group of twelve. And given the vital role they play, the Councillors have each been assigned a goblin bodyguard for their protection. (Other security measures have been recently added and are kept highly classified.)
Each Councillor has the same level of authority—though they choose a “spokesperson” from among their ranks (always a Telepath who can mentally moderate their discussions before voicing the consensus) in order to ensure that the Council publicly presents a united front. And while many decisions require a unanimous vote, some only need a majority. In cases where dissent exists, the outvoted Councillors are expected to resist further argument or disruption (though Councillor Bronte notoriously struggles with that edict).
Elections are infrequent, only occurring when a Councillor either dies or chooses to resign—or in rare cases (like what happened with Fintan and the ban on pyrokinesis) when a Councillor finds themselves no longer qualified for the position. The most common reason for resignation is a desire for a family. Councillors aren’t allowed to marry or have children while serving (strong family connections could bias their decisions), and some eventually grow weary of the restriction. When a new Councillor is elected, the public first submits nominations from various members of the nobility who qualify for consideration. The remaining Councillors then vote among themselves to determine who will join their ranks, using a network of mirrors. When all the mirrors are aligned (and the vote is therefore unanimous), a beam of light refracts off their castles, bright enough to be seen anywhere in the Lost Cities.
The Councillors wear extravagant gowns and jerkins, highly embellished capes, and jewel-encrusted circlets decorated with their choice of gemstone. Their circlet jewel also adorns their throne in Tribunal Hall. At times, the Councillors need to appear more unified, and in those instances, they’ll wear silver cloaks and matching circlets, pull their hair back, and often keep their hoods raised, making it difficult to tell them apart. When they make their annual visit to the Point of Purity (to remind themselves where true power lies), they wear special cloak clasps shaped like glowing golden keys (which give them access to the Paragon—their transport for the journey—as well as prevent motion sickness and vertigo).
All current—and previous—Councillors also possess a small crystal gadget called a cache, which is designed to store Forgotten Secrets (information deemed too disturbing or dangerous for the Councillors to keep in their memories). Each cache contains a different number of secrets, and only the possessor of the cache is able to access theirs (using a process that’s kept highly classified).
Recent events involving the Neverseen have cast uncertainty on the strength of the Council’s power and their right to rule—as well as the appropriateness of certain past and present decisions. And while many—including certain Councillors—have come to agree that changes must be made, it’s vital for the safety and survival of the Lost Cities that the Council’s authority remain supreme. Therefore, every effort must be made to halt this rebellion before the world dissolves into war and chaos.
Currently Ruling Councillors
Despite numerous attempts, Councillor Alina has yet to approve an official portrait. According to her, “none have captured my beauty properly.”
Councillor Alina
ABILITY: Beguiler
JEWEL: Peridot
NOTE: Before being elected, Councillor Alina was the principal of Foxfire. She also dated Alden Vacker and rather notoriously tried to break up his wedding after their relationship ended.
STANCE: Despite seeming supportive when she was Sophie’s principal, Alina has openly sided against Sophie numerous times.
Councillor Bronte
ABILITY: Inflictor
JEWEL: Onyx
NOTE: As one of the only known Inflictors, Councillor Bronte additionally serves as a Mentor to Sophie Foster. He’s also the only Ancient member of the Council.
STANCE: Bronte used to be one of Sophie’s worst adversaries, but he’s slowly become one of her most committed supporters.
Councillor Clarette
ABILITIES: Polyglot, Flasher
JEWEL: Turquoise
NOTE: Councillor Clarette is the most powerful Polyglot in the Lost Cities and can even vaguely speak to animals—which often makes people forget that she (like most Polyglots) has a second special ability.
STANCE: Clarette has never voiced support for Sophie and tends to defer to whatever the majority of the Council decides.
Councillor Darek
ABILITY: Phaser
JEWEL: Ruby
NOTE: Councillor Darek was found to have the most powerful telekinesis out of everyone on the Council.
STANCE: Darek has never openly sided with Sophie and has likely voted against her.
Councillor Emery
ABILITY: Telepath
JEWEL: Sapphire
NOTE: Councillor Emery is the spokesperson for the Council.
STANCE: Emery vacillates between siding with Sophie and siding against her.
Councillor Liora
ABILITY: Conjurer
JEWEL: Pearl
NOTE: Councillor Liora is the second longest–serving Councillor—second only to Councillor Bronte (though she’s still several centuries away from becoming one