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Dating back to the beginning of the Third Age, Arcane spellcasters have given at least lip service to the idea that their actions were governed by “The Council of Wizards”. While the primary stated goal of this organization is to serve as a central clearinghouse for arcane research, its true nature is to censure (and sometimes corral) wayward wizards.

The council is the latest incarnation in a long line of similar organizations, dating back to the First Age's “Gularaî order” - whose most famous member was Nakam Alkat, now simply referred to as “The Dark Mage”.

The council met irregularly - only when one or more members requested a meeting and could get at least 3/4 of the members to agree on a location and time. Its “leader” holds the title of “Archmage” and under him or her were four “Mages”, each with a title of one of the four physical elements. (These titles were ceremonial only. The “Mage of Fire” had no link to the “Fire” element).

Below the mages were a variable number of “Wizards”. Unlike the first two titles, this title was often used by mainstream arcane spellcasters, so the few wizards that were members of the council were usually referred to as “Council Wizards”.

To become a member of the council, a spellcaster must be a member of the guild (see below), be nominated by an existing member, and demonstrate a unique spell to the council. Only after a 2/3 majority vote will a prospective member be granted the title of “Wizard”. The higher titles are conferred after public vote from among the council.

Outside of the council, there exists a loose guild called the “Guild of Arcane Lore” or often simply the “Wizards guild”. The guild prefers all arcane spellcasters to be members, however as there is no penalty for non-membership, the majority of spellcasters are not members. Guild fees, however, are modest, and the prestige and perks of membership encourage many spellcasters to join.

As of 1109 (the last time they convened), the council consisted of the Archmage, Maug Limletter, three Mages (the “Water” seat remaining vacant after the death of Welma Whitesmythe), and seven Wizards. Despite their differing titles, during discussions, these eleven members were considered equals. Numerous additional guild members were usually present - though they must have been invited by one of the council members and could only speak when a council member gives them permission.

The agenda and discussions of council meetings were considered secret and not recorded. At the end of a typical council meeting, one or more edicts would be issued - which would be written on special scrolls and sent to the guildhalls around the world.

The only real power the council held over its members was based on the threat of banishment. However, non-member spellcasters are considered fair targets of persecution and through the centuries, there have been many instances of powerful spellcasters being forced into membership by “draconian” edicts.

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