The Fire Kin

If you were to choose a single word to describe the Fire Kin that word would be Passion. Just like the element at the core of their being, all of a Firekin emotions burn with a white hot fury that is like no other.

However, you would be mistaken if you thought Fire Kin are beings of only fury and rage. Fire Kin are known for their powerful offensive magic and enchantments. But, they are also an open and expressive people. Lively debate and vibrant displays of emotion are a way to fuel creativity, competition or camaraderie. Fire Kin experience Joy, Sadness, Love, Desire, Melancholy, in the same magnitude. Emotions are embraced in their culture and are seen as expressions of the soul.

Because Fire Kin feel such strong emotions they tend to follow their hearts and desires. “Follow Your Fire.” is a common piece of advice given by doting elders.

When a Fire Kin finds something they are passionate about nothing less than becoming a master will suffice. This has lead The Fire Kin to become Masters of many skills, from Alchemy to Smithing they will often seek out masters far and wide within the Fire Plane or beyond to receive training. The works of the Fire Kin masters are coveted by collectors in all planes. An example of just one of their crafts is their unique obsidian blades.

Fire Kin are not flawless beings. A unique pitfall of many younger Fire Kin is that they suffer from “Too much kindling.” A common term used by older Kin to describe one with passion but little technique. Firekin can be impatient, especially with themselves. It is not uncommon for a statue to crumble because the kin chose a pleasing color stone rather than one that would last. Or have a painting melt away because they did not mix their paint correctly.

On top of this Fire Kin do not handle negative criticism of their work well, most critics in the fire plane usually bring several fireproof potions. Fire Kin are known to be easy to anger, and their wrath can be all-consuming. However, once satisfied they do not hold grudges. Lastly Kin has a tendency to get rather upset when someone gets between them and their passion. If a Fire Kin truly wants something it is wise not to get in their way.

Birth and Childhood
Comming of age as a fire kin, The Rite of Sparks

Each year during The Month Of Wonder (July) usually young Fire Kin travel to the city of Pyre Valance to take place in a ceremony called “The Rite of Sparks.” or more formally known as “The Rite of True Flame.”

During this ceremony, each person brings a piece of art that they are proud of, whether it be their first painting, a sculpture, or even an intricate dance. They present these before Lord Fire as gifts for all he has done for them. Lord Fire himself claims this to be the ceremony that is the most sacred to him as a celebration of his children's growing talents and a chance for him to Tend The Flame of passion in each of his subjects.

Each of these gifts collected, and those that cannot be kept, like dance and songs, are recorded with magic crystals so Lord Fire can view them whenever he chooses. Within his home, Lord Fire keeps all of these gifts in a tremendous gallery. He calls these the greatest works of all the Fire Kin and values them above all else.

Love and Marriage
Of all the emotions that drive the Fire Kin, none is more revered and desired than Love.

Love as Lord Fire says, “...is the strongest flame.” As such love and various forms of marriage and partnerships hold an important place in Fire Kin culture.

Relationships of all forms and lengths are commonly found within Fire Kin culture.

For Example, two kin may fall for each other for a month of unbridled passion, sometimes a few may come together to start a family that will last until they die, or perhaps some come together for no other reason than to spend their days together and watch the sunsets. Divorce is not uncommon in Fire Kin culture. When the fire stops burning for one side then it’s time to start a new one.

Courting in Fire Kin culture is always a spectacle to behold. When a kin has affections for another a simple show of affections is not enough.

Nothing less than a grand gesture of their love will suffice. Most Kin will spend months if not a year preparing their demonstrations.

However, Fire Kin Also handle rejection incredibly well. When they find that their feelings are not reciprocated they always take it in stride. As one of their sayings goes “To their flame, I am a bucket of water.” Many Fire Kin see these rejections as a way to hone their skills and broaden their experiences.

Death and Burial
While Kin live for thousands of years, in time all things begin to extinguish. This is the nature cycle of the flame, to fade and then be reborn from the ashes.

The Fire Kin know this, but to be forgotten is far worse than to die. This is why death for a Fire Kin is a celebration! All the people who knew them come together to honor who they were with a final celebration.

