The whole of Teragard is ruled by seven Magisters from seven ruling families of Teragard. It is they who officiate over law, tradition, and religion within the world. Originally, there were twelve families of Magisters, but due to familicide, caused by the fact only the head of the family is a Magister, in order to gain power, some families have died out. The families were put into power by Saradomin himself after ascending to godhood, however, he has not been back for several centuries, so the Saradomin that is worshipped by the Teragardians is but an image of fear that the Magisters use by which to rule and subjugate their people.