#hazelrainart

One thing I kind of wish existed is Team WTCH having any real connection to Team RWBY.

In short:

Watts couldn’t care less about Team RWBY. He never even met them and probably wouldn’t give a rat’s fur hat about them. His true nemesis is Ironwood instead.

Tyrian targeted Ruby mostly because of his job under Salem’s orders. Although he was furious at her for cutting off his stinger, he ultimately became more of Qrow’s enemy due to the chaos he caused later on.

Hazel only fought Team RWBY because they got in his way. Like the others, his real opposition was Ozpin and, by extension, Oscar—far more than Team RWBY itself.

Cinder doesn’t care much about most of Team RWBY aside from Ruby. Ironically, Ruby sees her as a threat but has a stronger nemesis relationship with Cinder’s lackeys, Roman and especially Neo.

This is my opinion on the RWBY villains. For Team WTCH, I wish we had actually seen them working together more… and I don’t mean just Cinder, Hazel, Tyrian, and Watts hanging out as friends. I mean actually seeing them collaborate to cause real trouble for the heroes. Yet they barely ever appear together on screen, which kind of makes the whole team feel superfluous.

Alternate RWBY Timeline: Sienna Khan Meets Salem Instead of Adam's Betrayal

This speculation reimagines RWBY canon based on the provided episode summaries and detailed character/faction info from the RWBY wiki.

Overview

Canon Context (Volume 5, Chapters 2-3):

Adam Taurus betrays and kills Sienna Khan during a meeting with Hazel Rainart (Salem's envoy)

Usurps her as White Fang High Leader to fully align with Salem's destructive agenda

Alternate Scenario:

Adam is sidelined (or decides to hold off on kill Sienna) (e.g., due to Sienna's awareness of his extremism or internal discipline)

Allows Sienna to directly meet Salem

Salem, a master manipulator who uses fear, promises of power, and appeals to grievances, would exploit Sienna's retaliatory philosophy

Co-opts the White Fang more subtly than in canon

Creates a "strategic alliance" butterfly effect

White Fang becomes a more disciplined tool for Salem's division of humanity

Sienna's level-headedness introduces tensions and potential cracks

Character Profiles:

Sienna Khan: Pragmatic—advocates violence only in retaliation for Faunus oppression, not unprovoked hate like Adam

Focuses on earning respect through fear without alienating allies or worsening perceptions

Salem: Treats loyal subordinates collegially (e.g., crediting efforts, tolerating quirks like Tyrian's mania)

Discards failures ruthlessly (e.g., killing Lionheart)

Would manipulate Sienna by framing humanity's kingdoms as ultimate oppressors

Promises Grimm-backed resources to "push back" without revealing her endgame

White Fang: Vulnerable to external influence due to decentralized branches and radical evolution

Makes it ripe for Salem's infiltration

1. Immediate Divergence: The Meeting and Manipulation (Volume 5 Setup)

Canon Context:

Hazel approaches Sienna on Salem's behalf (V5 Ch2)

Adam coups her, radicalizing the Fang for Salem

Alternate Path:

Adam, chastised for excesses (e.g., Beacon involvement harming the Fang's image), is demoted or imprisoned by Sienna's guard

Sienna meets Salem directly (via Seer or at Evernight)

Salem appeals to Sienna's motivations: "Humanity has pushed your people down for generations—join me, and we'll dismantle their complacency with precision, not chaos"

Promises Dust, tech (via Watts), and Grimm support for "retaliatory strikes"

Boosts Sienna's ego as a "true leader" unlike Ghira's pacifism

Manipulation Tactics:

Salem uses fairness (crediting Sienna's strategies) and fear (demonstrating Grimm power)

Tolerates Sienna's autonomy initially, similar to how she handles Watts' snideness, to build loyalty

Sienna, skeptical of humans but pragmatic, accepts a "trial alliance" for Faunus gains

Views Salem as a non-human ally against oppression

White Fang Impact:

Remains unified under Sienna—less terrorist extremism, more guerrilla ops

Adam escapes or defects, becoming a rogue antagonist

Hunts Blake independently, fueled by spite

2. Faction Changes

White Fang

Canon Role: Radicalized under Adam; terrorist attacks (e.g., Beacon, Haven) for Salem's chaos; fractures post-Haven

Alternate Changes: More strategic under Sienna

Targeted sabotage (e.g., SDC facilities, kingdom borders) to divide humans without mass casualties

Salem manipulates via envoys (Hazel for empathy, Cinder for promises)

Goals shift subtly to "Faunus supremacy through division"

Sienna curbs excesses to maintain image

Internal dynamics: Albain brothers (Corsac/Fennec) support alliance

Ilia Amitola redeems slower, conflicted by Sienna's "justified" violence

Evolution: Becomes "shadow network"—infiltrating kingdoms like Mistral/Vacuo for division

