The Fairbanks Charter:

Declaration
We, the Awakened of the Fairbanks North Star Borough, do hereby form this charter and this Consilium to provide for the common defense, bring justice to the wronged, maintain the Veil that protects us all, and to protect the freedoms of our members. We have gathered to keep open the lines of communication so that a voice could not fall silent in the dark unnoticed.
In the name of the Five Watchtowers, under the auspices of the Oracles, we, the Awakened of the Five Orders of Fairbanks, do establish the Consilium of Fairbanks.

Signed,
William DeSolis, for The Broken Ones
Cray and Nepharim, for The Watchmen
Dante and Rami, for The Dark Crafters

Rights

Rules of Order:
Within this Consilium, the Rules of Order are recognized:
• If you give support, you shall get support.
• Favors are king, and should be repaid if possible. Binding contracts should always be honored once agreed to, whether they are given on paper or verbally. Witnesses should be present for all such contracts agreed upon. This Consilium will not adjudicate in these matters if they are not properly witnessed and recorded.
• Support those in need.
• Beware of Outsiders.

Responsibilities of the Consilium:
The Council is responsible for upholding the Lex Magicus, preserving the secrets of the Mysteries, protecting the Sleepers from the supernatural world, maintaining peace between the Awakened, ensuring vigilance against the enemies of us all, and wisely administering the mystical resources of the Consilium of Fairbanks.
Its officers have a responsibility to maintain contact with those Awakened beyond its borders.

Fostering:
A fosterling’s basic rights are his rights to protection, training in the basics of magic, and instruction in the laws of Awakened society. In this Consilium, a fosterling shall receive basic instruction from a member of each of the Five Orders.

If the fosterling decides to join an Order before completing his instruction and a representative of that Order is willing to see him through his Order’s initiation, it is recommended, but not required, that the fosterling complete his instruction under the rest of the Five Orders. The fosterling’s training and tutelage become the responsibility of his Order from this point until they release him to stand on his own.

Once the fosterling has completed his instruction by the Five Orders, he will be tested by the Speaker of the Guild. If the test is failed, the fosterling will be taken in by a cabal of the Consilium until such time as he is able to pass the testing. Successful passing of this testing allows the fosterling to enter the Awakened community of Fairbanks as an Initiate.

If a fosterling successfully joins an Order prior to completing his instruction by the Five Orders, it is the duty of the Order to see to his testing. Successful completion of the testing in their eyes is worthy of entry into the Awakened Community of Fairbanks as an Initiate.

Once he is an Initiate, he may join a cabal, or remain a Solitaire of the city until such time as he finds new mages to form a cabal with.

The Duel Arcane:
We recognize the Dual Arcane as one avenue to conflict resolution, given the agreement of both participants. As is the historic precedent, the challenged may deny the Duel if he is incapable of creating the circle and there is no neutral party present to do so.

While the Duel Arcane is a traditional method for handling disputes over territory, or the possession of Hallows and Artifacts, within this Consilium, the following restrictions and clarifications apply:
• A mage always has the right to bring a dispute over territory, the possession of hallows, or the possession of artifacts to the Council for adjudication.
• Duels to the death are strictly forbidden. In this case, an opponent that pushes beyond their force of will to continue the Duel shall be considered to have lost.
• If one mage or cabal has claimed a territory and managed it well for three consecutive months without others also claiming said territory, it is not in dispute.
• A hallow is considered in a mage’s possession when he has incorporated it into a sanctum he helps maintain and registers it with the Consilium.
• Artifacts found by a mage are the property of that mage and not in dispute with the following stipulations:
1. No other mage aided in the finding.
2. The artifact is used responsibly.
3. As a member of the Consilium, they stand ready to use it as needed in the Consilium’s times of need.

Duels have also been a traditional means of settling disagreements over points of honor. In this Consilium, they remain such with the following restraints and conditions:
• Prior to reaching a Duel Arcane, the disagreement shall be aired to the potential arbiter of the Duel. The traditions of the Duel Arcane shall be followed if the arbiter feels there is no other way to settle the matter peaceably.
• Duels to the death are strictly forbidden. In this case, an opponent that pushes beyond their force of will to continue the Duel shall be considered to have lost.

Taking advantage of either party following a Duel Arcane is considered an extreme infraction under the Consilium’s Lex Magicus.

