Thalosia • Nessar • Politics (Public Access: RO Owner:seer)
Nessar is a sprawling country with no clear ruler or government. One might say it kept united more by a common culture and language more than any temporal authority. The most powerful organizations are the esteemed schools of magic. The leaders of each school could wield tremendous influence over everyday affairs should they choose to, but most of the time they are obsessed with furthering their magical studies, and obtaining new students. So they generally choose to defer most everyday ruling activities to various fuedal houses. The "Great Houses" as they are called are numerous, and none possess any overly large sphere of influence. The various Barons are free to administer to their lands as they see fit, and are expected to keep and maintain armed forces. Most of everyday life activity falls under the laws of one barony or another. The barons have no authority over the affairs of the schools of magic.
Citizen of Nessar are generally capable mages, though only very few are selected to join one of the great schools, about 10%. The remainder of citizens find themselves a suitable trade, and may or may not choose to further their magical capabilities through other means. Some become very powerful self-taught spellcasters, and they are known as Wild Mages. Some mages join one of the numerous smaller magical organizations, such as the mysterious Historical Order of Scribes, or else petition a master wizard to take them as an apprentice. Generally, those who take these paths never achieve the level of excellence or recognition that students of the Great Schools obtain. The vast majority put aside their studies, and focus on productive mundane work. (though they may keep a useful cantrip handy)
There are 6 recognized schools of magic. Of those, the Thamaturgical Sect, is a school in exile. Its adherents are forsworn and prohibited from establishing any permanent dwelling. This is a result of a civil war in which the sect attempted to conquer all of Nessar. Members of the sect seek to atone and prove their worth to Nessar, with the hope that they will become a fully recognized School again. The remaining guild mostly cooperate well, however there are a few strong rivalries.
Rumors persist of a seventh great school, though most citizens of Nessar find it unlikely to be true.