Congregation of the Eternal Flame
Many circles of mages and scholarly folk alike do not look favorably upon the Congregation of the Eternal Flame. At a glance, they appear to be nothing more than highly specialized wizards and other Arcane scholars, but their reputation for loud manners and even louder expeditions of their craft have led to more than a few hearty complaints leveled at their feet, along with demands for compensation in regards to their own collateral damage.
Structure
The Congregation and their congregants see themselves as a sort of family and therefore have adopted a pseudo-family, pastoral, structure. In large groups, The flock is led by a Fire Keeper. As the groups begin to break away from the larger groups, they rely on the leadership and wisdom of a Choker and a Stoker. Two individuals, whom take a leadership role in the smaller, more mobile, groups that explore and experiment with their practices on their journeys. They are meant to act as a sort of balance for each other.
A smaller group, noted within the congregation are the Flame-Tonged. These individuals are seen with a great deal of reverence, but are also observed with wariness, fear, and awe. Flame-Tonged are said to have been blessed by the Eternal Fire, and therefore have abilities and powers far beyond that of the average Congregant. Many of the Flame-Tonged act as guardians for their flocks as well as avengers should their flock be felled in any way.
The leader of the Congregation is the Hearth Master, one who remains at the Hearth-Home and tends to the flame. They are said to observe visions in the fire and learn the secrets of the flame, which they then teach to their Congregants.
Public Agenda
The Congregation seek knowledge above all, but some more zealots flocks have been known to vie for dominion in some way. They journey around the world learning and compiling all manner of Flame based Evocation spells and other Arcane-craft surrounding the element. Their search for pure understanding and control of flame has led them to being seen as quite brutal at times, since their one and only tool in negotiations when diplomacy has failed is calling down great firestorms. Regardless, the Congregation does not openly seek conflict, finding more joy in their research and experimentation of their firecraft.
Territories
The Congregation has never been well loved by more stable, less prone to explosive, demographics. They tend to remain far beyond the borders of towns and cities, venturing or dwelling within only for a short time to resupply or seek aid for an experiment gone wrong. Their communes are few and far between, not a common occurrence on any journey, unless a mutual interest leads them in the direction of a traveling party.
They have, however, been known to dwell within the borders of Mesomine. A faction clad in red would be welcomed there, though they do not actively entreat or engage in the Cabal politics there. Their home fortress of Hearth-Home can be found in the province of Oriban.
Military
As a collective of Arcane scholars, the Congregations does not have a standing military force. Most, if not all of their ranks are battle-ready, with an intimate knowledge and skill in Evocation magic, much of their conflict is resolved in a traditional duel between opposing champions. This honor is reserved primarily for the flock's Flame-Tonged. However barbaric it may seem to more civilized company, it is apart of the duty and role of the Flame-Tonged to accept and answer challenges on behalf of their flock. For this reason Flame-Tonged are trained in a variety of martial arts so as to fill this need and role when required.
Religion
Hailing from Mesomine, it is to be expected that the Congregation would count themselves faithful to the Red Faith of the Cabal. That being said, they have added the Eternal Flame to the roster of their religious doctrine alongside Ostrix and his two daughters. This addition to the pantheon seems only to run in the Congregation, however.
The Congregation does also adhere to the Rite of Ascension, though, this does not happen frequently. Only Hearth Masters and Flame-Tonged are allowed this rite and their bodies are interred as ash in clay vases, sculpted to bear a resemblance to the deceased. Any teachings these few would pass down is then added to the Tome of Fire, also kept in Hearth-Home.
All things in the world may turn to ash.
Type
Guild, Mages
Alternative Names
The Congregation, Flame Callers, Red Wizards, Red Bastards
Demonym
Congregants
Leader
Leader Title
Government System
Tribalism
Official State Religion
Subsidiary Organizations
Related Ranks & Titles
