Circuit

The High Pylon

At the very pinnacle of the Circuit is the High Pylon, the supreme ruler and final authority in all matters. This position is almost always held by a Conduit with gold markings, as their immense magical power and rarity give them an unquestionable right to lead. The High Pylon is the final arbiter of law and the ultimate protector of Haven, capable of wielding city-wide magic in times of crisis. While a figure of great reverence, their role is also one of immense isolation, as their decisions often carry a weight few can comprehend.  

The Council of Pillars

Serving as the primary governing body, the Council of Pillars is composed of the most powerful and influential Conduits in Haven. This council includes all Conduits with red markings and the heads of the most prominent Conduit families, who are typically Conduits with potent black markings. The Council is responsible for making all major legislative, judicial, and military decisions. Each member of the council is seen as a "Pillar" of society, overseeing a key function such as defense, commerce, or the management of the academies.  

The Wardens of the Veil

The Wardens of the Veil are the administrative and enforcement arm of the Circuit. This tier consists of Conduits with black and cyan markings who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city. Wardens act as judges, police, and district managers, overseeing the flow of resources, maintaining public order, and ensuring that the Guardian Pylons are ready to be activated in case of a threat. They are the public face of the Circuit, a constant and visible presence of authority.  

The Unseen Authority

Within the Council of Pillars exists a secret, sub-group known as the Unseen Authority. This is not a formal rank but a hidden function known only to a select few. The Unseen Authority is comprised of the Conduits who possess the full knowledge of the city's origins and its magical vulnerabilities. Their sole purpose is to clandestinely manage and maintain the Weave of Protection, the Resonance Sentinels, and the nurseries. They are the true guardians of the city's existence, operating in the shadows to prevent its magical foundation from crumbling.

The culture of the Circuit is a complex tapestry woven from a profound sense of duty, a rigid hierarchy, and a chilling belief in the necessity of control. It is a culture built around the absolute conviction that they, the Conduits, are the sole guardians of Haven, and their methods—however draconian—are always for the greater good.   At its core, the Circuit's culture is defined by the Pylon's Burden: the belief that their immense magical power is not a privilege, but a divine responsibility. This burden justifies their absolute authority and their paternalistic view of the populace. They see the Charges and Grounds not as citizens to be governed, but as vital components of the city’s magical system and their sacred trust. This belief is instilled from a young age at the Academy of Pylons, where every aspect of the curriculum and architecture is designed to forge a dominant personality and reinforce their sense of superiority.   The culture is steeped in hierarchy and status, where an individual's worth is inextricably linked to their magical power. The color of a Conduit's markings, their family's lineage, and their accomplishments in the Arena of Mastery all determine their standing within the Circuit. This is a formal culture of command and decorum, where the Regalia of Authority—from their architecture to their clothing—is used to project an image of unshakeable power and order.   Perhaps the most defining aspect of the Circuit's culture is its deep-seated secrecy and deception. They operate on the principle that the truth—about the city's origins, the sentient nature of the Void, and the true purpose of the Grounds—is a dangerous tool that would cause mass panic and undermine their authority. This secrecy is a source of immense power, and it gives rise to organizations like the Unseen Authority, a clandestine body whose very existence is a testament to the Circuit's belief that some truths are best kept hidden for the stability of all.