Editing Elias Crichell

{{Update Needed|[[Era Report: 3052]]|[[Technical Readout: 3057 Revised]]|[[Operational Turning Points: REVIVAL Trials]]}}

{{InfoBoxCharacter
| image               = Elias_Crichell_ER3062.jpg
| caption             = Elias Crichell
| name                = Elias Crichell
| birthdate           = [[2992]]<ref name=ER3052-84>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 84: "Elias Crichell Profile"</ref>
| died                = 2 January [[3058]]<ref name=MIp81>''Malicious Intent'', p. 81</ref>
| othernames          = 
| affiliation         = [[Clan Jade Falcon]]
| rank                = [[IlKhan of the Clans|ilKhan]]
| title               =
| position            = 
| profession          = [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]
| parents             = 
| siblings            = 
| spouse              = 
| children            = 
}}

'''Elias Crichell''' was [[Khan]] of [[Clan Jade Falcon]] during the [[Clan Invasion]], and was nicknamed the "Jade Hawk" amongst his warriors. He briefly became [[ilKhan]] before his death at the hands of [[Vlad Ward]]. He was replaced as Khan by [[Marthe Pryde]].

== History ==
=== Early Life ===
Elias was born on the Clan world of [[Gatekeeper]] in a second-rate ''[[Sibko|sibko]]'' at the Red Fist Communal Birthing Facilities. His birth was conceived from unremarkable warriors' DNA, and he was treated as a low-birth warrior.

His ''sibko'' transferred to [[Ironhold]] where they received their military training.  Elias was the only one of his ''sibko'' to survive the training to become a [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]], where he bested two of his surviving ''[[Sibkin|sibkin]]'' in their [[Trial of Position]]. Allegedly, his victory was questioned, taking several hours to decide the deed worthy of the honor due to the outcome of his Trial.<ref>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 18: ''Ristar'' Elias Crichell - Early life facts about Elias Crichell</ref>

=== Early Military Career & Rise to Power ===
He was assigned to [[Vau Galaxy (Clan Jade Falcon)|Peregrine Galaxy]] where he began his military career. In his first years with the Peregrine, he fought and won inter-Clan skirmishes and duels where he began to build his reputation.  He particularly focused on [[Clan Wolf]], and was known for disputes with them.  In one of the highlights of these clashes with the Wolves, he fought and won a duel with a Bloodnamed Wolf warrior while he himself had not yet earned a [[Bloodname|Bloodname]].  The Wolves developed an animosity toward him during this time.

During this time, he had begun to make his way into Clan politics, and gained the ear of elite Falcon Warriors.  By the time he had earned the rank of [[Star Captain]], he had begun to gain influence with other [[Crusader Clans|Crusader political party]].
He traveled to many Falcon enclaves, working to rally support for the Crusader cause.  His political rise gained the notice of the aging Khan [[Yvonne Hazen]], who had begun to look for a successor and saw a worthy candidate in young Star Captain Elias.

She indirectly began to help Elias overcome the barriers that would have prevented him from rising to reach her rank.  Despite his age and lack of blood connecting him to the Founders, she eased the way for him by first giving him the rank of [[Star Colonel]] in [[3020]].  He was given command of the [[Turkina Keshik (Clan Jade Falcon)|Turkina Keshik]] after Khan Hazen retired from commanding the unit.  After a [[3021|year]] spent commanding the elite of the Clan, he earned the Crichell Bloodname.  Elias' rise to such a prominent posting with the Clan's ''[[touman]]'' sparked animosity between him and the other Khan of the Falcons, Sejanus Buhallin.  Elias' mentor, Khan Hazen, did not interfere with these growing tensions, which she saw as healthy competition between rivals.

In [[3028]], [[Wolf's Dragoons]] ceased sending reports to the Clan council. SaKhan Buhallin and his supporters were among the only ones who considered reports sent by the Dragoons seriously. Elias took advantage of the opportunity and used Buhallin's support of the Dragoons' "failed" recon mission against him.  Elias then successfully navigated the political fallout that caused, and used it to position himself as Khan Hazen's chosen successor.  Painting Buhallin as a [[Warden]] supporter with sympathies toward [[Freeborns|freeborns]], Crichell manipulated Buhallin into a series of challenges for 'Mech duels.  However, Khan Hazen stepped in, calling an end to the conflict, but in so doing she shamed Buhallin as the instigator of it.

This effectively spelled the end for Buhallin's support, and Elias was appointed as Hazen's successor.  Buhallin died a few months later in an ammunition explosion in his 'Mech, which allegedly was linked to Elias's supporters.<ref>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', pp. 18–19: ''Ristar'' Elias Crichell - Military & political career up to his appointment as junior Khan</ref> After Buhallin's death, Elias was installed as [[saKhan|junior Khan]] to Hazen.