Back to Top

Lex Magicus

This Consilium recognizes that, as we live amongst humanity, we follow mortal laws. We will abide by all mortal laws, and the punishments levied for them. Theft, murder, torture, rape and other so called "mortal" crimes are crimes in our eyes also.

This Consilium expects that Cabals will police their own members. We will only intercede where requested or where the crime is of extreme severity. In the second case, a clear majority of the Council must agree this is the case.

Definition of Punishments:
Punishment will follow the precedents of the luminaries and past verdicts as listed in the Lex. The Council reserves the Right to pass judgment on all matters of violation of the Precepts within its jurisdiction. The Council shall serve as Jury, the Hierarch as Judge. If the Hierarch should be in violation, the highest mastery Consilium member not involved in the situation will serve as judge. If a Councilor should be in violation, he shall not sit in jury with his fellow Councilors.

Past cases tried before the Council and the Hierarch may be added to the list of precedents by the Hierarch and a simple majority of the Councilors, or by two-thirds of the Council.

The scope of punishment for violations is the Tetragrammaton. The following are the restrictions placed on the punishment of Servitude. If an offender is sentenced to the punishment of Servitude to another, the following limitations apply:
• An Offender is not required to submit to any spell placed upon him by anyone other than a member of the Council specifically for the purpose of his sentencing.
• An Offender is not required to relinquish any personal property to the one whom he serves.
• An Offender is not required to perform any action or inaction which could be considered a crime against the Lex Magicus.
• An Offender is not required to sacrifice any portion of his essence into the crafting of a permanent weaving of any sort, on behalf of the one whom he serves.
• An Offender must cast magic as directed by the one whom he serves, unless doing so would harm himself or another.

Precept Interpretations:
The following represent a guideline for some common violations, and their punishment prior to mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

Within the Precept of Secrecy, we follow the Illumination of Simon Magnus, Silver Ladder Mastigos and Dawn-Striking Light, Mysterium Thyrsus:
“Vulgar acts of magic are [often] their own punishment. A reckless mage invariably deviates from the world around him, becoming more prone to paradoxes and suffering wrought from his own spells. The very world around us has forces that balance the scales of reality, originating from the most fearful places in the cosmos. A consilium would be wise to announce when a mage has performed an impossible act in the presence of the innocent, but simply recording the transgression should be sufficient. Let karma and the cosmos correct the mistakes of the wayward.”

“Knowledge is our greatest treasure, and our greatest weapon. Our very survival depends on the preservation of our secret orders, and speaking of our deepest secrets to the uninitiated vitiates that strength. Within our city, the Silver Ladder would hand the very flame of Prometheus to the masses, but it is inevitable that they will burn themselves, destroying all around us in the conflagration. Furthermore, the shadows around us hide monsters, and any who speak to us kindly this year may become our enemies the next. We dare not risk cooperation with others on Arcane matters, so betraying our secrets to them is the greatest possible act of betrayal. If traitors among us forsake our secrecy, we must forsake them. Let us revile them. If that is insufficient, let us banish them.”

The following are guidelines for violations and punishment:
• Casting vulgar magic before Sleeper witnesses = Major Reprimand
• Casting vulgar magic before witnesses = Minor Penance
• Casting vulgar magic before witnesses who tell others = Major Penance
• Speaking of the Mysteries before Sleepers = Incarceration
• Betraying Arcane knowledge to other supernatural societies = Banishment

Within the Precept of Recognition, we follow the Illumination of Dawn-Striking Light, Mysterium Thyrsus:
“When a mage arrives within our city, we must not only formally introduce him to our Consilium, but to the spirits as well. When we invoke the Lex, we summon spirits of wisdom and knowledge to bear witness to our proceedings. Thus when an initiate asks to be placed under the auspices of our Consilium, we perform the same ritual we would use for invoking the Lex, asking for a simple declaration of his shadow name, the Path he has walked, a brief description of his journey, the name of his Mentor and the name of his order. When I was initiated, it was also tradition for each Councilor to ask one question of the initiate. So it was when my master taught me, so it must be with this Consilium.”

Within the Precept of Protectorate, we follow the Illumination of Simon Magnus, Silver Ladder Mastigos:
“Civility is the hallmark of our society. One should not expect a petitioner to approach the Consilium for redress every time a trespasser from another magical order walked through his neighborhood. Nor should a mage take offense every time a mage approaches his door and merely knocks without sending a proper introduction. Yet the most grievous violations of this precept absolutely must be brought before the Consilium. We should call initiates to task for approaching the sanctums of their elders without good reason or proper decorum. Such insolence begins by appearing unannounced. It inevitably proceeds to acts of surveillance and intrusion, which must be harshly punished.”

