Yshari Conclave (The Servant)

The Yshari Conclave, otherwise known as the United Mage Clans or Yshari Mage Alliance, is a political union of the powerful Mage Clans of Kehjistan. The Conclave is based from (and named after) the Yshari Sanctum in Caldeum, the headquarters of the Mage Clans.

Administration
The Yshari Conclave is centered around the Yshari Sanctum, where new novices are trained and tutored for years in the arts of magic. Fully-fledge members are sent out on various missions, from investigating lost ruins, hunting down monsters and demons, or offering aid to various cities and villages.

The Conclave is divided into five different groups, known as Colleges, the remnants of the former Mage Clans. These factions are led by various hierarchies, with a Grand Mage at the top. Leading the entire organization are the most powerful and important mages in the Conclave (including the five Grand Mages). These mages are known as the Yshari, a council that elect the ruling Archmage, and wield considerable powers in choosing the direction for the Conclave. An Archmage is chosen by the Council from one of the Colleges, with a new Grand Mage taking their place. The Archmage can lead for life, though can technically be voted out of power. Generally, however, the Archmage wields great political power, the leader of the Conclave in all its matters

Since its incarnation, the Yshari Conclave has sought to expand from Kehjistan and the east, though it remains closely tied to the Kehjistani imperial house. In fact, the Archmage or an envoy of the Conclave advices and stands alongside the Kehjistani Emperor. However, the Conclave had desired to become a global power. To this end, it has attempted to remain largely a political, establishing numerous chapters and minor headquarters across Sanctuary. Several smaller sanctums exist in Westmarch, Tristram, and other lands. In the west, the Conclave has less influence, but it is steadily growing.

Each local chapter functions as a smaller version of the Conclave, serving as central bases for operations for the Conclave. Only a few other sanctums actually teach and train new inductees, with most being sent to the Yshari Sanctum in Caldeum.

Membership
Virtually anyone can join the Conclave, provided they display magical talents to be taken in by the Conclave and/or have enough money to provide or schooling. Those who enter the Conclave are sent to the academy in Caldeum, where they are trained for years under strict guidance in the basics of magical arts as neonates. Once they have understood the basics the student gains the rank of apprentice and enters into one of the Colleges within the Conclave, pursuing a specific course in magic. Once they have demonstrated significant skill with magic they are regarded as an acolyte, undergoes a test to show their talent. If they pass, they become a fully-fledged member, gaining the rank of sorcerer or sorceress.

If a sorcerer or sorceress shows enough talent, they can earn the rank of a Magus or Mage, a sign of great magical prowess. Rising through the ranks, an individual mage can even be elected as the Grand Mage of their College, and possibly even the Archmage of the entire Conclave.

Five Colleges
The original Mage Clans have been abolished, but in their place are the five colleges, which focus on specific types of magic. Each College is lead by a Grand Mage, who has a position upon the Yshari Council. The Colleges have a noted rivalry, but it is far less compared to the divisions within the former clans, each subject to the Council and the Archmage. The Colleges are as follows:


 * The Blue College - Formerly the Ammuit Clan, it specializes in illusions and manipulation of reality. One of the smaller Colleges, the Blue College nonetheless has been growing in recent years.
 * The Orange College - Formerly the Ennead Clan, it specializes in matter enchantment (such as enchanting swords or staffs), transmutation, and creation of magical artifacts and tools.
 * The Purple College - Formerly the Taan Clan, it specializes in divination, scrying, and the foretelling of the future; one of the smallest colleges. In addition, the Purple College functions as the primary archivists, librarians, and scholars within the Conclave, caring for the large archives and extensive libraries of the Conclave.
 * The Red College - Formerly the Vizjerei Clan, it specializes in magic that counteracts supernatural threats, specifically angels and demons. The Red College has extensive knowledge in demonic magic and summoning spells and have developed effective magical countermeasures specifically designed to prevent demonic and angelic incursions. Members have a close relationship with the Order of Demon Hunters.
 * The Green College - Formerly the Zann Esu Clan, it specializes in elemental magic, taking mana or arcane energy and shaping it into powerful spells. The Green College has the most members, though it remains mostly composed of women, who practice various branches of elemental magic, including electric magic (or electromagnetism), fire magic, ice magic, and wind magic.

