Aesthetics: A volcanic wasteland of black iron under a permanent crimson twilight. The landscape is littered with the shattered remains of things that failed the Crucible's test of strength.
Inhabitants: The realm is home to the Ashen Host, a feudal society of sentient warriors in volcanic armor locked in constant trial by combat. Key roles include:
Initiates: Aspirants whose Test of Mettle can promote them to Judicator mid-battle if they prove their strength.
Judicators: The core of the Host. Their Final Verdict is a powerful strike that grants a temporary buff if the kill is deemed "correct."
Ashen Knights: Hero-killers who can issue a Duelist's Challenge to compel an enemy hero into single combat. Their From the Ashes ability allows them to be reborn on the spot if slain, with a permanent reduction to max health.
Allegory: An allegorical understanding of this realm can be found in "The Wanderer's Path".
Progenitor Faction: The Ashen Host
Strategic Profile
Playstyle: An elite, low-model-count faction with expensive, powerful units focused on precision strikes and exploiting enemy weaknesses.
Ultimate Ability: The Crucible: Creates a large arena of fire where all units inside are forced to attack the nearest enemy and have their damage significantly increased.