Back to Top

We expect all members of this Consilium to treat the person and property of others with respect. This is especially evident during formal gatherings, where all guests will be considered to be protected under this clause. Trespass, willful damage and bodily assault during our gatherings will not be tolerated. Any such violations will always be dealt with directly by the Consilium.

The following are guidelines for violations and punishment:
• Approaching another mage’s sanctum unannounced = Minor reprimand
• Testing the limits of another mage’s sanctum = Minor Penance
• Entering the sanctum of another mage without permission = Incarceration

Within the Precept of Hubris, we follow the Illumination of Simon Magnus, Silver Ladder Mastigos: “Let the battlefield decide right and wrong. When one mage attacks another, turning to the Consilium for arbitration is obviously a cowardly act of revenge. Paradoxes plague failures, and the weak must learn to bow before the strong. Curses, forced transformations and even channeling spirits are all tests of magical might, and prowess must be respected – we must acknowledge and recognize when they happen, but punishment would only be further violence. Unless death is the inevitable result, we must let events take their course. Taking such actions against the Sleepers, on the other hand, is contemptible. By this, I do not mean merely clouding judgment or playing with illusion, but actually causing physical harm. Such actions threaten the Precept of Secrecy, and they should be swiftly stopped. The wounds and scars that result often act as evidence that blatant sorcery is quite real, a force to be feared.”

The following are guidelines for violations and punishment:

Against another mage:
• Casting a curse, forcing an unwilling transformation, magical attacks on others, or aiding spiritual possession = Minor Reprimand
• Binding another’s spirit = Major Penance

Against a Sleeper:
• Casting a curse, forcing an unwilling transformation, magical attacks on others, or aiding spiritual possession = Major Penance
• Binding another’s spirit = Banishment

Cabals:
To be considered a cabal within this Consilium, groups must swear oath to follow at least one of the Five Great Rights. The Consilium recognizes that not all cabals practice all of the Five Rights. The Consilium will not support those who attempt to force one of the Five Rights on a cabal that does not practice that particular Right.

When or if a Cabal decides to change the Rights they practice, they are required to inform the Council, be it an individual Councilor or the whole body. If a cabal wishes a sanctum to fall under the auspices of the Precept of Protectorate, that cabal must register that sanctum with the Consilium.

Responsibilities of the Orders within the Consilium:
Within the Consilium the heads of the various orders carry certain responsibilities within the Consilium. They are expected to marshal their orders to meet certain threats against the Consilium as needed.

Adamantine Arrow:
The Adamantine Arrow shall bear responsibility for overseeing activities that aid in the common defense against other supernaturals. The Adamantine Arrow who leads such efforts shall be known as the Consilium’s Arms master.

If there is a Adamantine Arrow Councilor, he shall bear primary responsibility for these duties. He shall designate one other Adamantine Arrow as his successor in case of the worst. If there are two Adamantine Arrow Councilors, one shall be first and bear primary responsibility. His designate shall be the other Adamantine Arrow Councilor in case of the worst. If there is no Adamantine Arrow Councilor, the Consilium Council shall approach a Adamantine Arrow member of the Guild of Masters to be the Consilium’s Arms master. Acceptance carries with it no publicly acknowledged increase in status and respect. Access to the members of the Council is that accorded a Provost however, and this member shall have a voice in open and closed sessions of the Council as needed to fulfill his duties.

In all cases, be it a Councilor or a member of the Guild of Masters, the Consilium’s Arms master must obtain permission from no less than two other Councilors to initiate direct action. He does not, however, need a quorum to meet to obtain their acceptance. For indirect actions, at least one other Councilor must know, but does not need to approve of the action. This gives the Council a lead if the Consilium’s Arms master should die suddenly.

In all cases, the Consilium’s Arms master should keep at least one other Councilor apprised of ongoing cases, whom to contact in the Adamantine Arrow in case of problems, and his personal choice for his successor in case of the worst.

[What is unsaid but understood: The Adamantine Arrow is expected to maintain a watch for threats to the Consilium that arise among other supernaturals, specifically spirits, werewolves, and vampires.]

