognition of mastery.

Seal IV – The Pact of Elemental Concord

"No element reigns above another."

Establishes that all elemental paths are equal, and no affinity shall be considered nobler or purer. It was written to quell supremacist factions (notably among Fire and Light Aetheri) during the war.

This seal includes:

• Rituals of balance.
• The formation of mixed-element teams.
• Recognition of rare elements (Void, Ether, Shadow) and protections for those who wield them.

Seal V – The Mundane Covenant

"We serve the world, not rule it."

This section defines the Aetheri’s relationship with non-magic folk. It was born of shame after the Factions decimated several mundane kingdoms.

• Aetheri must offer aid to mundane realms in crisis.
• They may not interfere with mundane governance unless invited.
• Mundane authorities may petition the Council for aid, advice, or arbitration.
• Establishes the Sealbearer Tribunes: 'mundanes' who attend Council sessions to ensure balance.

Seal VI – The Rite of Judgment

"To wield magic is to face its echo."

Creates the Chamber of Reflection, where rogue Aetheri are judged by a tribunal of three High Aetheri and two mundane Sealbearers.

• Includes a spectrum of consequences: binding, banishment, Aetheric Severance, or Redemption Trials.
• Allows for appeal if new evidence is presented.

Seal VII – The Archive Mandate

"All knowledge gained must not be hoarded."

Outlines the formation of the Vaults of Lumirael, an underground archive beneath the Citadel, containing:

• Every spell ever approved.
• Histories of magical events, creatures, and discoveries.
• Research logs and Aetheri journals (upon their death or Ascension).
• Banned knowledge held in secure wards.

Seal VIII – The Accord of Containment

"Power untamed corrodes the vessel."

This seal establishes the regulation and storage of dangerous magical artefacts, corrupted relics, and unstable Aetheric phenomena. It was added after the devastating release of the Hollow Star—a war-artefact that annihilated three cities when improperly used during the War of the Aetherial Factions.

• All Aetheri are required to report the discovery of magical artefacts with unknown or volatile properties.
• The Aetheri Vaultwatch is created—an elite task force responsible for transporting, containing, and cataloguing magical items and phenomena.
• Forbidden relics are to be secured within the Sanctum of the Sealed Flame, beneath the Aetheri Citadel,

Seal IX – The Mandate of Succession

"No spell lasts forever, and no title is without end."

This seal ensures the structured governance and renewal of Aetheri leadership, particularly within the High Council and Citadel ranks. It was created to prevent stagnation, tyranny, or unchecked rule by any individual Aetheri.

• Terms of service for High Aetheri are limited to 10 years, after which re-election by the full Council and review by a Tribunal of Peers is required.
• If a High Aetheri falls into corruption, incapacitation, or dereliction of duty, a Council Recall may be triggered by two-thirds of the Council or a joint petition of five mundane kingdoms.
• Establishes the Order of Continuance: senior Aetheri trained in diplomacy, governance, and magical jurisprudence who act as advisors and interim Council members in times of crisis or death.
• Introduces the Vow of Teaching: retiring High Aetheri must pass on their knowledge to no fewer than three apprentices before withdrawal from public magical service is permitted.
• Prevents hereditary or personal succession of titles or legacies—no Aetheri line may claim divine right, bloodline inheritance, or dominion over magical rule.

The Concord is enforced by:

• The High Aetheri Council.
• Concord Sentinels – elite Aetheri trained in the enforcement of magical law.