The State of Cerberus

The Mage War produced not a kingdom but a council, held together by an object.

The pactstone is an artifact of extraordinary complexity created by Christophe Leblanc so powers with no reason to trust one another could cooperate. Anyone who voluntarily swears upon it enters a magical contract. Once active, the pact enforces the separation of powers and arranges the transfer of authority to new members. In exchange, the consuls gain absolute obedience from certain instruments of the State.

The council has three consuls, in a meaningful order: the first consul's voice outweighs the others. Gérard Alois is first consul; a Leblanc and a Morin hold the other seats.

The State rests on a few simple principles. A Cerberan is anyone living under its protection. The family is society's basic unit and settles its own affairs; Cerberus arbitrates between families only when the common interest requires it. No one is trapped inside one. A Cerberan seeking independence from their family receives protection, purpose, and office from the State. The right to change is fundamental.

The State taxes market exchanges and major landowners to fund the army and public services. It enforces inheritance and registered property. Every unconquered territory belongs to the State, which can sell or grant it to the deserving—making the founding of a village in hostile territory a possible career.

Finally, selling magical items is forbidden to retain control of powerful weapons. Healing potions, cosmetics, and perfumes are exempt, and certain loyal merchants—such as the Morin alchemists—enjoy State protection.

This explains the rest. When an honest bakery is extorted, the State has not overlooked it. That is the system. Families protect themselves; anyone without a family pays someone.