The Twelve

The Twelve is an alliance of powerful wizards sponsored by the Dragonmarked Houses. They are the organization that accomplishes things beyond the capabilities of the houses, and where disputes between the houses are settled. The Twelve serves as an institute to train members in arcane magic, and as a think tank for discoveries beyond the capabilities of individual houses.  

History

The organization was formed after the War of the Mark around 1,500 years ago in an alliance proposed by Lord Hadran d'Cannith to unify the dragonmarked houses in pursuing magical research and profit.   King Galifar I started the rival Arcane Congress of Aundair many years later out of fear for the growing power of the dragonmarked houses.   As the power of both individual dragonmarked houses and the Arcane Congress has grown since the Last War, the Twelve has fractured and diminished. Yet, it still exists as a central authority of the Houses and bastion of arcane research, constantly at odds with the Congress. While the Congress seeks progress for progress' sake, the Twelve pursues arcane power for the sake of the Houses, for better or for worse.  

Organization

Members of the Twelve belong to the dragonmarked houses of Khorvaire. Those who are not members of the Twelve are not allowed past the foyer of the Twelve's citadels. The Twelve does not rule the dragonmarked houses, and inter-house rivalries are not unknown.   The Committee of Twelve oversees the organization, although the exact number of members varies. The council is concerned with research and developing new spells or devices.   The Acquisitions Directorate is the arm of the Twelve that explores for rare magic. Within the Twelve, explorers within the Acquisitions Directorate are seen as less prestigious than those who research the items they recover.