Free Council:
The Free Council shall bear responsibility for maintaining a monitor on the tenor of the Consilium’s members and bringing forth the peoples’ concerns to the Council. The Free Council who leads such efforts shall be known as the Consilium’s Representative.

If there is a Free Council Councilor, he shall bear primary responsibility for these duties. He shall designate one other Free Council as his successor in case of the worst. If there are two Free Council Councilors, one shall be first and bear primary responsibility. His designate shall be the other Free Council Councilor in case of the worst. If there is no Free Council Councilor, the Consilium Council shall approach a Free Council member of the Guild of Masters to be the Consilium’s Representative. Acceptance carries with it no publicly acknowledged increase in status and respect. Access to the members of the Council is that accorded a Provost however, and this member shall have a voice in open and closed sessions of the Council as needed to fulfill his duties.

In all cases, be it a Councilor or a member of the Guild of Masters, the Consilium’s Representative must obtain permission from no less than two other Councilors to initiate direct action. He does not, however, need a quorum to meet to obtain their acceptance. For indirect actions, at least one other Councilor must know, but does not need to approve of the action. This gives the Council a lead if the Consilium’s Representative should die suddenly.

In all cases, the Consilium’s Representative should keep at least one other Councilor apprised of ongoing cases, whom to contact in the Free Council in case of problems, and his personal choice for his successor in case of the worst.

[What is unsaid but understood: The Free Council is expected to keep a watch out for subversive activity in the general membership of the Consilium, and to bring to the Council legitimate grievances that appear to have fallen through the cracks.]

Back to Top

Guardians of the Veil:
The Guardians of the Veil shall bear responsibility for overseeing activities that bring justice to the wronged, protect the freedoms of the Consilium’s members, and above all maintain the Veil. The Guardian of the Veil who leads such efforts shall be known as the Consilium’s Eye.

If there is a Guardian of the Veil Councilor, he shall bear primary responsibility for these duties. He shall designate one other Guardian of the Veil as his successor in case of the worst. If there are two Guardians of the Veil Councilors, one shall be first and bear primary responsibility. His designate shall be the other Guardian of the Veil Councilor in case of the worst. If there is no Guardian of the Veil Councilor, the Consilium Council shall approach a Guardian of the Veil member of the Guild of Masters to be the Consilium’s Eye. Acceptance carries with it no publicly acknowledged increase in status and respect. Access to the members of the Council is that accorded a Provost however, and this member shall have a voice in open and closed sessions of the Council as needed to fulfill his duties.

In all cases, be it a Councilor or a member of the Guild of Masters, the Consilium’s Eye must obtain permission from no less than two other Councilors to initiate direct action. He does not, however, need a quorum to meet to obtain their acceptance. For indirect actions, at least one other Councilor must know, but does not need to approve of the action. This gives the Council a lead if the Consilium’s Eye should die suddenly.

In all cases, the Consilium’s Eye should keep at least one other Councilor apprised of ongoing cases, whom to contact in the Guardians of the Veil in case of problems, and his personal choice for his successor in case of the worst.

[What is unsaid but understood: The Guardians of the Veil are expected to maintain a watch for violations of the precepts, as is one of the functions of their Order, abuses of power, and threats to the Veil.]

Mysterium:
The Mysterium shall bear responsibility for maintaining a monitor on the dissemination of lore. The Mysterium who leads such efforts shall be known as the Consilium’s Lorekeeper.

If there is a Mysterium Councilor, he shall bear primary responsibility for these duties. He shall designate one other Mysterium as his successor in case of the worst. If there are two Mysterium Councilors, one shall be first and bear primary responsibility. His designate shall be the other Mysterium Councilor in case of the worst. If there is no Mysterium Councilor, the Consilium Council shall approach a Mysterium member of the Guild of Masters to be the Consilium’s Lorekeeper. Acceptance carries with it no publicly acknowledged increase in status and respect. Access to the members of the Council is that accorded a Provost however, and this member shall have a voice in open and closed sessions of the Council as needed to fulfill his duties.

In all cases, be it a Councilor or a member of the Guild of Masters, the Consilium’s Lorekeeper. must obtain permission from no less than two other Councilors to initiate direct action. He does not, however, need a quorum to meet to obtain their acceptance. For indirect actions, at least one other Councilor must know, but does not need to approve of the action. This gives the Council a lead if the Consilium’s Lorekeeper should die suddenly.