The Mage Clans
The Yshari Conclave has its roots in the original Mage Clans, which have existed for thousands of years. The Mage Clans have remained nominally united for a long period, ushering in the Age of Magic, though this would be subsequently broken following the devastating Mage Clan Wars. The Mage Clans limped along for centuries during the Age of Faith, with the Yshari Sanctum falling into disrepair.

After the defeat of Mephisto and the other Prime Evils in 1264, the capital of Kehjistan shifted from Kurast to Caldeum, as nobles fled the city due to the effects of Mephisto's corruption. Hakan I joined them, making Caldeum the new capital.

This proved to be very fortuitous for the Mage Clans, despite the circumstances. The Trade Consortium of Caldeum, seeking to make Kehjistan's new capital a beacon of learning, ordered the construction or a new Sanctum, building upon the foundation of the old headquarters and in some cases repairing it. The mercantile rulers worked to unite the Mage Clans and build the Sanctum.

The academy came to be filled with treasure troves of arcana, becoming a place of learning and growth for the various clans. Many saw the Sanctum stand as the greatest symbol of mage power and unity since the Golden Age of Magic.

While divisions still remained, the Yshari Sanctum brought a large degree of unity among the Mage Clans, who were lead by an Archmage and a powerful council. Yet despite the increasing support and influence, many students of the Sanctum grew disgruntled with the strict rules and codes forced upon them by the Mage Clans, leading to a widespread underground movement of "wizards"

Creation of the Conclave
Following the events surrounding Tristram, the return of Diablo, and most importantly, the attempted genocide by Malthael, the Mage Clans themselves were decimated, but found an ample opportunity to expand their influence. In the years after 1285, various talks and conversations began to occur among the high-ranking leaders of the clans.

Most important was Archmage Valthek, the leader of the Sanctum, who encouraged further unity and consolidation. However, he faced considerable opposition from leader clan members, who wanted to retain their independent control. Despite this, Valthek would gain the support of the majority of the mages.

Thus, in 1288, the Yshari Conclave was born, which saw a radical reconstruction of the Mage Clans and created a strong, unified political and magical faction within Kehjistan, though there would still continue to remain numerous internal hurtles and divisions.

The Conclave became a major player in the Kehjistan and Caldeum politics, especially without a reigning emperor. In addition, conflicts with the church grew common, though both factions remained at peace to keep control in the region. When self-proclaimed Emperor Hakan III began to unify and consolidated his claims in Kehjistan, the Conclave began to split on how to react. Some supported him, others did not. In addition, former clan leaders still vied for control.

The Diablic War
The Conclave reached a tipping point in late 1290. During this period, the Servant had arrived, and the Zakarum Church was busy undergoing the Second Reformation. In addition, Emperor Hakan was fully legitimized and began a massive reorganization of the empire, including the Yshari Conclave. IN addition, rebellious wizard Li-Ming begrudgingly rejoined the Conclave, preparing for the future demonic invasion.

During the Diablic War, the mages of the Conclave were vital in many battles, organized and utilized in various militaries and armies. Most importantly, the mage scholars were able to create and harness the jailstones, which proved vital in the conflict.

However, corruption grew amongst the ranks of the Conclave. Unknown to many, many mages, disgruntled under the currant regime, had plotted with the demons of the Burning Hells, and unleashed hordes of demons them upon the Sanctum. Yet thanks to the intervention of Li-Ming and the Guardians of Sanctuary, the demons were defeated and the rebellious leaders culled. In the aftermath, Li-Ming took on the position of leader of the Conclave, seeing them persevere through the conflict.

Current Status
The Yshari Conclave remains, and continues to expand and grow, under the guidance and direction of Li-Ming. Whatever fate will befell Sanctuary, the Conclave will be there.