The circles are the ruling factions of Vaothan. The ideological descendants of the factions from the Vaothani civil war, the three circles remain in control of most of the nation. Between them, the Kaluran and Ketek circles rule the vast majority of the population of Vaothan, both oligarchic council formed of influential individuals and military commanders. The Zaman circle on Timutara is instead a republic, with their council elected from amongst the people of the island. Family ties remain crucial to all circles, and it is rare even in Zaman for a political outsider to rise to power.
The circles do not exercise full control of Vaothan, as the Island King dwarves and the nagaji mage-kings retain some autonomy.