The Family of Fire Kin who pass often go above and beyond and these are the most lavish parties found on the plane. Murals of their life will be commissioned, Statues of the deceased will be carved. All their favorite foods will be served in a lavish feast, often with the toast, “Let their memory be burned into the minds of all here! From Fire to Ash we remember!”

After death many kin have very specific instructions for what to do with their body. Many consider their body to be the final canvas with which to express themselves, and will have given specific instructions on how to have their body displayed or used. Some have their ashes mixed into paint and turned into a mural, or perhaps scattered in their favourite place or laid to rest in an extravagant mausoleum.

Politics
In Fire Kin culture participation in the state is more a spectacle than what other species expect from traditional politics. In fact, many Kin from all over the Fire Plane come to partake in the grand showings. To outsiders, Fire Kin politics may seem more like a sport than actual politics.

First, each candidate will usually select a color to represent them, this is so those who support them may also adorn that color to show support. After which all the candidates will go head to head in several competitions related to the nature of their clan.

This usualy starts with showing off their works to the mesmerized crowds. Grand shows of artisry and skill are used to capture the heart of those in attendance. After which the two will engage in a heated debate. The longest Debate on record lasted 13 hours, and the crowd could only describe it as “Gripping!” Lastly many will then proceed to hand out gifts to the crowd, ranging from small treats, to occasionally expensive jewelry.

The purpose of these events is not to see who is more qualified for the position. But, who can sway the hearts of the Fire Kin more. The Kin respect a leader who can conquer their hearts, and believe that these competitions will bring about the leader who has the greatest passion for their clan. It is nearly impossible for a leader to slack off. A leader who does their job poorly will very quickly become disliked, and a disliked leader is usually shown the door rather swiftly.

The Clans of the Plane of Fire
Fire Kin divide themselves into many different clans. Fire Kin Clans are based not on location or geography, but on shared interest. For some It could be a common emotion they follow, joy, sadness or love. For other clans it could be a talent, like painting or music, and for others it could simply be something they like, for example fighting, or cooking.

Clans titles are a right of passage in Fire Kin culture, at birth a Fire Kin does not have a clan name. Once a Fire Kin finds their passion they usually seek out a clan or master that can help them develop that skill. Under the tutelage of that clan the fledgling member must study and master their craft. For when the time comes, the Fire Kin must travel to Lord Fire, were they must show him an example of their skill, and ask to be named in the clan of their choosing. It is not uncommon for many Kin to leave the Fire Plane and explore the Material Plane, or even in rare cases The Mists to find a suitable master to teach them.

Finally, If Lord Fire deems their work and skill to be sufficient Lord Fire will name them to their clan, else he will send them away to study more. This Process is called “The Rite of The True Flame.” in which their clan name is burned onto their soul. However if time passes and a Fire Kin loses their passion for their clan it is not unheard of for a Fire Kin to discard their name, and go through this process again. This is known as “The Rite of The Cleansing Flame.”

Most clans find themselves able to get along, there are some who hate each other with a passion as their desires conflict. These are a few examples of Fire Kin Clans, however there are many, many more and it is not uncommon to have small clans that fit different niches.

Major Clans: these clans have the largest number of individuals among them, the kin in all the clans practice both of the taught, some focus on one aspect over the other. Some kin do not wish to be a part of these larger clans and form smaller clans.

The Clan Of The Brush and the Blade: Among this clan you will find the kin who have devoted themselves to becoming master painters, their skills with brushes are unparalleled. Many say the pen is mightier than the sword, However this clan has mastered both. Utilizing the fluid and precise motions they develop for painting behind every strike of their blades.

The Clan Of Marble and Magic: Every Kin who wishes to become a true sculptor will find their way to this clan, To them stone is as soft as clay and it takes them little effort to shape it to their whims. However this clan knows that more than stone can be shaped, They can also shape the magic around them. The magicians of this clan are unparalleled often weaving magic and sculpture together.

The Clan Of Stories and Spirit: The poets of this clan can weave words Into beautiful stories that capture the world around them without flaw, they understand that they need to open their minds to the world around them to truly capture every detail with their words. Hence why these storytellers are also commonly masters of psychic and flame divination.

