Council of Pillars
The Council of Pillars is the primary governing body of Haven, serving as the legislative and judicial heart of the Circuit. Composed of all Conduits with red markings and the heads of the most powerful and influential Conduit families, this council holds absolute authority over the city's laws, military, and major political decisions. Each member, a "Pillar" of society, is seen as a living testament to the power and wisdom of the Conduit caste, and they are responsible for upholding the Pylon's Burden and ensuring the stability of Haven.
Structure
The Council is divided into several influential positions, with each Pillar overseeing a key aspect of the city's function. These roles are typically held by the heads of the most dominant Conduit families, who often have generational expertise in their assigned domain.
The Pillar of Defense: This Pillar commands the Wardens of the Veil and holds the ultimate authority over Haven's security. They are responsible for the integrity of the Great Wall, the maintenance of the Resonance Sentinels, and the protection of the populace from internal and external threats.
The Pillar of Production: This Pillar oversees the Verdant Expanse and the city's entire economic output. They manage the flow of resources, from the magical components harvested from the land to the precious materials crafted in the Artisan's Quarter.
The Pillar of Knowledge: This Pillar is responsible for the Academy of Pylons and the preservation of magical knowledge. They dictate the curriculum, oversee the education and testing of young Conduits, and control access to the Labyrinth of Whispers.
The Pillar of Law, the ultimate authority on all matters of justice within Haven.
The Pillar of the Concordat, who oversees the political and social dealings of the Circuit and maintains the public image of the Circuit high.
The Pillar of the Keep, who manages the city's infrastructure and resources.
Culture
The culture of the Council of Pillars is a refined and intensified version of the Circuit's own, defined by its extreme exclusivity, an overwhelming sense of burden, and a deep-seated foundation of secrecy.
At its core, the culture is one of profound paternalism and arrogance. The Pillars view themselves not just as leaders, but as the true, and only, guardians of the city's flame. They see the rest of Haven—even lower-ranking Conduits—as children who are incapable of comprehending the terrifying truth of the Void and the precariousness of their existence. This belief fosters a culture of quiet condescension, where their decisions are never debated but simply declared as necessary for the "greater good."
Their culture is built on a shared secret. The members of the Council are the only ones who truly understand the city's origins and the full extent of its magical vulnerabilities. This truth binds them together in a solemn pact, creating a culture of unshakeable solidarity and profound isolation. They trust no one outside of their small, powerful circle, and their interactions are governed by a strict, almost ritualistic, code of conduct where every word and gesture carries political weight.
Finally, the Council's culture is one of perpetual burden. They live every day under the immense pressure of knowing that a single misstep, a failed ritual, or a lapse in judgment could lead to the catastrophic collapse of their entire world. This constant state of vigilance fuels a culture of relentless self-importance and a belief that their power and authority are not a luxury, but a terrible, necessary consequence of their unique position as Haven's true protectors.
The Circuit holds, and the world endures.
Founding Date
50
Alternative Names
The Council, false spires
Demonym
Pillars, Pillarites, Circuitans
Comments