Five Elders

The Gorōsei (五老星 lit. Five Elder Stars, Five Elders in the Viz Manga) are the heads of the World Government, and as such, they essentially rule the entire world. They are the five men who rule above the Marines, the Cipher Pol and made a pact with the Shichibukai. The elderly group made their debut in Chapter 233 and Episode 151.

Known Knowledge
The tall thin one with the mustache (second from right) spoke with Professor Clover and ordered Spandine to kill him. They have shown to have at least a basic knowledge of the occurrences of the Void Century, according to their shocked reactions to professor Clover's statements. They showed a paranoid fear of someone reviving the ancient weapons, twenty years ago, when speaking with Clover, however they were revealed to have possessed side motives when speaking of these dangers. Considering that some of them have scars and one is seen wielding a sword, it can be guessed that they may have had some particular fighting capabilities.

Power and Abilities
Being the top of the World Government, they have complete control over the Marines, where even Sengoku's orders can be squashed by their decisions. However if anything they only seem to care about the public image of the World Government, and will go to great lengths to keep the public's view of them in a good light. Such as killing an entire island of people to hide the discovery of the Void Century, hiding the fact that Moria was building an army of zombies, and to keep the escape of Level 6 inmates of Impel Down a secret despite the damage they could cause while loose. Some of these decisions have even angered Sengoku, a true follower of Absolute Justice and the Marines.

It is currently unknown how strong each one of them are, however due to their clear muscles and scars it would appear that have battle experience.

History of Involvements
Commencing Buster Call. All ships begin the attack. Target everything on the island of archaeology, Ohara. The research done by Ohara's scholars has exceeded our expectations. That knowledge could be passed on. We must not let the exposure be anywhere else but on this island. Completely obliterate the demons living in Ohara! In the name of Justice!

They were around for 20 years when they ordered the Buster Call against Ohara in 1502 AOS. Their membership (and appearances) has not altered in the last 20 years.

In 1510 AOS, Spandam manipulated them to give him the authority to allow him to seek out the blueprints for Pluton.

In 1522 AOS by storyline, they appeared for the first time when they were discussing the situation around Shanks and Whitebeard. They tried to keep Whitebeard and Shanks apart. They were also distressed with Crocodile due to his actions in Arabasta and his subsequent dismissal from the Shichibukai. Later they heard of Aokiji sneaking out of the Marine HQ and grew disappointed in him. They remarked that he should be careful with his rank. Later after the Enies Lobby Raid, they were shocked to hear that Shanks had successfully met Whitebeard. Apparently, they are ones who ordered Bartholomew Kuma to exterminate all those who witnessed Gecko Moria's defeat by the hands of Monkey D. Luffy, including the Straw Hats. They ordered the coverup of the escapees from level six of Impel Down after the War of Marineford. They were possibly the ones who ordered that Gecko Moria be exterminated after the War of Marineford ended.