Aligns with Salem's goal of fracturing unity to attract Grimm

Sienna Khan

Canon Role: Killed in coup; brief leader favoring retaliatory violence

Alternate Changes: Survives as High Leader; becomes Salem's key proxy

Her arrogance blinds her to Salem's true immortality/endgame

Grows suspicious over time (e.g., Grimm experiments)

Leads to potential betrayal arc in V7-8

Possible heroic death exposing Salem's true nature

Adam Taurus

Canon Role: Usurps Sienna; leads Fang to extremism, dies in V6

Alternate Changes: No coup—becomes wildcard villain

Obsessed with Blake/Yang, launches solo attacks (e.g., Menagerie raid)

Clashes with Sienna's Fang

Killed earlier (V5-6) by heroes or Salem's agents for being disruptive

Salem's Circle

Canon Role: Uses Fang as disposable terrorists via Adam

Alternate Changes: Gains disciplined army—Fang aids relic hunts covertly (e.g., scouting Maidens)

Salem tolerates Sienna's independence but plans to discard her (like Lionheart)

Hazel bonds with Sienna over "anti-oppression," mediating tensions

Salem uses same manipulation: boosts Sienna's ego, uses fear (Grimm demos), discourages infighting

Heroes (RWBY/Ozpin)

Canon Role: Fight fragmented Fang; Blake redeems Ilia, exposes Adam

Alternate Changes: Face coordinated Fang ops—harder Menagerie arc (Sienna rallies Faunus)

Blake's defection arc deepens (confronts Sienna as "mentor gone wrong")

Ozpin exploits Sienna's pragmatism for intel leaks

Heroes must win through appeals to shared humanity

3. Plan Adaptations for Salem and the White Fang

Salem's Goals:

Divide humanity, collect relics for Gods' judgment/death

Manipulates Fang as "anti-human revolutionaries," using them for proxy wars

Promises Faunus "new Remnant" post-destruction (hides truth of total annihilation)

Tactics: Boosts Sienna's ego (like with Watts)

Uses fear (Grimm demonstrations)

Discourages infighting to maintain useful tool

White Fang Strategies:

Retaliatory focus amplifies—e.g., sabotage CCT for isolation (aligns with Salem's division)

Less Beacon chaos (V3); more covert ops in V4-5

Examples: Assassinate key humans like Jacques Schnee, infiltrate kingdom governments

Sienna condemns unprovoked acts, clashing with Tyrian's sadism

But tolerated by Salem for utility

Fang aids Haven/Atlas invasions strategically (e.g., Faunus spies hack systems)

Long-Term Shifts:

Sienna's surprise at betrayal (canon trait) hints at vulnerability

Discovers Salem's immortality and true endgame (V6-7), fracturing alliance

Realizes Salem's promises of "Faunus liberation" are lies

Salem discards Fang mid-V8, leading to mass Grimm purges

Fang members become expendable once usefulness expires

4. Timeline Ripple Effects (Volumes 4-9)

Volume 4 (Recovery):

No full Fang radicalization—Sienna meets Salem post-Beacon

Fang aids Grimm sieges subtly (e.g., Shion raid targeted at humans)

Blake's Menagerie arc: Confronts Sienna (appeals to old ideals)

Redeems Ilia faster through showing Sienna's corruption

Heroes unite sooner; Qrow scouts Fang-Salem link

Volume 5 (Haven):

Sienna leads attack but hesitates on mass destruction

Chastises Adam's extremism if he interferes

Haven holds partially—relic secured by heroes

Adam's rogue actions expose cracks in alliance

Sienna begins questioning Salem's true intentions

Volume 6 (Argus/Atlas Journey):

Fang infiltrates Argus for Salem—targeted Faunus uprisings divide Atlas forces

Adam dies in train ambush (no Haven leadership)

Blake/Yang face Sienna as "big bad" proxy

Confrontation forces Blake to argue ideology vs. methods

Volume 7-8 (Atlas War):

Unified Fang bolsters invasion—Sienna commands Faunus troops for "retaliation" against Ironwood's policies

Internal conflict: Sienna defects mid-V8 upon learning Salem's endgame

Her pragmatism and empathy for lives overrides manipulation

Atlas falls harder initially, but heroes exploit Fang schism

Sienna possibly sacrifices herself to expose Salem's lies to her followers

Volume 9 (Ever After):

Less Fang remnants—focus on Salem's core forces

Sienna (if survives) aids heroes post-defection, redeeming White Fang arc

Post-V9: Rebuilt peaceful Fang under Ghira/Blake

Sienna's defection becomes symbol of choosing unity over division

Conclusion

This AU strengthens Salem early (disciplined allies) but sows seeds for betrayal via Sienna's pragmatism

