Positions of Power: The Game Awaits
The Regent
The throne of mortal power sits empty, awaiting one bold enough to claim it and cunning enough to keep it.
The Regent rules the Isles in the Celestials' stead. They command campaigns, control trade, mediate disputes between houses, grant favor, impose sanctions, and strip titles. Once elected by the Small Council, even those who voted against them must bow to their authority. This is THE position worth killing for.
The seat may be held by one person (The Regent, Lord Regent, Lady Regent) or a ruling couple (The Regents, Lord and Lady Regent). However you claim it, however you hold it, this is the prize every ambitious house dreams of.
The Price of the Crown. But understand: the Regent is not a god. They rule mortals, but they serve at the Celestials' pleasure. Harm the Hand, the Celestials' voice, and invite divine wrath. Make decisions that threaten the realm's balance, and the Celestials will notice. Insult Ashley or Trystane, and discover how quickly a Regent can fall. The position demands a delicate balance: rule the mortals firmly, manage the Great Houses ruthlessly, BUT never forget who truly holds ultimate power. Those who master this balance become legendary. Those who fail become warnings.
Who will rise to take it? And more importantly who can hold it?
"Everyone's got a favorite for the Regency. Darkcliff has the gold. Emberwave has the knights. Dawnstar has the warriors. But you want my coin? Watch the quiet ones. Watch who's NOT making a play. That's the one who's already three moves ahead." (A Zandaran information broker)
The Hand
The Voice of the Celestials awaits appointment.
The Hand is appointed directly by Ashley and Trystane, not elected, not earned through politics, but chosen by divine will. They run Council meetings, advise on appointments, and speak with the celestials' authority across the realm. Some say controlling The Hand is more valuable than being Regent because The Hand helps shape who becomes Regent next.
Critically, the Hand carries celestial protection. They are the voice of Ashley and Trystane in mortal affairs. To harm the Hand, to disrespect them, to work against them, this is not merely political maneuvering. It is an insult to the Celestial Court itself. Regents who forget this lesson do not remain Regents.
A loyal Hand serves the realm faithfully. An ambitious Hand shapes its future. Either way, the position carries weight that few truly understand until they hold it or until they cross someone who does.
"The Regent rules the board. But the Hand? The Hand decides which pieces get to play. I'd rather have the Hand's ear than the Regent's favor any day. Regents come and go. The Hand speaks for beings who've been here since the beginning." (Overheard in a Marinian wine house)
The Small Council
The seats of power that elect the Regent remain unfilled for now.
- Spymaster: Controls information, secrets, and intelligence networks. Knows everything. Trusts no one.
- Seneschal: Manages infrastructure and daily operations of the realm. The one who keeps the lights on.
- Marshal: Commands military forces and strategic defense. War is their domain.
- Grand Seer: Mystical advisor, interpreter of prophecy and omens. Sees what others cannot.
Each seat is a stepping stone to greater power. Each vote in the Council election carries weight. Anyone from any house can be appointed if they can earn the Celestials' favor.
"Four seats. Four votes. That's all that stands between some ambitious lord and the Regency. You want to know why everyone's being so polite lately? Because no one knows who'll be sitting in those chairs. Could be your friend. Could be your enemy. Could be someone who remembers that insult you threw at their father ten years ago. Best be nice to everyone. Just in case." (A court advisor, speaking to new arrivals)