In all cases, the Consilium’s Lorekeeper should keep at least one other Councilor apprised of ongoing cases, whom to contact in the Mysterium in case of problems, and his personal choice for his successor in case of the worst.

[What is unsaid but understood: The Mysterium is expected to keep a watch out for evidence of the dissemination of the Mysteries outside the Awakened while they conduct their own searchs for lost lore and knowledge.]

Silver Ladder:
The Silver Ladder shall bear responsibility for maintaining and overseeing a protective watch over the Sleeper resources of the Consilium’s members. The Silver Ladder who leads such effort shall be known as the Consilium’s Watch.

If there is a Silver Ladder Councilor, he shall bear primary responsibility for these duties. He shall designate one other Silver Ladder as his successor in case of the worst. If there are two Silver Ladder Councilors, one shall be first and bear primary responsibility. His designate shall be the other Silver Ladder Councilor in case of the worst. If there is no Silver Ladder Councilor, the Consilium Council shall approach a Silver Ladder member of the Guild of Masters to be the Consilium’s Watch. Acceptance carries with it no publicly acknowledged increase in status and respect. Access to the members of the Council is that accorded a Provost however, and this member shall have a voice in open and closed sessions of the Council as needed to fulfill his duties.

In all cases, be it a Councilor or a member of the Guild of Masters, the Consilium’s Watch must obtain permission from no less than two other Councilors to initiate direct action. He does not, however, need a quorum to meet to obtain their acceptance. For indirect actions, at least one other Councilor must know, but does not need to approve of the action. This gives the Council a lead if the Consilium’s Watch should die suddenly.

In all cases, the Consilium’s Watch should keep at least one other Councilor apprised of ongoing cases, whom to contact in the Silver Ladder in case of problems, and his personal choice for his successor in case of the worst.

[What is unsaid but understood: The Silver Ladder are expected to maintain a watch for incursions by the Seers, influence by the Spirit-Ridden, or threats to the Consilium that start among the Sleepers.]

Back to Top

Positions and Titles

Rights and Duties of Members of the Consilium:
All members of the Consilium are expected to comport themselves in a respectful and honorable manner, using their magic in a manner both secret and wise. All members of the Consilium have the right to practice magic in accordance with the Rules of Order and the Lex Magicus, and conduct business without undue interference from the Council.

If a Mage should, by his own fault, cause the magical world to be witnessed by Sleepers, it is his own responsibility to prevent further damage, and failure to do so is a crime against the Lex Magicus. All members of the Consilium have the right to attempt to correct their own mistakes before the Council becomes involved, and the right to request aid in the event that they are unable to do so.

All members of the Consilium have the right to vote in a popular vote.

Powers and Duties of a Sentinel:
Any member of the Consilium not already serving as a Herald, Provost, Councilor or Hierarch may be chosen as a Sentinel.

All Sentinels are expected to comport themselves in an honest and respectful manner as befits their station, and are to represent themselves as virtuous representatives of the responsible usage of magic.

It is a Sentinel's duty to bring to justice anyone who is suspected to have transgressed against the Lex Magicus and is using force to resist trial. A Sentinel may act as Observer upon any Investigation ordered by the Council, provided that his presence will not prove a hindrance to such an investigation.

A Sentinel may request, at no cost to himself, specific magical protections from the Court for the purposes of fulfilling his duties. The Council may also authorize a Sentinel to wield specific talismans or mystical weapons as part of his duties. If such talismans are the property of the city, they must be returned at the request of the Council, or when a Sentinel's position ends.

Powers and Duties of a Herald:
Heralds act as the voices of the Council. Their duties include acting as messengers of the Council and ensuring all members of the community are aware of the Council's Edicts.

All Heralds are expected to comport themselves in an honest and respectful manner as befits their station, and are to represent themselves as virtuous representatives of the responsible usage of magic.

The Heralds are expected to act as the defenders of the rights of the Awakened Community and the protectors of the accused. A Herald may act as legal defense on behalf of any member of the Consilium accused of a crime against the Lex Magicus. In such an instance, the Herald may ask the Council for a reasonable period of time in which to gather evidence or compose a case to defend his charge.

A Herald may request from the Council, at no cost to himself, magical protections to ensure his safety.