Makes the story more about ideological manipulation than brute terrorism

Salem's manipulation tactics mirror her canon approach: exploit grievances, promise power, hide true goals

Sienna's retaliatory philosophy makes her vulnerable to Salem's framing of humanity

But her level-headedness and pragmatism ultimately lead to questioning the alliance

Heroes win through appeals to shared humanity, echoing themes of White Fang's corrupted evolution

Shows how even well-intentioned leaders can be manipulated by those exploiting legitimate grievances

How Hazel Rainart Can Work as a Deeply Personal Enemy for Team RWBY

Hazel never directly fought RWBY for most of the series — his hatred was laser-focused on Ozpin. But with just a few logical extensions and revelations, he can easily become an enemy who hits every single girl where it hurts the most: emotionally, ideologically, and personally.

Ruby Ruby is the only actual child soldier in the room, so Hazel’s accusation that Ozpin “uses children and throws them away” lands hardest on her. She can’t fully deny it — she’s living proof. At the same time, she would sympathize with Gretchen’s death (it mirrors Summer’s disappearance), but she’d push back hard: “She died fighting Grimm, the same thing we all signed up to do. Ozpin didn’t force her — Salem did, by making the Grimm in the first place.” If Hazel ever learned that Summer Rose went on a solo mission for Ozpin and never came back… he would 100% blame Ozpin, and by extension blame Ruby for still following “the man who killed both our mothers.” That turns sympathy into something twisted and personal.

Weiss Hazel almost killed her in Haven. One punch would have ended the Schnee heiress forever, and Whitley would have grown up never seeing his sister again. That near-death experience could be the final wake-up call that makes Weiss realize how fragile her family ties actually are. Hazel becomes the living embodiment of “anyone can die at any moment because of this war Ozpin started.” Bonus points if Hazel later mocks her with “Your father sold dust that got my sister killed, little Schnee. I should thank him — he gave me the perfect reason to erase his legacy, starting with you.”

Blake This one is the most fascinating because Blake is the only person who could actually understand Hazel’s rage. She watched Adam spiral into vengeance exactly the same way: a good person, consumed by grief and justified anger, until he became the very monster he hated. Hazel is Adam if he’d been bigger, stronger, and given magic steroids by Salem. Blake would feel sick seeing the parallel. She might even try to talk him down at first… only for Hazel to throw Sienna Khan’s death and the White Fang’s destruction in her face: “You ran. I stayed and avenged them. Don’t lecture me about peace, coward.” That makes him the dark mirror of what Blake could have become.

Yang Perfect foil duo. Both are the big, protective older siblings who fight with raw physical power and Dust infused in their own bodies. Both lost (or believe they lost) a family member because of Ozpin’s war. Yang would genuinely feel for the guy who lost his little sister… right up until he tries to murder Oscar (a literal child) in front of her. Then it flips: “You think you’re the only one who lost someone? I watched my mom disappear, my dad fall apart, and my sister almost die because of this war. But I didn’t start helping the woman who wants to end the world!” Hazel becomes the embodiment of rage allowed to fester too long — the warning of what Yang could still turn into if she ever lets vengeance win again.

Conclusion Hazel doesn’t need to hate RWBY from the start. He just needs to see them as Ozpin’s latest batch of child soldiers willingly marching to their deaths. To him, killing them is mercy — putting down the next generation of victims before they end up like Gretchen. That ideology clashes directly with everything the girls believe, and forces each of them to confront the ugliest truths about the world they’re fighting for.

(Also seeing Yang don this to Hazel would be funny)

Theories on Why Salem Didn’t Control More Villain Factions or Manipulate More Than Six People to Work Together Effectively

Using the canon details from the provided RWBY wiki entry on Salem's Inner Circle, I'll theorize why Salem, despite her millennia-long campaign and immense power, limited her direct control to a small group (six key members: Cinder, Tyrian, Hazel, Watts, Vermillion, and later the Asturias siblings) and didn’t consolidate more villain factions or manipulate a larger network to work cohesively. These theories are grounded in her goals, personality, and strategic constraints as described.

1. Salem’s Need for Absolute Control Limits the Size of Her Inner Circle

Canon Basis: Salem’s warning to her followers—“The moment you put your desires before my own... they will be lost to you. This isn’t a threat, this is simply the truth. The path to your desires is only found... through me”—reveals her demand for unwavering loyalty. She prioritizes absolute obedience over managing a sprawling network, as a larger group increases the risk of betrayal or conflicting agendas.

