Mage/Theme/Orders/Silver Ladder/History
The history of the Silver Ladder caucus of the Martyr's Tree one of monumental hubris and ongoing contrition. Its original Deacon, its first Magister in the new world, *and* the first Hierarch of what would become the Martyr's Tree consilium, Master Gaveston, was the central figure in the events that led to the creation of the Martyr's Tree itself. It was Gaveston, with the backing of the Adamantine Arrows and the Guardians of the Veil, that launched the Unnamed War against what were then viewed as the heresies of the Unnamed of the Americas. Times were different in the 1690s, and despite his obvious errors in waging the war and attempting to imprison the Archmaster that birthed the Martyr's Tree, Gaveston was permitted to retain his position as Hierarch, one which he held for just over 80 years until his retirement and death shortly before the Revolutionary War commenced.
The Silver Ladder locally choose to view this history as a manifold lesson. Firstly, that power does not necessarily equate with wisdom. Secondly, that the Lex Magica is not infallible, and ought to be viewed through a lens of contemporary morality and while yet acknowledging the wisdom of Ancient Atlantis that birthed it. Thirdly, that the great and the good of Awakened society are fallible too, and that when one makes even egregious errors, one is responsible for remaining to rectify them. Not out of a hope of remediation to one's own reputation, but out of an obligation to the world to leave it better than you found it. He spent the remainder of his tenure as Hierarch, Magister, and Deacon laboring to win the Unnamed Nation Recognition at the Convocation of the Lesser Northeast, fostering the study of the Martyr's Tree, and teaching apprentices of the error in his own ways. He was rewarded with the Posthumous title The Unwise, and the event he is now remembered for best is known as Gaveston's Great Hubris.
One does the right thing because it is right, not for personal gain. Not even to alleviate personal loss. It's a lesson the Silver Ladder of Philadelphia have taken to heart, and this focus on obligation and humility before that obligation has worked to ensure the period between then and now has been marked with no notable breaches of Hubris among the Silver Ladder caucus. A nearly spotless record of which the caucus is rightly proud.
These events gave rise to the tradition of the Council of the Wise, a cabal of the councilors who maintain the Shadow Names of the original Council of the 1690s, save for one. Gaveston's own. The Shadow Name Gaveston has been forbidden within the Martyr's Tree Consilium since its original bearer's death. Rather, the Hierarch now adopts the Shadow Name of Penance. A requisite sacrifice that is willingly made when a new Hierarch assumes the mantle of responsibility.