Powers and Duties of a Provost:
A Provost acts as Aide to his Councilor. A Provost is responsible for ensuring that the voices of all members of his Path are heard by his Councilor, and his by all of them. Any duty which a Councilor may perform, may be assigned to a Provost by a Councilor.

All Provosts are expected to comport themselves in an honest and respectful manner as befits their station, and are to represent themselves as virtuous representatives of the responsible usage of magic.

In the event of a Councilor’s absence, a Provost may sit upon the Council as an observer on the Councilor’s behalf, and a voice for his Path. A Provost may even vote on the Council, provided that he has been directed to by the Councilor.

In the event of a prolonged absence, death, or other mischance which prevents a Councilor from fulfilling his duties, the Provost temporarily acts as his Path's representative to the Council while the selection process moves forward. He is still eligible for Consideration of Candidacy.

Powers and Duties of a Councilor:
The Councilors act as judges and governing body for the City as a whole. Their duties and powers are as follows: Any Councilor may call for a Council vote to render judgment in a matter of:
• Disputes between mages
• Breaches of the Lex Magicus
• Revisions to the Consilium Charter
• Other decisions of importance to the entire Community.

A Councilor may, with the leave of the rest of the Council, assume responsibility for any particular aspect of Consilium affairs which requires direct, responsible, or subtle supervision, or the formal investigation of the Council.

Each Councilor acts as representative of his Path, and their interests, and may speak with authority on matters of their specialty Magics, but may defer his judgment to a more learned Master of the Art in question.

Any Councilor may serve as judge in a Duel Arcane, provided both combatants agree with the Councilor chosen.

All Councilors are expected to comport themselves in an honest and respectful manner as befits their station, and are to represent themselves as virtuous representatives of the responsible usage of magic.

Back to Top

Candidacy for Councillorship:
A candidate is required to hold membership in the Guild of Masters and be of the appropriate path. A new Councilor is chosen from the pool of candidates by one of the two following methods:
• The Hierarch and a simple majority of the remaining Councilors vote in agreement with him for one candidate.
• Two-thirds of the Councilors vote for one candidate.

The position of Councilor in this Consilium may not be gained through the Duel Arcane. To be a Councilor, you must be a member of the Guild of Masters, and maintain a high spiritual awareness [Wisdom higher than 4]. No more than two Councilors may share an Order with a Hierarch. Further, no more than three Councilors may share an Order.

Duties of the Councilors by Path:
• Acanthus: It is the duty of the Acanthus Councilor to maintain and oversee resources to protect the ties of fate of this Consilium. The Councilor should keep abreast of the skills of the Consilium’s members and, if called for, be able to arrange a watch over potential areas at risk.
• Mastigos: It is the duty of the Mastigos Councilor to maintain and oversee resources for disturbances or threats which may arise from the Sleepers and Sleepwalkers. The Councilor should keep abreast of the skills of the Consilium’s members and, if called for, be able to set a watch over the Sleeper or incarcerate the Sleepwalker for judgment.
• Moros: It is the duty of the Moros Councilor to maintain and oversee resources for disturbances or threats which may arise from the Twilight Realm. The Councilor should keep abreast of the skills of the Consilium’s members and, if called for, be able to set a watch over relevant areas of the Twilight Realm.
• Obrimos: It is the duty of the Obrimos Councilor to maintain and oversee resources for the mapping and usage tracking of unregistered hallows, verges, and ley lines in the Fallen World. The Councilor should keep abreast of the skills of the Consilium’s members and, if called for, be able to set a watch over relevant areas of the Fallen World.
• Thyrsus: It is the duty of the Thyrsus Councilor to maintain and oversee resources for disturbances or threats which may arise from the Shadow Realm. The Councilor should keep abreast of the skills of the Consilium’s members and, if called for, be able to set a watch over relevant areas of the Shadow Realm.

Limitations on the Powers of the Council:
The Council does not have the authority to ban outright the use of a particular type of magic or rote by all members of the Consilium. It does however have the authority to ban a specific Mage from performing a specific spell and to level judgment on a specific Mage's performance of a specific spell or spells.

The Council does not have the authority to demand the casting of a particular spell by any Mage.