Theory: Salem deliberately keeps her inner circle small to maintain tight control. Manipulating more than a handful of people risks dissent, as seen with Hazel’s defection after learning her true goal (summoning the Gods to destroy Remnant) or Cinder’s repeated disobedience (e.g., pursuing Penny against orders). A larger group could amplify such issues, especially since each member has personal motivations (Hazel’s revenge, Watts’ grudge, Tyrian’s fanaticism) that require careful management. Controlling numerous factions like the White Fang or Hana Guild directly would dilute her ability to enforce loyalty, as evidenced by Adam Taurus’ independent actions leading to his expulsion after Haven’s failure.

Why Not More Factions? Coordinating multiple villainous groups (e.g., the White Fang, Hana Guild, or other criminal networks like Roman Torchwick’s) would require delegating authority, which Salem avoids. Her killing of Leonardo Lionheart for his failure shows she discards those who don’t meet her standards. Managing disparate factions with their own leaders (e.g., Sienna Khan or Jacques Schnee) risks rebellion or inefficiency, as seen when Adam killed Sienna to seize control, disrupting Salem’s plans.

2. Salem’s Strategy Relies on Precision and Specialized Skills, Not Numbers

Canon Basis: The Inner Circle’s members are chosen for specific roles: Cinder as the Maiden power vessel, Tyrian for tracking and assassination, Watts for technological sabotage, Hazel for brute force, Vermillion for artifact hunting, and the Asturias siblings for Vacuo operations. Each fills a niche in her plan to secure the Relics and destroy the Academies.

Theory: Salem prioritizes quality over quantity, selecting individuals with unique skills or motivations that align with her goals. Manipulating more people or factions could lead to redundancy or conflicts, as seen when Cinder’s underlings (Emerald, Mercury, Neo) clashed with her leadership, or when Raven Branwen only allied briefly for self-preservation. A larger network might lack the precision needed to infiltrate Ozma’s defenses, like accessing the heavily guarded Vaults. For example, Watts’ hacking in Atlas or Lionheart’s insider intel in Mistral required specialized betrayal, not mass recruitment. Salem likely avoided broader villain alliances (e.g., controlling all of Mistral’s underworld beyond Vermillion’s Hana Guild) because they’re harder to direct toward her specific endgame—unlocking the Relics to summon the Gods.

Why Not Better Coordination? Her current circle struggles with cohesion due to clashing personalities (Cinder’s ambition vs. Tyrian’s loyalty, Mercury’s indifference vs. Hazel’s principles). A larger group or more factions would exacerbate this, as Salem would need to micromanage competing egos or agendas, diverting focus from her Relic hunt.

3. Salem’s Immortality and Long-Term Perspective Discourage Broad Alliances

Canon Basis: Salem’s Inner Circle has existed for millennia, but its modern form is recent, with members like Cinder, Tyrian, and Watts recruited in recent decades. Her true goal (destroying Remnant to end her immortality) requires all four Relics, a task she’s pursued patiently across centuries.

Theory: As an immortal, Salem operates on a timescale where short-term alliances with volatile factions (like the White Fang or other criminal groups) are less valuable than a small, controllable team. Historically, her subordinates like the unnamed female warrior or Tock were deployed for specific missions (killing Ozma or Silver-Eyed Warriors), suggesting she prefers temporary, focused operatives over sprawling networks. Building a vast coalition of villains risks exposure to Ozma’s group, who’ve countered her for millennia. For instance, her limited alliance with the White Fang under Adam collapsed after Haven, and the Hana Guild served only as Vermillion’s tool, not a core faction. Salem likely sees large-scale manipulation as unsustainable, given her past failures (e.g., Tock’s death due to recklessness).

Why Limited Manipulation? Salem manipulates through personal promises (e.g., Hazel’s revenge, Cinder’s power), which are tailored to individuals. Scaling this to dozens of people or factions would strain her ability to deliver, risking rebellion. Her torture of Cinder for disobedience shows she enforces loyalty through fear and reward, a method less effective with larger, less personal groups.

4. The Nature of Remnant’s Villain Factions Limits Cooperation

Canon Basis: The White Fang, under Adam, allied with Salem but pursued its own Faunus-centric goals, leading to friction (Hazel’s discontent with Sienna’s death). Other allies like Raven or Lionheart acted out of self-interest, not loyalty, and defected or failed. Cinder’s faction (Emerald, Mercury, Neo) shows internal strife, with Emerald defecting and Neo blackmailing Cinder.

