Council of Seven

The Council of Seven (also referred to as The Seven, Gang of Seven and Super Seven) is the high council of Grevalon's main governing body in the Aeon of the Champion story series. The council is the highest authority in the land, superior even to the Monarch (who merely rules as Head of State) and the Council of Commons.

Like its name implies, it is made up of seven councillors - all prominent, established magi - who lead both the city-state and all territories under Grevalon's direct influence. Seniority is valued, but not a major criterion, as magic aptitude is the most weighted consideration taken when electing members to the Council.

Each member of the Seven is given an honorific title - Archmagus for males, Archmaga for females. The gender-neutral term is Archmage, and the plural is Archmagi.

Origins and history
The Council was set up in December -1,347, 2 years after the city-state broke away from Anthromor. Magi who travelled from the empire's heartland founded Grevalon and along with it, its ruling council of magocrats - the most talented, inquisitive and forward-thinking spellcasters in the realm. As such, all magi were expected to be beyond competent in their practices, capable of using various forms of magical energy, before even ascending to the lower councils - let alone the Seven.

The Seven lead the process of administration in the small principality, and usually meet (called a 'convention') to discuss important issues and vote on matters of state. There are two major types of meeting: planned and impromptu. Planned meeting are scheduled in advance, while impromptu meetings are called in response to emergencies. While only the High Councillor - a Grand Archmage - has the ability to call impromptu meetings, all members are able to raise concerns with the group that could lead to an impromptu convention.

Voting is usually done on a majority-rules basis. Anything passed by a majority vote becomes law, unless it is vetoed by the Head of State. However, this would be an unconstitutional encroachment of power, so a monarch would be wise not to arouse the ire of the magi by vetoing anything. In the case of a tie - which is rare - the issue may be suspended until the next week.

In addition to taking care of concerns from its own membership, the Seven also reviews legislation passed upwards from the Council of Commons, unless it is rejected by a lower chamber within the Council of Arcanists.

Selection process
There is no 'application' process. Archmagi are selected as candidates, having been recommended by at least 2 other members of the Council of Arcanists, and are then 'confirmed' by a unanimous vote on their entry (a 'hearing') - this is one of the few issues where the majority does not always rule. If a single member objects, the confirmation is 'suspended' and the objecting member justifies their objection (this is to prevent abuse of the veto). The other members will then discuss the objecting member's grievances and, if they are found to be logical, will reconvene the next week to allow the candidate to respond to these grievances. Another week is given for consideration, then the Council re-votes. If the result is still not unanimous, then the candidate is confirmed regardless. If the candidate is now rejected, they are not admitted to the Seven.

Filibustering
Even though the majority rules on most cases, a member of the Seven can filibuster a decision in order to delay it. Magi tread carefully though, because this can be seen as obstructionism.

Conduct
High ethical standards are expected from all members, and the following behaviours/attitudes can expose a member to the risk of being extirpated.
 * Necromancy
 * Evocation (e.g. summoning demons)
 * Obstructionism (e.g. repeatedly attempting to block group decisions on frivolous grounds)
 * Infiltration (e.g. infiltrating the group in order to weaken it from the inside)

Known members
To be updated as story progresses
 * Archmagus Magnificus
 * Archmagus Vermilio (Reptilostrasz in disguise)
 * Archmagus Aldred Spellthorne
 * Archmagus Lamont Spellthorne
 * Archmaga Morgana Le Fey (suspended)
 * Archmagus Siward Pendragon

Trivia

 * The Council of Seven is based on the Six from Warcraft.