The Council of Wizards of Winetha

The largest group (60+) of independent Aerdy mages outside of the great cities of Rel
Deven and Rel Astra. While generally considered to be a modestly prolific, though highly
inventive lot, the Council are known to number many great enchanters and artificers (i.e. they
excel most greatly in the craft of magic, rather than its practice) and are credited with the
creation of many common magical implements, such as potions, wands, and a plethora of
sorcerous armaments.
By their own official charter (which was sanctioned by the Overking Manshen in the
Common Year 102), the group is strictly democratic and all major decisions involving this
self-styled "guild" must be put to the Council. While dissent is common, it has not been allowed
to interfere with the daily business of the city of Winetha or its collective interests. It is this kind
of codified collegiality and collective strength which has kept the Council of Wizards together
before, during, and even after the recent Great War. The Overking has long lost the ability to
compel them into direct service, nonetheless, they continue to perform some of the duties once
required of them by the Malachite Throne (usually limited to minor magical resupply and advice
on matters arcane.)
Why this is so remains unknown. The nominal head of the Council of Wizards is Prince
Lakaster, skilled archmage (probably the most powerful mage in the region), and the lord and
suzerain of the city-state of Winetha. In political matters involving the other lords of the realm or
the Crown, the Council of Wizards defer to the Prince without question, but in day-to-day affairs,
the collective group of sorcerers are otherwise the undisputed stewards of this Aerdian port city,
seeing to all of its needs and defenses. Due to their own self-interests (and somewhat suspicious
natures), outside mages are rarely allowed to join the Council, but visitors are tolerated, even
welcomed should they bear some magic or artifact of interest to the guild, or even news of the
outside world so long as it does not threaten Lakaster or his interests. In that respect, he is most
probably the greatest threat to the guild's continued existence, for it is well known that the mage
harbors ambitions that far exceed those of his brethren, although the fruition of these ambitions
remains to be seen.