Trade Consortium Council

The Trade Consortium Council was the ruling council of Caldeum.

History
The Council has always been the ruling body of Caldeum, but it gained additional strength after the fall of the Vizjerei, in the aftermath of the Mage Clan Wars. The councilmen saw opportunity in the rapidly growing Zakarum faith, and allowed the construction of the Saldencal within Caldeum. Not content to reign supreme in commerce and religion, the Council aspired to make Caldeum a nexus of learning as well. It proposed to unite the Mage academics in a massive new structure - the Yshari Sanctum - which long remained a beacon of learning.

Circumstances changed with the downfall of Kurast, where nobles from the city fled to Caldeum. While initially greatful for the sanctuary the city provided, their relief turned to arrogance, as they began to demand their "rightful" place on the Council, and were prepared to hire mercenaries to see their ambition through. Emperor Hakan I stepped in and managed to resolve the issue. However, when his successor, Hakan II took the throne, Caldeum fell into decline.