The Clan Of Song and Smithing: The bards of this clan can master any instrument put before them, they listen to the rhythm and beat of each song, and translate that rhythm into hammer blows on their forge. Their steel is rumoured to sing with jewel-like tones when struck. These kin often sing while they work naming each blade after the song it was forged to.

The Clan of Cooking and Chemistry: The chefs of this clan are second to none, They work with only the finest of ingredients to produce culinary delights of unparalleled magnitude. Their ability to cook is matched only by their alchemical prowess. They are well known for being the main producer of fireproofing in the Material plane.

The Clan Movement and Medicine: The swiftest of scouts, the fastest of athletes. While earth is the element of healing on the material plane, Fire Kin have their own ways of healing. These doctors are some of the most powerful flame strikers on the plane. Trained to navigate the battlefield and revive their fellow kin they found their skills translate very differently on the material plane. However, the grace of their swift movements makes them excellent dancers and masters of tactile movement. Making their surgical ability very accurate and stitching swift.

Crime and Punishment
With all these individuals running around following their passions, it is inevitable that their will be laws that are broken, as the term goes, Crimes of Passion Happen all to common on the fire plane. When a Fire Kin is caught breaking the law the kin and the one they have wronged will be brought before Lord Fire. It is known that Lord Fire can tell if the kin are lying to him, and for the most heinous of crimes there's no need for debate. However, Lord Fire does love a heated argument, For small crimes, Like petty theft, or vandalization Lord Fire will have the two debate, and if the defendant can put up a decent argument and amuse Lord Fire, He is often willing to lessen the punishment. Some Punishments are as follows:

Service to the one wronged: for the smallest of crimes some service is often offered, either money or time. The extent of which is decided by Lord Fire.

Banishment from the Fire Plane: For those who have committed serious crimes, like destruction of property, or grand theft. Lord Fire will banish them from the plane for a period of time he deems necessary.

Removal Of the ability to feel emotions: Fire Kin Value their emotions above all else, for those most heinous of crimes, Like murder. Lord Fire May take away a kins abilities to feel these emotions at all. This leaves them with an all consuming emptiness inside, and they are forced to experience the world without joy, sadness, or even anger. It is said to be one of the harshest crimes because Kin use their emotions to make decisions, without them they are lost. A kin who has been given this punishment will often try to redeem themselves through service and art.

Work and play
Almost all of the Fire Kins life is spent in the pursuit of their passion. So while they work incredibly hard every day. To them it is the same as playing. It is also not difficult for kin to find work related to their passions, as their is always need for artists around. However if they cannot find work in the field of their passion they will often be able to find work as assistants, or bookkeepers, or labor. Fire Kin Make Excellent workers because while they may hate what they do, they know they need the money to pursue what they love, and so a Fire Kin always works with maximum effort. Things are always moving in the fire plane and theirs always lots of work about.

Elemental plane of Fire
The elemental plane of fire is a very harsh environment, Lakes of lava, storms of fire, volcanoes spewing ash can be found almost everywhere. Wild and raging are these parts of the fire plane, Even the kin would find it hard to live in these places. Only the strongest of elementals, or strange Fire beasts make their homes in these places.

The borders of planes glance and collide against each other, often creating melting pots of elemental forces. Earth and Fire create the grand magma fields, known for their valuable gems, and rare obsidian. Fire and Air, twisting and winding fire tornados and high-speed winds make this area very dangerous for mortals. Fire and water create the grand hot springs, a very popular vacation spot.

However it is not all like this. There are many locations that are far more habitable. Deserts, or long dead volcanoes make for safe and habitable locations for the kin to live. Strange fire fruits and plants grow on the Additional the plane of fire there are places where the barrier between planes thins, and the other planes influence the plane, So there's plant life, and even water that can be found throughout the plane. so the plane of fire is not just fire, but a variety of locations were fire is the greatest influencing force.