=== Late Career & Clan Invasion ===
He presided over the Trials of [[Aidan Pryde|Aidan]], [[Joanna]] and [[Ter Roshak]] in the conspiracy to conceal Aidan's identity. After a guilty verdict and a successful [[Trial of Refusal]] by the defendants, Aidan would ultimately go on to win the "Pryde" [[Bloodname]].

{{Quote|''This day, fellow Khans, will be remembered years from now as the dawning of mankind's rebirth. No longer must these barbarian hordes suffer through the dark, violent night of their own folly. We are returning; we are the sun of righteousness that will illuminate those who dream of peace, and burn to ashes the demons and devils responsible for the darkness. ''|Khan Elias Crichell, to the Clan Grand Council, November 3048<ref name=JFS19>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 18: "The Go Vote"</ref><ref>''Dark Age: Touring the Stars (3130)'', p. 29: "Volume XV: The Falcon's Flight"</ref>}}

In [[3048]], Khan Crichell used his political savvy to petition the [[Grand Council]] to proceed with the invasion of the Inner Sphere. He used information from the recent capture of the [[ComStar]] JumpShip, ''[[Outbound Light]]'', to play on the Council's fears of the Inner Sphere maybe about to re-form the [[Star League]] without them.  After winning a [[Trial of Refusal]] with Clan Wolf on [[Strana Mechty]] over their objections proceed with the invasion.  After [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] Khan [[Leo Showers]]' elevation to ilKhan, the senior Falcon Khan Hazen retired, making Crichell senior and leading Khan of the Falcons.<ref>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', pp. 18–19: "Go Vote" - Elias pushes for the Invasion with Clan Smoke Jaguar and later becomes senior Khan of Jade Falcons</ref>

Some of Crichell's first acts proved him to be even more ruthless and conservative than his predecessor. He strengthened the ties to the Smoke Jaguars, exchanging land (such as [[Falcon Eyrie]] on Huntress), supplies, and genetic material. Shuffling of the Jade Falcon's upper echelon officers allowed him to reinforce his own position with supporters but later cost the Clan military effectiveness. Crichell revoked the power of [[Inter-Caste Councils]] and their arbitration powers that did not rest in the hands of the Warrior Caste. Brutally putting down a strike by lower caste workers, Khan Crichell attempted to justify this action by reinstating the [[Grace of Preeminence Clause]], an edict by Nicholas Kerensky in concert with [[Lisa Buhallin]] that gave the warriors the sole legal power at the head of Clan society. Though Crichell's strength was not as a warrior, he was an excellent political operator and was able to resolve the logistical difficulties the Falcons experienced fairly quickly. Many of his most ruthless actions were blamed on Crichell's shame at his mediocre Bloodheritage and overcompensating to not be accused of undeserving of such a high rank.<ref name=JFSB20>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 20: Khan Elias Crichell</ref>

Throughout most of the Clan Invasion, the Jade Falcons proved unstoppable, though as senior [[Khan]], Crichell developed a reputation for successfully blaming his junior [[saKhan]] for any and all setbacks. This included the debacle of the [[Battle of Twycross]] in [[3050]], the first defeat the Clans had suffered at the hands of Inner Sphere soldiers. This led to the removal of saKhan [[Timur Malthus]] and the disgrace of the entire Malthus bloodline. [[Vandervahn Chistu]] would take his place. Throughout his tenure, Crichell was perfectly willing to allow his saKhans to handle the day-to-day details of the Clan's plans, knowing it would insulate him from the stigma of failure.

The [[Battle of Tukayyid (3052)|Battle of Tukayyid]] was a tremendous setback to the Clans, but Crichell and Chistu successfully began rebuilding their ''touman'', with greater speed than most other invading Clans. In [[3054]], he ordered [[Battle of Morges (3054)|an invasion]] of the world of [[Morges]], which was ultimately turned back by FedCom troops with support from [[Wolf's Dragoons]].

===The Refusal War===
{{Quote|''I do not agree at all with what Ulric and his people are doing. As ilKhan, he has led our people down the road to ruin. Through these damnable [[Trial of Refusal|Trials of Refusal]], he is wasting resources and waste is something that a true Warrior cannot tolerate for long. He has turned his back on our very way of life, and I look forward to what our people shall do to him in the field. The fights will be quick and glorious; then we can turn our attention to where it belongs: [[Terra]]. But heed this. The Wolves, despite what we think of them, are Clan. As Clan, we shall treat them with honor. Then we will crush their throats and put an end to this mindless truce...''|Khan Elias Crichell, prior to the Battle for Wotan{{cn}}}}

Never content with the [[Treaty of Tukayyid]], Crichell and his fellow Crusaders trumped up charges to remove [[Ulric Kerensky]] from office as ilKhan in [[3057]]. Though successful, Ulric declared a Trial of Refusal, bidding the entire [[Wolf Clan]] ''touman'' in the attempt. The [[Refusal War]], conducted primarily by Chistu, had different goals for each side. The Wolves were determined to damage the Falcons to the point they could no longer continue the invasion. The Falcons sought to make the Wolves overextend themselves, and to cripple and destroy their leadership. To that end, the Falcons repeatedly sent second-line units against the front-line Wolf Clusters. Predictably, the second-line units were destroyed but the constant campaign did, in fact, wear down the front-line Wolf troops. [[Natasha Kerensky]] was killed on [[Twycross]], while Ulric was killed in an ambush by Chistu on [[Wotan]]. [[Phelan Kell]] took two [[Galaxy|Galaxies]] and left for the Inner Sphere. His Wolves and the [[Kell Hounds]] defeated the Falcons sent after them on [[Morges]], and eventually formed [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]].