Theory: Remnant’s villainous factions are too self-serving or ideologically driven to align seamlessly under Salem. The White Fang prioritized Faunus rights, not her world-ending agenda, and Adam’s takeover destabilized their usefulness. Similarly, criminal groups like Roman’s or the Hana Guild focus on profit or local power, not global destruction. Salem likely avoids uniting them because their goals conflict with hers, and forcing cooperation could alert Ozpin’s group (e.g., Qrow uncovering Lionheart’s betrayal). Even within her Inner Circle, coordination falters—Cinder’s defiance, Hazel’s defection, and Watts’ betrayal by Cinder show how even a small group struggles to work together. A larger coalition would amplify these fractures, especially since Salem’s true goal (world destruction) alienates potential allies, as seen with Hazel and Emerald’s defections.

Why Not Manipulate More? Salem’s manipulation requires deep psychological leverage, which is resource-intensive. She recruited Tyrian by saving him, Hazel by offering vengeance, and Watts by exploiting his grudge. Scaling this to dozens of people or factions would dilute her influence, especially since many villains (e.g., Adam or Raven) prioritize their own survival or power over her apocalyptic vision.

5. Salem’s Reliance on Grimm and Isolation Reduces the Need for Human Allies

Canon Basis: Salem’s headquarters, Evernight Castle, and her mobile base, Monstra, are in the Land of Darkness, tied to the Creatures of Grimm, which she commands effortlessly. Her Inner Circle operates as an extension of her will, not a replacement for her Grimm armies.

Theory: Salem’s primary strength lies in her control over Grimm, which don’t require manipulation or loyalty and can be deployed en masse (e.g., her Atlas assault). Human allies are a secondary tool for infiltrating human societies where Grimm can’t operate subtly. She limits her human circle to a few key players because they’re sufficient to handle tasks like stealing Maiden powers or sabotaging academies, while Grimm handle brute-force destruction. Controlling more factions or people would require integrating them into her Grimm-centric strategy, which is impractical given their human limitations (e.g., fear of Grimm like The Hound). Her isolation in the Land of Darkness also suggests a preference for minimal human contact, relying on fear and mystique to keep her small circle in line rather than managing a sprawling network.

Why Poor Cooperation? Salem’s authoritarian style (e.g., punishing Cinder, killing Lionheart) fosters fear but not teamwork. Her followers compete for her favor (Cinder vs. Watts, Tyrian’s blind devotion vs. Hazel’s doubts), and she seems to encourage this to prevent unified rebellion. A larger group or more factions would make this dynamic unmanageable, as seen when Cinder’s ambition repeatedly disrupts group cohesion.

Conclusion

Theories on Why Salem's Inner Circle Took So Long to Locate and Target the Maidens Until Cinder Fall's Involvement

Based on the provided canon details from the RWBY wiki on Salem's Inner Circle, I'll outline some reasoned theories for the delay in effectively finding and pursuing the Maidens. These are speculative but grounded in the timeline, group dynamics, and challenges described. Salem's conflict with Ozma spans millennia, yet her systematic hunt for the Maidens—whose powers unlock the Relic Vaults—only ramps up with her modern recruits, particularly Cinder. Here's why that might be:

1. The Secrecy and Random Nature of Maiden Power Transfers Made Early Detection Extremely Difficult

The Maidens' powers pass to a random young woman (typically under 30) upon the previous holder's death, often based on the dying Maiden's last thoughts. This unpredictability would make tracking them a logistical nightmare without insider knowledge or widespread surveillance.

Ozma (Ozpin's previous incarnations) designed the system this way to protect the Relics, hiding the Maidens' identities even from most allies. For example, the Spring Maiden had been missing for years before Tyrian's hunt, and the Fall Maiden (Amber) was kept secret and protected by Ozpin's group.

In earlier eras, Salem's subordinates like the unnamed female warrior or Tock were focused on direct assassinations (e.g., killing Ozma's incarnations or Silver-Eyed Warriors) rather than a broad search for elusive, hidden figures. Without a network of spies in the Kingdoms or academies, Salem couldn't pinpoint Maidens until she built her current circle, which includes infiltrators like Leonardo Lionheart (who provided intel on Huntsmen but could have helped with Maiden leads).

2. Salem's Earlier Subordinates Lacked the Skills, Loyalty, or Resources for a Sustained Maiden Hunt

Historical members, such as the female warrior (who targeted "The Infinite Man" and The Circle millennia ago) or Tock (who hunted Silver-Eyed Warriors decades prior), were more like lone operatives or raiders focused on elimination rather than intelligence-gathering or power theft. Tock ignored Salem's advice on her Semblance, leading to her death, suggesting early followers were unreliable or short-lived.

Salem's group has existed for millennia, but the "inner circle" as a coordinated faction seems relatively modern. Recent recruits like Cinder, Tyrian, Hazel, Watts, and Vermillion Raddock bring specialized skills: Cinder's ambition and Grimm-based power-stealing method (key for becoming a "vessel" for Maiden powers), Watts' tech expertise for infiltration (e.g., hacking in Atlas), and Tyrian's tracking prowess (he was assigned to hunt the Spring Maiden before being redirected).