Pyre Valance: This is the main city of the fire plane, Located at the base of Mount Infernus it is located in the very heart of the fire plane. This city is a marvel to behold, All the Kin dream of having their works and talents displayed in this city. Art collectors and artists from all planes flock to the city. Every Corner of every street displays another masterpiece, every inch of every building decorated and painted in shades of Vibrant reds, Golds, and Oranges, Every night celebrations and parades of performers are held, and every tavern has bardic performances and competitions daily, Grand colosseum hold tournaments to see who is the mightiest warrior, and the food is to die for. The City never sleeps, and at night the streets are bathed in the warm glow of magma that flows down through channels in the city. However this city is not cheap to run, and entrance is not free. Taxes fluctuate but it is commonly one gold to even step foot within the city's limits. Additionally the city is scorching hot, The Fire Kin of course do not mind, however outsiders, especially those with fur, can find the heat unbearable.

Mount Infernus: Mount Infernus is the oldest of all the volcanoes in the fire plane, and is were Lord Fire makes his home. The hollowed out chambers and halls Illuminated by channels of flowing magma. From here he can look over and address his people with little effort. It is not uncommon to catch a glimpse of Lord Fire On his balcony surveying the city. The volcano is still very much active, and is seemingly linked with Lord Fires Emotions, for when he gets emotional the volcano itself spews forth black ash. However the volcano rarly erupts itself, and if it does Lord Fire Directs the lava away from the city. The Volcano itself is boiling, and people trying to enter it would be cooked alive, However Lord offeres blessings to those invited in such that the heat does not destroy them. The decoration inside the volcano is stunning to say the least, Lord Fire clearly has the finest of taste and no expense was spared in creating his home. Gold Filigree on every wall, Marble on every surface, and murals depicting the history of the kin can be found throughout. His great hall would rival even the imperials in its opulence and excess. However Strangely enough the one thing that is not decorated is his throne. A simple stone chair carved into the very rock of the mountain sits, on the halls far side.

Geo Incidence: This city Is found close to the veil between the fire and earth plane as such the area is a home of immense volcanic activity. However this place also has lush plants native to the fire plane. This city is home of magnificent flame gardens as well as many great jewelsmiths. The area surrounding the city is crisscrossed with magma caverns. These caverns are filled with fantastical crystals formed from the geothermal pressure. But are also home to the great fire salamanders. As a celebration between Fire and earth, each year the great slamandar hunt is held in this city, with the Lords of fire and earth In attendance. In the center of this town Is a great golden monument inscribed with the images of those who have won the great hunt. If one looks closely they may notice several faces similar to members of Carregwynn.

RolePlaying Tips
Playing a Fire Kin is an incredibly fun and easy thing to do, Just follow these few steps and you’ll be showing the world your passion in no time.

1) Let Your Emotions Guide You: Fire Kin are beings driven by emotion, so let your gut feeling guide you. Don’t take too long too sit and reason things out. Fire Kin tend to just go for whatever they feel is the right thing to do. Additionally, if you feel strongly that you should do something. Or feel strongly that you should not do something. Than follow that feeling, Wherever your heart wanders follow it there. 2) Fire Kin have specific species identifiers, are your three horns large or small? Fire can be Red, Yellow, a little Blue, orange. Smoke is grey, black, white or even a light blue depending on what is burning. Power lines can be jagged like fire or swirling and intricate like smoke. Make sure to abide by our Species Face Policy as outlined in The Rule Book under Things Everyone Should Know. 3) Decide Your Passion: Every Fire Kin has a Passion. For some it is fighting, for some it is painting, and for others it could be being passionate about an emotion. You should decide what your kin is passionate about and always follow that goal. 4) Let nothing get between you and your passion: Some may try to stop you from following your passion, this is not something you will stand for. You do not need to attack them or anything so drastic, but if people are telling you not to follow through on your dream, you should at least state your displeasure, or emote your disagreement. 5) Decide your opinion on Lord Fire: something often forgot by players is that you have a God to whom you are very close. Your Kin may or may not like Lord Fire, it is wise to decide your characters standpoint on your creation. 6) Dress for the occasion: Fire Kin Like to dress extravagantly, Pick bright, vibrant colors and or flowing, dancing fabrics. If you are a fighter, decorate your armor a little. An outfit is a statement, so make it a big one.