Eight dignitaries called Octarchs rule the land of Yliakum; each of them supervises and is responsible for one level. Together, they form the ’Circle of the Octarchs’ or ’Internal Circle,’ that makes decisions regarding all the people living in it. Immediately under each Octarch, there are twenty Vigesimi, high civil servants that deal with enforcing law and order, as well as overseeing particular parts of each level. There are 160 Vigesimi in total and they form the ’External Circle.’ At the beginning of every year, there is a meeting of all Octarchs and Vigesimi that lasts for two to three months. In this event, they evaluate all the expenses and revenues of the previous year, all complaining, problems, and so on. When the meeting is not in session, one Vigesimi from each level is designated for inter-level affairs. This is usually the Vigesimi assigned to the largest winch sector on the level.

Vigesimi normally come from craft guilds, and their position is hereditary. Nevertheless, it is not too rare to find some high citizens that are acclaimed to the post by the populace. This happens when a Vigesimi dies without leaving a successor, is judged inept or is found guilty of a high crime.

At the beginning of every season not including the one during which all officials meet, all Vigesimi on a level will have their own meeting, generally (but not always) directed by their Octarch. During these short meetings, the members of the External Circle can appoint a new Octarch if the current one dies or is deemed too old to serve. An Octarch can’t be removed; nevertheless. in some cases the Octarch was assassinated because he or she was too cruel, inept, dishonest, etc. One of the most famous cases is the one of Fertedian Dalko, Octarch of the Forge, who was tied to a hypnotized Megaras and sent straight towards the Crystal. This gruesome piece of history serves as a reminder to all Octarchs to rule in a fair manner.