Before this, Salem may have lacked a team capable of operating in human societies without drawing attention. Grimm are her natural allies, but they're mindless and can't infiltrate academies or Kingdoms effectively. Building a human inner circle took time, possibly because potential recruits needed personal motivations (e.g., Hazel's revenge for his sister, Watts' grudge against Ironwood) that only arose in recent decades.

3. Ozma's Evolving Defenses and the Establishment of Academies Delayed Salem's Progress

The Relics were hidden in Vaults beneath the Huntsman Academies, which Ozma founded relatively recently (post-Great War, about 80 years before the series). Before the academies existed, the Maidens might have been nomadic or less centralized, but Ozma's system made them guardians tied to specific locations—yet still hard to access without knowing their identities.

Salem's past efforts focused on disrupting Ozma's broader plans, like slaughtering The Circle or hunting Silver-Eyed Warriors (a threat to Grimm). The Maidens, being a later creation by Ozma, might not have been a priority until he fortified the Relics behind them. Even then, successful infiltration required waiting for vulnerabilities, like corrupting Lionheart or allying with groups like the White Fang.

Failures in early attempts could have set her back. For instance, if previous subordinates tried and failed (similar to Tock's demise), Salem might have shifted focus to weakening Ozma's influence first—destroying Beacon, then targeting Haven, Atlas, and now Vacuo—before fully committing to Maiden hunts.

4. Salem's Long-Term Strategy Prioritized Building Power Over Immediate Action

Salem warns her followers that their desires come second to hers, emphasizing patience: Relics first, personal goals later. This suggests a deliberate, methodical approach rather than rushed aggression, possibly to avoid alerting Ozma too early or wasting resources.

Her true goal (summoning the Gods to destroy Remnant and end her immortality) requires all four Relics, so partial Maiden successes wouldn't suffice. Until she had a reliable "vessel" like Cinder—who could absorb powers via Grimm methods (developed recently?)—killing Maidens might just scatter the powers randomly, making them harder to reclaim.

Recent events show acceleration: Tyrian hunted the Spring Maiden pre-Beacon, but only Cinder successfully stole powers (half from Amber). This implies Salem waited for the right tool (Cinder) and timing (e.g., after recruiting Watts for tech support or Vermillion for artifact hunts in Mistral).

The Obsidian Hand: Structure and Operations

Ideology: The Obsidian Hand seeks to eradicate Ozpin’s influence and dismantle the Huntsman Academies, which Hazel blames for his sister Gretchen’s death (Page 130). Publicly, they present a facade of seeking “true freedom” from corrupt systems, appealing to disaffected groups like former White Fang members, rogue Huntsmen, and criminals (Page 2, Page 55).

Operations:

Recruitment: The faction recruits from disillusioned Faunus, ex-White Fang members alienated by Adam Taurus’s extremism (Page 5, Page 97), and opportunistic criminals drawn to Roman’s charisma and Cinder’s power (Page 77, Page 44). Hazel’s “noble demon” persona (Page 127) attracts those who see him as a principled avenger.

Territorial Control: They operate from lawless regions or urban underworlds, controlling Dust supplies, trade routes, and information networks (Page 78). Strongholds might be established in places like Mistral’s Kuchinashi (Page 67) or Anima’s bandit territories (Page 34).

Tactics: The faction combines Hazel’s brute force, Roman’s strategic manipulation, Cinder’s destructive Maiden powers, and Neo’s stealth and illusions to destabilize kingdoms, target Ozpin’s allies, and seize Relics (Page 105).

Internal Dynamics:

Hazel vs. Cinder: Hazel’s focus on Ozpin clashes with Cinder’s ambition for personal power (Page 49), creating tension. Hazel’s moral aversion to unnecessary violence (Page 127) conflicts with Cinder’s sadism (Page 49), but their mutual goal of dismantling Ozpin’s network keeps them aligned.

Roman’s Role: Roman acts as the mediator, using his cunning to balance Hazel and Cinder while advancing his own interests (Page 78). His loyalty is primarily to Neo and himself, always keeping an escape plan (Page 166).

Neo’s Loyalty: Neo’s unwavering devotion to Roman (Page 150) makes her the faction’s most reliable member, executing missions with precision and protecting Roman at all costs.

Hazel Rainart: The Unchained Fury

Faction: Leader of the Obsidian Hand.

Motivation: Hazel’s singular focus is Ozpin’s destruction, driven by Gretchen’s death during a training mission (Page 130). Without Salem, his rage is unburdened, and he seeks to dismantle the Huntsman Academies to prevent “more Gretchens” (Page 131).

