The Three Pillars: An Overview of the Major Factions
For a quick side-by-side summary, see The Three Pillars: A Faction Comparison.
Three great philosophical factions, the Three Pillars, dominate the magical world. Each offers a different path to power, vision for the world, and form of spiritual peril. After the War of the Shifting Throne, these divisions deepened; each faction now draws power from a distinct aspect of magic's fractured source.
The Adamant Concord
- Core Philosophy: "Perfection through restriction."
The Concord seeks power through discipline, structure, and the perfection of a single ideal. They view magic as a logical system to be mastered. Their goal is a stable, orderly world free of chaos. This rigid pursuit of perfection risks Petrification—the hardening of the soul into unfeeling dogma. Their military arm is the Adamant Phalanx.
The Flowing Garden
- Core Philosophy: "Wisdom through experience."
The Garden finds wisdom in experience, passion, and embracing magic as a living, chaotic force. Their goal is a world of vibrant, untamed life where all potential can grow. This boundless exploration risks Dissolution—the erosion of the self into unrestrained emotion. Their military is the adaptable Living Tide.
The Way of the Middle Pillar
- Core Philosophy: "Power through harmony."
The Way seeks power by harmonizing opposition, viewing magic as an internal art for perfecting the self. Their goal is to achieve balance and heal the divisions that cause conflict. This introspective path risks Hollowing—the soul becoming a purposeless void. They avoid open war, preferring the surgical strikes of The Hidden Dagger.