Crichell initially planned to absorb the entire remaining Wolf Clan into the Jade Falcons. However, when [[Vlad Ward|Vlad]] emerged from the rubble on Wotan with the evidence that Chistu had killed Ulric dishonorably, Crichell finally saw his chance to remove a potential threat to his position. Vlad defeated and killed Chistu in single combat, and the Wolves remained independent of the Falcons, albeit they were renamed [[Clan Jade Wolf]].

=== ilKhan and Death ===
On January 2, [[3058]], Crichell, with Marthe Pryde installed as his new saKhan, was voted ilKhan of the Clans. Immediately following his election, [[Vlad Ward]] of Clan Jade Wolf challenged him to meet in a Trial of Grievance; Vlad challenged not the result of the vote elevating him to ilKhan, but Crichell's credentials as a Warrior directly. Chance determined the combat would be hand-to-hand. The younger and more capable Vlad easily defeated Crichell, despite Vlad having smashed his arm cast in a show of fortitude moments earlier. Thus, the Jade Wolves returned to simply being called the [[Wolf Clan]]. Marthe Pryde would succeed Crichell as Khan of the Jade Falcons, while [[Lincoln Osis]] would eventually succeed him as ilKhan.

===Legacy===
Elias was responsible for engineering the downfall of the original Clan Wolf through the Refusal War. Through his machinations Crichell was successful in weakening the Warden Clan, killing their leadership and dividing a permanent wedge between it. Although his victory over Ulric and his Wolves was a noteworthy feat, it was short-lived by his creation of [[Clan Jade Wolf]]. Vlad Ward used the new clan to gain influence and exposed Elias' lack of fighting prowess, defeating him in a trial. As a result of his actions, Clan Jade Falcon lost a few worlds pushing them back from Terra and Elias Crichell would be known in Clan history as having the shortest reign as ilKhan (a feat that would later be shared with [[Garret Sainze]] two decades later).

== BattleMechs ==
Crichell was known to pilot a ''[[Summoner (Thor)|Summoner]]'' [[OmniMech]] during the invasion.

== Quotes ==
{{quote|In Clan politics, success has more to do with speed, persistence, and aggressiveness than with less important qualities such as intelligence, morality, and soul.|Elias Crichell in conversation<ref name=JFS18>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 18: "Ristar Elias Crichell"</ref>}}

{{quote|Our forces will use Operation Revival to attack in much the same way an unseen falcon strikes at a fat, flying pigeon; with paralyzing surprise, undeniable momentum, and unstoppable force.  We will leave behind only a haze of blood and a flurry of feathers.|Elias Crichell in a speech to his commanding officers<ref name=JFS21>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 21: "Operation Revival"</ref>}}

{{Quote|''If the rest of the Inner Sphere offers us only as much resistance as the defenders we have just faced, we will soon stand on the sacred ground of Terra.''|Khan Elias Crichell<ref name="JF(SB)p28">''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 28: "Third Wave: Wings of Lightning"</ref>}}

== Notes ==
* It was indicated from a conversation between Elias and [[Vandervahn Chistu]] that he had intimate knowledge of the [[Red Corsair]] affair, to the point where he insisted that Chistu not even mention her.

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
Elias Crichell ER3052.jpg|Khan Elias Crichell, ca. 3050
Elias Crichell TFatW.jpg|Khan Elias Crichell, ca. 3057
Elias_Crichell_ER3062.jpg|Khan Elias Crichell, ca. 3058
Elias Crichell.jpg|Khan Elias Crichell
</gallery>


== References ==
<references />

== Bibliography ==
* ''[[Bloodname (novel)|Bloodname]]'' (novel)
* ''[[Bred for War]]'' (novel)
* ''[[Dark Age: Touring the Stars (3130)]]''
* ''[[Era Report: 3052]]''
* ''[[The Falcon and the Wolf]]''
* ''[[Jade Falcon Sourcebook]]''
* ''[[Malicious Intent]]'' (novel)


[[Category:Clan Jade Falcon Characters|Crichell, Elias]]
[[Category:Khans|Crichell, Elias]]
[[Category:ilKhans|Crichell, Elias]]
[[Category:Notable Summoner (Thor) Pilots|Crichell, Elias]]