Role and Goals:

Leadership: Hazel’s immense strength, pain-nullifying Semblance, and Dust-enhanced combat abilities (Page 125) make him the faction’s primary combatant and moral center. He leads with a zealous focus on Ozpin, using overwhelming force to crush opposition.

Targeting Academies: He would attack Beacon, Shade, and Atlas Academies, viewing them as Ozpin’s tools for sacrificing young lives (Page 132). His operations might involve direct assaults or sabotaging Academy defenses.

Pragmatism: While Hazel avoids unnecessary violence, his broadened definition of “necessary” (Page 127) allows him to tolerate Roman’s schemes and Cinder’s destruction if they serve his vendetta.

Challenges: Hazel’s single-mindedness could blind him to Cinder’s ambition or Roman’s self-interest, risking betrayal. His compassion (e.g., helping Oscar, Page 127) might also create vulnerabilities if exploited by Ozpin’s allies.

Roman Torchwick: The Cunning Opportunist

Faction: Key strategist of the Obsidian Hand.

Motivation: Roman seeks survival and personal gain, exploiting the power vacuum to build his own criminal empire (Page 165). He joins Hazel for the opportunity to profit from chaos, not out of ideological alignment.

Role and Goals:

Strategy and Manipulation: Roman handles logistics, stealing Dust and technology, and manipulating criminal networks (Page 78). His information-brokering skills (Page 77) allow him to gather intelligence on Ozpin’s movements and allies.

Public Face: His charismatic, Faux Affably Evil demeanor (Page 165) makes him the faction’s negotiator, deceiving authorities and recruiting followers. He might frame the Obsidian Hand’s actions as a rebellion against corrupt systems to gain public support.

Protecting Neo: Roman ensures Neo’s safety, relying on her loyalty and combat prowess (Page 150) to execute high-risk missions.

Challenges: Roman’s lack of true loyalty to Hazel or Cinder (Page 166) could lead to conflicts if his self-interest diverges. His tendency to flee when outmatched (Page 166) might undermine the faction’s cohesion.

Cinder Fall: The Ascendant Predator

Faction: Enforcer of the Obsidian Hand.

Motivation: Freed from Salem, Cinder’s lust for power intensifies (Page 49). She seeks to become the ultimate force on Remnant by acquiring all Maiden powers and Relics, viewing Ozpin as a symbol of the oppressive structures she despises (Page 51).

Role and Goals:

Combat Powerhouse: Cinder’s Fall Maiden powers, Scorching Caress Semblance, and Shadow Hand (Pages 52-53) make her a devastating force in direct confrontations. She targets Maidens like Penny Polendina (Page 107) and Relics to enhance her power.

Independent Action: Cinder often acts on her own, pushing for aggressive tactics that align with her goal of dominance (Page 49). She might undermine Hazel’s authority if she sees an opportunity to seize control.

Destabilizing Kingdoms: Cinder’s willingness to murder civilians (Page 49) and betray allies (e.g., pushing Neo into the void, Page 50) makes her a key player in sowing chaos to weaken Ozpin’s allies.

Challenges: Cinder’s impatience and intolerance for fear (Page 49) could lead to reckless decisions, alienating Hazel or Roman. Her rivalry with Neo over Ruby’s fate (Page 150) might also fracture the faction.

Neopolitan: The Silent Shadow

Faction: Loyal subordinate in the Obsidian Hand, serving Roman.

Motivation: Neo’s loyalty to Roman drives her actions, alongside her desire for vengeance against Ruby Rose for Roman’s perceived death (Page 150). She follows Roman’s lead without question.

Role and Goals:

Stealth and Assassination: Neo’s Semblance, which creates physical illusions (Page 153), and her combat skills make her ideal for infiltration, espionage, and assassinations. She gathers intelligence and eliminates key targets.

Protecting Roman: Neo acts as Roman’s bodyguard, using her agility and illusions to shield him from threats (Page 151). Her loyalty ensures she prioritizes his safety over Hazel’s or Cinder’s goals.

Targeting Ruby: Neo’s vendetta against Ruby (Page 156) aligns with the faction’s anti-Ozpin agenda, as Ruby is a key ally of Ozpin. She might pursue Ruby independently, creating tension with Cinder.

Challenges: Neo’s singular focus on Roman and Ruby could make her a wildcard if Roman’s interests diverge from Hazel’s. Her mute nature (Page 154) limits her ability to mediate internal conflicts.