The Council does not have the authority to compel an Awakened member of the Consilium to hand over a Soulstone or Demense, either to the Council or to any other. Neither is the Council required to intervene in matters where one member of the Awakened community has become Enthralled to another via the possession of a Soulstone, unless the Possessor continues to hold the Thrall’s Soulstone beyond the traditional three tasks performed or has obtained the Soulstone illegally. At this point, the Thrall may petition a Councilor for redress under the Lex Magicus.

Quorum Requirements for the Council:
A full Council of the Consilium shall consist of 5 members, one of each Path. A quorum shall be as follows: If there are 5 Councilors, a quorum is 4, with the Hierarch breaking ties. On matters requiring a simple majority to support the Hierarch, this is 3 for a full Council and 2 for a quorum. On matters requiring two-thirds of the Councilors, this is 4 for the full Council and 3 for a quorum. On matters requiring a simple majority of the Councilors, this is 3 for a full Council and 3 for a quorum.

If there are 4 Councilors, a quorum is 3, with the Hierarch breaking ties. On matters requiring a simple majority to support the Hierarch, this is 2 for a full Council and 2 for a quorum. On matters requiring two-thirds of the Councilors, this is 3 for the full Council and 2 for a quorum. On matters requiring a simple majority of the Councilors, this is 3 for a full Council and 2 for a quorum.

If there are 3 Councilors, a quorum is 2, with the Hierarch breaking ties. On matters requiring a simple majority to support the Hierarch, this is 2 for a full Council and 1 for a quorum. On matters requiring two-thirds of the Councilors, this is 2 for the full Council and 2 for a quorum. On matters requiring a simple majority of the Councilors, this is 2 for a full Council and 2 for a quorum.

Sudden Losses among the Councilors:
We recognize that at some future date situations may arise that decimate the number of Councilors. Towards that end we shall use the following method to replenish our numbers.

If there are 2 or fewer Councilors, representatives shall be chosen from the mages of the appropriate remaining paths before any further decisions of the Consilium. The Consilium’s membership within the appropriate paths shall choose their representative by whatever means they feel appropriate that does not involve murder. The remaining Councilors and these representatives shall select new Councilors of the appropriate paths. For this matter, and this matter only, these representatives are considered to be acting as Councilors. The representatives may not be chosen as the Councilors for their paths in this process.

When each path is represented with a Councilor, the Council’s first vote shall be to ratify and uphold the existing charter, or call for its revision. After this point, only the Hierarch shall have the option of calling for the rewriting of a charter.

Back to Top

Powers and Duties of the Hierarch:
The Hierarch’s duty is to be the spiritual leader of the city, and an example to the Awakened of the city. His duties and powers are as follows:

Duties of the Hierarch:
When a Council has decided that a member of the Consilium is guilty of a crime under the Lex Magicus, it is the Hierarch, advised by the Councilors, who is responsible for meting out punishments in accordance with the verdicts of the Councilors and the precedents of the Lex. Once the Hierarch has made his final pronouncement upon the matter, the decision is final. Only a unanimous decision by the full Council may overturn a sentence.

The Hierarch may cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie during a vote of the Council quorum. The Hierarch has a voice during Council sessions, both open and closed.

In the event that two combatants cannot agree on any of the Councilors to serve as a judge in a Duel Arcane, it falls to the Hierarch to serve in that capacity.

Threats and Crises:
In response to a threat to the Consilium, the Hierarch may call for a Vote of Action. A Vote of Action, if passed, would mean a full response from each Councilor and the Hierarch to the threat. No Councilor would be exempt. It could only be passed by a full council.

In times of crisis, the Hierarch may designate one person, not himself, Strategos. The Strategos is considered equivalent to the Councilors and Hierarch in status for the duration of the crisis. He may only be over-ruled by a two-thirds majority of Councilors. He has jurisdiction over all Consilium resources for the duration of the crisis. A Strategos must be re-affirmed every 60 days by two-thirds on the council.

Candidacy for Hierarch:
The position of Hierarch shall be offered to members of the Consilium along lines of decreasing mastery of the Arcana. The two highest ranking members of the Consilium, that accept nomination, are put to the Consilium’s membership to vote on. The member who earns the simple majority of the membership’s vote is Hierarch. To be considered for Hierarch, you must be a member of the Guild of Masters, and maintain a high spiritual awareness [Wisdom higher than 4].

Powers and Duties of the Guild of Masters:
The Consilium recognizes the Guild of Masters as an advisory body with a voice in the Consilium’s open and closed sessions, but not a vote.

