Difference between revisions of "Category:Archived-Ardent Compass"

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far... go together.

African Proverb

Introduction

The Ardent Compass, while being an efficient and recognized cabal within Brisbane, was originally a group of Mages put together in the hopes they could work together, only to find that a common purpose united them all. Perhaps fate was looking kindly on them - the new cabal of young mages happened to have a great set of complimentary skills, ranging from combat, to research, to survival. Even better, however, they had similar tastes, and before long they were becoming a dynamic young force within Brisbane, running around and finding new things, accomplishing tasks, and getting things done.

They've been described by one or two Mages obsessed with pop culture as being a bit of an 'adventuring party', and the metaphor's apt: unlike their more detached mentors, they're frequently jumping into tombs, chasing down rogue spirits and supporting each other with their adventurous zeal. They've found themselves to be very well-balanced with each other, even if they don't have a Moros. It's not like Brisbane is lacking in them, anyway.

So far, they've operated for the last four or so years, mostly without incident save for the tragic event that claimed one of their own - Achilles. With the recent recruitment of Fus into the cabal, they hope they'll be able to continue to stand strong.

Goal

The Cabal has one goal, one that united them and has been their focus for the past three years. They're looking for the Garden of Eden - one of the last undiscovered places of the world, protected by a celestial guardian and hidden beyond anyone's capability to discover it. It's the home of the Tree of Life, and the Tree of Knowledge. It's the birthplace of all life, the greatest, most powerful place in all of existence - but it's impossible to reach or discover, so the stories say.

However, rumors do exist throughout history of an artifact known as Ezekiel's Wheel, ancient as the world itself, and created with the divine powers of Atlantean Magic. Some tales say that it's the only item capable of leading someone to the Garden of Eden. Others say that it can lead someone wherever they need to go, and there's even tales that it's merely a vehicle. The Cabal believes, based on their own research, that Ezekiel's Wheel is a Compass, and they've based their symbolism around that idea.

What is known that it's fractured and splintered into pieces and the Cabal hunts these down wherever they may be in the hopes of rebuilding and using it.

The Ark, the secretive mountaintop sanctum of the Ardent Compass.

Territory

The Ardent Compass' territory mostly seems to be located north of Brisbane, but they also manage a large swathe of the wilderness between Wivenhoe Dam and The Gap, around Mount Glorious. Located somewhere in that wilderness is a mountaintop home built into the trees, managed by the cabal as their sanctum. It's supposedly located on a powerful Hallow, but nobody's quite sure where it is, or how to get to it - even the cabal themselves keep it well covered.

Known as 'The Ark', it was created by one of the founding members of the cabal, Achilles, and has been carefully maintained by the Ardent Compass since his demise.

Facts Known to Awakened Society

• If there's information that needs to be chased up, a new place to be explored, or something you need found, these are the best people for the job.
• The Cabal recognizes all five Great Rights: Crossing, Emeritus, Hospitality, Nemesis, and Sanctuary.
• Thus far, the cabal's definitely lost at least one member during their time working together, and possibly more than one.
• In 2011 Watchlight leads a group of mages, including some from the Ardent Compass to deal with a spirit uncovered by the floods. Speculation is uncertain as to whether it was the same spirit the Gaslighters dealt with in 1893.
• They share a friendly relationship with one or two members of the Free Council, fostered by a regular Dungeons & Dragons game.
• Some of them are drinking buddies with the Saints of Grace

History

2009

While discussing a university lecture they'd both attended on the subject of religious history, Dornelia and Watchlight both discuss the subject of Ezekiel's Wheel, a concept that fascinates them both, along with the possibilities of where it could lead. Achilles and Guard joined in shortly after.

The cabal was then created, with the purpose of using Ezekiel's Wheel to find the Garden of Eden. Assigning themselves based on the cardinal points, the initial cabal consists of Watchlight as North, Achilles as East, and Guard and Dornelia as South and West, respectively. Achilles starts to construct The Ark with the assistance of the cabal, and Dornelia starts making trips to find leads for the cabal to follow.

2010

At the end of 2010, the cabal finds a journal written by a Chinese merchant, which happens to mention an item that may be a piece of the Wheel. Carefully cast spells help to determine the ship's route, bound for the North Coast of Australia. From there, a series of investigations and studies, along with some local myths and records of Sleeper disappearances highlight a trek and route that goes through the Great Dividing Range. Confident in their arcana, and the knowledge they've gained, they head off on one of their biggest expeditions to date.

The proud Achilles - the only member of the Arrow within the cabal, and the only one with any talents in the arts of combat - didn't return. Rumors abound about an ancient spirit, a journey into the depths of the earth, and the deadly altercation that occurred within its winding depths. Achilles is praised as a hero and martyr, though his death leaves deep wounds. After much grieving, however, Toranaga - an Obrimos Arrow who shared Achilles' legacy - is chosen to take his place as the East.

2011

For the most part, much of the cabal's activities are focused around scholarly pursuits and the improvement of their Arcana, so that - should they return to the Great Dividing Range - they'll not be SOMETHING ABOUT THE RIVER SPIRIT

The battle results in a painful realization. With Toranaga being the only Mage of significant martial ability, the possibility of a repeat of Achilles' fall is not far from the cabal's mind. More importantly, Watchlight has been taking a quiet position of leadership, and rumors are rife that he will soon replace Cassandra as the Councillor for the Lunargent Thorn. After discussion, and with the agreement of the cabal, the charter is modified. Watchlight steps away from the position of North, taking the position of the Ardent Compass' Needle. By the end of the year, a young Awakened Mastigos, Fus, takes the position of North.

Out-of-Character

The concept of being an adventuring troupe is an apt one - the group's easily the Mage equivalent of a D&D party of heroes, wandering around, fighting monsters, finding treasure and exploring ancient secrets as they look for pieces of a powerful artifact that can save the world.

There's also a little bit of a Five-Man Band feel to them.

Members

• Watchlight, Acanthus Mystagogue - Needle
• Fus, Mastigos Arrow - North
• Guard, Obrimos Mystagogue - South
• Dornelia, Thyrsus Mystagogue - East
• Toranaga, Obrimos Arrow - West
• Trisandry Dajamos, Obrimos Mystagogue - Center

Former Members

• Achilles, Obrimos Arrow - North