Other Inner Circle Members: Faction Choices and Goals

Tyrian Callows

Faction Choice: Takes Over the Hana Guild

Rationale: Tyrian’s sadistic, chaotic nature and worship of destruction (Page 145) make him incompatible with the Obsidian Hand’s structured vendetta. The Hana Guild, a Mistral-based crime syndicate dealing in narcotics and magical artifacts (Page 67), suits his penchant for violence and lack of restraint. He would likely kill Vermillion Raddock (Page 89) to seize control, using his combat prowess and scorpion tail (Page 141) to dominate the Guild.

Goals:

Spreading Chaos: Tyrian would escalate the Guild’s operations, trafficking artifacts to destabilize Mistral and beyond (Page 86). His love of destruction (Page 145) would drive him to unleash Grimm or cause widespread havoc.

Hunting Ruby: Tyrian’s obsession with Ruby (Page 146) would persist, potentially putting him at odds with Neo and Cinder, who also target her. He might use the Guild’s resources to track her, clashing with the Obsidian Hand.

Sadistic Control: Tyrian’s unsettling behavior and implied death threats (Page 143) would keep Guild members in line through fear, though his erratic nature could destabilize the organization.

Interaction with Obsidian Hand: Tyrian would view the Obsidian Hand as rivals, especially Cinder, whom he mocks (Page 142). His chaotic actions might inadvertently aid their destabilization efforts but would also create conflicts over resources or targets like Ruby.

Arthur Watts

Faction Choice: Leads Merlot Industries or a New Tech Faction

Rationale: Watts’ expertise in hacking, virus creation, and disdain for Ironwood (Page 119) align with Merlot Industries’ focus on AI and Grimm experimentation (Page 113). He would likely overthrow Dr. Merlot (status unknown, Page 112) or form a new faction using stolen Atlas technology (Page 21), leveraging his digital consciousness capabilities (Page 23).

Goals:

Revenge on Ironwood: Watts would target Atlas’s military, using his hacking skills to sabotage systems or create new threats like enhanced Grimm or androids (Page 113). His virus expertise (e.g., controlling Penny, Page 20) would be key.

Technological Dominance: Watts aims to prove his genius, developing advanced tech to outshine Pietro Polendina’s projects (Page 119). He might create a network-based empire, potentially uploading his consciousness for immortality (Page 23).

Strategic Manipulation: Watts’ pragmatic villainy (Page 123) would see him forming temporary alliances with criminal groups like the Wave (Page 85) to gain resources, but he would avoid direct allegiance to the Obsidian Hand.

Interaction with Obsidian Hand: Watts despises Cinder (Page 121) and would oppose the Obsidian Hand if their goals conflict with his revenge on Ironwood. He might exploit Roman’s information networks but would avoid Hazel’s brute-force approach, viewing it as inelegant.

Mercury Black

Faction Choice: Joins the Wave or Operates with Emerald Sustrai

Rationale: Mercury’s lack of ambition and focus on survival (Page 136) make him unlikely to lead a faction. His loyalty to Emerald and combat skills (Page 134) suit the Wave, a Mistral crime family dealing in stolen goods and artifacts (Page 85). Alternatively, he might form a mercenary duo with Emerald, avoiding large factions like the Obsidian Hand.

Goals:

Survival and Profit: Mercury would take on high-risk missions for the Wave, using his prosthetic legs and assassin training to secure resources (Page 137). His sadistic streak (Page 139) would drive him to enjoy these tasks.

Loyalty to Emerald: If Emerald defects (Page 109), Mercury might follow, forming a small, agile team to take contracts from various factions, including the Obsidian Hand or Hana Guild.

Avoiding Tyrian: Mercury’s tense relationship with Tyrian (Page 133) would push him to distance himself from the Hana Guild, seeking safer allies in the Wave or with Emerald.

Interaction with Obsidian Hand: Mercury would work with the Obsidian Hand if paid well, leveraging Roman’s criminal connections (Page 78). However, his lack of ideological commitment would make him unreliable, and Cinder’s dominance might provoke resistance.

Potential Conflicts and Alliances

Obsidian Hand vs. Hana Guild: The Obsidian Hand’s structured vendetta would clash with Tyrian’s chaotic Hana Guild. Tyrian’s pursuit of Ruby (Page 146) would pit him against Neo and Cinder, leading to violent confrontations over territory or artifacts.

Obsidian Hand vs. Watts’ Faction: Watts’ technological ambitions would conflict with the Obsidian Hand’s anti-Academy focus, especially if Hazel targets Atlas. Watts might sabotage their operations to protect his own interests, using his hacking skills to disrupt Roman’s networks.

Mercury and Emerald’s Role: As mercenaries, Mercury and Emerald could work for any faction, including the Obsidian Hand, but their defection potential (Page 109) makes them unpredictable. They might undermine Cinder if their loyalty shifts.