The Order of Nine is the ruling governmental body of our nation of Il'Doran. Comprised of the political heads of the original nine provinces, they are the supreme voice of the people of Il'Doran.

At least, they are supposed to be.

The Order of Nine came to be centuries ago during the years of aggression this nation endured from our current ally Kelland. Each of the provinces were little more than vaguely defined territories then, but organization was necessary to repel the Kelland invaders. Some say this organization was imposed with force.

Each of the original members of the Order of Nine, while legends themselves, paled in comparison to the most honored figure in the history of Il'Doran - Tristain, the founder of the Holy Order of Aeremon.

He was the one who brought together adversarial, openly hostile magic users under the banner of Aeremon. It is told that he was responsible for creating the original Order of Nine and laying the foundation of our government today.

Unfortunately, the Order of Nine was little more than a puppet regime, appearing to be in control, but truly following strict orders from the Holy Order of Aeremon -allowing their religion to take hold as law in this country for hundreds of years.

It was only the rise of the Soryan Order that showed the people, and the Order of Nine, that true government by the people was possible. Today the Order of Nine is a much more autonomous body than ever before.

Yet they are not entirely free from the clutches of the Church. Much of the national budget is still funded by income from the Holy Church. Some of this financing is given publicly, while according to our sources, much is given behind closed doors and out of the public eye.

Not to mention that there are sitting members of the Order of Nine who would have it no other way. These members are strong believers in Aeremon and the Holy Order. They will not see those ties broken if they can prevent it.

None of the Order of Nine are truly sympathetic to the Soryan Order, but the will of the people is to avoid the terrible ravages of war. To appease them, they must treat with us fairly, at least in public.

Even though we are left with a possibly compromised ruling body, all Soryans must take solace in the fact that at least we now have some voice in this government, muted though it may be.

~Master Soryan Archivist Arryl.