Darius went into the conspiracy as a pretender to the throne: the other six were simply his "faithful men," his friends and well-wishers.

While, however, the six were far from disputing Darius's right, they required and received for themselves a guarantee of certain privileges, which may either have belonged to them previously, by law or custom, as the heads of the great clans, or may have been now for the first time conceded.

The king-bound himself to choose his wives from among the families of the conspirators only, and sanctioned their claim to have free access to his person at all times without asking his permission.

One of their number, Otanes, demanded and obtained even more.

He and his house were to remain "free," and were to receive yearly a magnificent kaftan, or royal present.