The Circle of Roots

Ether has no traditional monarchy.

Ayrith has an enormous castle, but it is not home to a royal family. It is the gathering place of the Circle of Roots, a council responsible for keeping harmony between Ether's settlements.

Who sits in it

The Circle is made up of representatives from different communities and disciplines: Healers, Defenders, scholars, and the caretakers of the Burning Tree.

Its members are chosen through trust and experience, not wealth, inheritance or power.

How it decides

The Circle does not rule through commands. Its purpose is to listen, mediate and guide.

Major decisions are discussed openly, and those affected are encouraged to share their opinions.

Permanent exile is considered one of the most severe punishments imaginable.

Its best-known decision

The Closing of the Gates. When outsiders began seeking the Zephyrians' healing and the Burning Tree's magic, the Circle restricted the Sunpassages to escorted visitors and the bearers of willingly gifted keys.