“The Inferno speaks through us all.”
-- Kthalenje, Infernal Harbinger
Born of destruction, of heat, of magma, the fire scholar calls forth all the most offensive powers in the world. Wanton incineration is their bread and butter.
Introduction
Fire is among the oldest of the mystic arts, discovered first by the nefortu and the srryn. Blended with the ambition and curiosity of humanity, the three sparked the War of Fire, a conflict which reduced cities and forests to ash. In the following millennia, the emergence of the shuddeni brought new refinement to the sphere, and the incursion of fire devils introduced new applications of old concepts. Scholars of fire have brought an uneasy detente to Yithoul, stoked the forges of countless smiths, brought heat to great city-states, and laid waste to countless armies.
Minor scholars of the flame delve into all aspects of the sphere, learning both some of the empowering benedictions fire offers and a taste of its destruction. The major sphere focuses primarily on enhancing and refining the latter, producing most of the sphere’s mainstay attacks. Greater fire scholars gain unparalleled mastery of destruction, and can draw the flames unto themselves such that they might even bypass death itself.
Resonating with both chaotic and evil tendancies, none who are good or lawful may call upon the magics of flame. The primary patron of fire scholars is Bayyal, who is particularly favored by the nefortu; the aelin, on the other hand, may call upon Alil, while the shuddeni may be inclined to Arkhural. However, deific patronage is hardly required, as destroyers are as content to take one life as they are another.
Lineages
Traits
Greater Paths
At creation, a scholar may choose to focus on one element, and thereby become a greater scholar of that element. Such magi gain access to the greater paths later in their career.
Flameheart
A path for those who pursue the power of the fire devils, inspired and guided by the legendary abomination, Kyez-Ralin.
Undying Blaze
These magi seek the seeds of the War of Fire, invoking ancient powers which indiscriminately destroy the living.
Infernal Harbinger
Inspired by the shuddeni, these spellcasters use focused fire to torment and incinerate their enemies.
Mixed Spheres
All scholars have the option of choosing a minor field of study to complement their major, a choice which grants them access to the lesser spells of that sphere. The increased awareness of both forms of magic sometimes lends greater insight into the Art than either alone, allowing for certain ‘mixed-sphere’ abilities, such as fire and earth combining to form lava.
Fire/Water
A mage of these spheres gains mastery of thermics even as he blends creation and destruction to great effect.
Fire/Void
An adept of these arts is greatly feared as a master of both havoc and damnation.
Fire/Spirit
An adept of these arts is greatly feared as a master of both havoc and damnation.