Ranking: Within the Guild of Masters, all members are considered equal, with and equal voice and vote. When addressing the Council or the Consilium, one member of the Guild is elected Speaker for the Guild by a simple majority of voting members.

Speaker for the Guild: The Speaker for the Guilds term is six months. He may be re-elected. He is the voice of the Guild in the closed meetings of the Consilium Council.

Membership: A mage must have reached the spiritual potential [Gnosis] necessary to attain Mastery of a single Arcanum to be considered for candidacy. A mage must be a member of the Consilium in good standing. Candidacy for membership in the Guild of Masters also requires one of three things: 1) Mastery of one Arcanum with Initiate status in at least two more. 2) Adept status in two Arcana with Initiate status in at least one more. 3) Disciple status in four Arcana.

Candidates for membership must receive sponsorship by a member of the Guild with the relevant mastery, or the Speaker if none such already are a member. Sponsors require a candidate to perform three tasks for the Guild as their initiation. Successful completion of the tasks leads to membership in the Guild of Masters.

Membership in the Guild of Masters carries with it status and respect equivalent to a Herald of this Consilium. The Speaker for the Guild is accorded status and respect equivalent to a Provost of this Consilium for the duration of his term. Members of the Guild of Masters may be called upon to perform the duties of a Sentinel or Herald in times of need.

Powers and Duties of the Society of Mentors:
The Consilium recognizes the Society of Mentors as an advisory body. A member of the Society of Mentors may speak in the Consilium’s open and closed sessions.

Membership: To be considered for Candidacy in the Society of Mentors, a person must have at minimum past service as a Councilor or Hierarch for not less than one calendar year and be a member of the Guild of Masters. Members of the Society of Mentors relinquish active membership in the Guild of Masters on acceptance into the Society. Membership in the Society of Mentors is a matter for the Society alone, as are any further requirements for candidacy. This Consilium respects their wishes.

Membership in the Society of Mentors carries with it status and respect equivalent to a Provost of this Consilium.

The Creation of New Offices:
The Council has the authority to create new Positions and Titles as deemed necessary. Any Councilor may present the Council with a proposal as to the title, formal powers, and duties of the new position. After formal review of the position, the proposal must be presented to the Hierarch to verify the legality of the position once all Councilors are satisfied with the wording of the new position. If the Hierarch has no objection, a Vote to Ammend the Charter may be held to make the new position an official one, at which time the Powers and Duties of that Office must be added to this document and an Officer chosen.

Status within the Consilium:
Status within the Consilium shall be recognized as follows [OOC mechanics in brackets. Where possible, these are in keeping with the mechanics in the core book (p. 88).]:

Initiate [Status 0]:
• Members of cabals or Solitaires recognized by the Consilium, but not yet proven in the eyes of the Council.
• Members of the Consilium that have been members in good standing for less than 6 months

Disciples [Status 1: Leigemen]:
• Members of the Consilium that have proven themselves in the eyes of the Council
• Members of the Consilium that have been members in good standing for more than six months but less than one year

Adepts [Status 2: Sentinels]:
• Members of the Consilium titled Sentinels by the Hierarch supported by a simple majority of Councilors
• Members of the Consilium titled Sentinels by a two-thirds vote of the Consilium
• Members of the Consilium that have been members in good standing for more than one year

Masters [Status 3: Heralds]:
• Members of the Consilium titled Heralds by the Hierarch supported by a simple majority of Councilors
• Members of the Consilium titled Heralds by a two-thirds vote of the Consilium
• Members of the Consilium granted membership in the Guild of Masters

Officers [Status 4: Provosts]:
• Members of the Consilium titled Provost by the Hierarch or a Councilor
• The Speaker of the Guild
• Members of the Consilium granted membership in the Society of Mentors

Hierarch and Councilors [Status 5: Hierarch and Councilors]:
• Members of the Consilium titled Hierarch
• Members of the Consilium titled Councilor.

Rewriting the Charter

Only two mechanisms for rewriting this charter exist within this Consilium:
• When three or more Councilors must be chosen at once, the new Council may vote for a change.
• The Hierarch calls for a rewrite of the Charter and a simple majority of the Councilors support him.

Amendments and Clarifications:
Amendments and clarifications may be added to the existing charter. For this, the Hierarch is considered a voting member of the Council. If four of the six vote in favor of the amendment or clarification, it is put into effect.

Back to Top