The Crucible
Battle hardens the body, and by honing the body through conflict, one necessarily improves the mind and the spirit. At least, so goes the philosophy of perfection through combat that knows itself as the Crucible. Members of this faction tend to see the Adamantine Arrow’s mandate as one of direct conflict: fighting in the trenches, as it were, and leading by example and inspiration. To these willworkers, an Arrow has no business at the back of the engagement, moving troops with the same detachment exercised in playing a game of chess — instead, she should be at the vanguard of the assault, bloodied but unbowed, shouting back to those behind her, “Brothers! Follow me to glory!” The way of the Crucible is the way of the hero.
But “hero” hasn’t always had the same connotations as we associate with it in modern times. In ancient days, the days in which the Adamantine Arrow first took shape, a “hero” was merely a person of great power and a willingness to use it, often to ends as flawed as they were noble. While mages of the Crucible aspire to better and more selfless objectives than those pursued by, say, a Gilgamesh or an Achilles, those who understand these mages best often give them a wide berth in time of conflict, as they tend to be driven far more by passion than reason, for good and for ill. They are the shining icons of the order, embodying within them and illuminating for others the greatness of the warrior, so that all might strive to obtain that greatness for themselves, and so become strong, capable, honorable and fearless.
Adherents to the Crucible tend to be among the most idealistic of Arrows, preferring sincere action — even in failure — to prolonged introspection. Rugged and rough-hewn honesty is among their most treasured trademarks. True warriors, they say, have nothing to hide. This isn’t to say that they are incapable of strategic thinking or deep reflection, but instead that, given the option, an Arrow of the Crucible would much rather be upon the field, putting his life on the line for those weaker than himself and demonstrating to all that the Dragon’s Talon is sharp and brilliant, still, its magnificence undimmed by time.
Structure
In most cases, the Crucible has trouble organizing anything larger than the small unit level. On that scale, however, Crucible Arrows can make for phenomenal combat forces. Of course, “combat forces” are exactly what squads of Crucible willworkers are, and they don’t often do well in peacetime, as alliances and even friendships are strained by impatience and flaring tempers. Wide scale organization within the Crucible itself is almost nonexistent, though members of other Adamantine Arrow sub-factions can often get warriors of the Crucible to fit into a bigger structure, provided the other sub-factions know how best to use said Crucible Arrow — how best to provide her with the challenges for which her soul clamors.
Culture
Beliefs of the Crucible
Beyond those beliefs common to the entirety of the Adamantine Arrow, mages of the Crucible subscribe to certain ideals more specific to its ethic of reckless heroism. Heroism Is a Mandate from the Supernal Acts of true heroism reflect that which is best in the human soul, the vessel of the Supernal within the Fallen World. When we look upon the works of heroes, we are inspired and feel something wonderful stirring within our spirits. To the Arrows of the Crucible, that feeling is the whisper of the Realms Supernal, calling out to the soul, across the vast darkness of the Abyss, encouraging people to become more than they now are — becoming the greater selves that they are capable of creating. Ultimately, Crucible Arrows don’t just want to be heroes, themselves; they want to inspire others to embrace the path of the hero. True service is measured not just in what does for others, but also in what one teaches them to do for themselves. By living a life of worthy deeds, the Arrow instills in his fellow Awakened the fervent desire to reach with courage and conviction toward the Supernal, because only the darkest and most cowardly of hearts remains unmoved in the face of greatness. The Best Defense Is a Good Offense Crucible Arrows are, by and large, incapable of coexisting with that which they consider to constitute a threat to those they’ve sworn to protect. While the Council of Dragons is usually able to adopt the long view of things and suffer the continued existence of enemies for the sake of tactical advantage, the Crucible sees only a foe to be destroyed. While the Black Tower embraces its crusades with zeal, that fervor is tempered with wisdom and, often, more than a little realism, whereas the Crucible would sooner act with foolhardy righteousness than patient moral correctness. Thus, the Arrows of this faction are extremely proactive in their never-ending quest to defend the heirs to Atlantis. Crucible Arrows go on the offensive to strike at Seer pylons and Scelestus cults — rather than waiting for the war to arrive on the Consilium’s doorstep, these mages bring it to the enemy’s.
Parent Organization
Comments