There is no power on Ouloos greater than Dragon's Fire. To wield and control it is a feat in and of itself. None of the five gods boast the ability. Aside from Dragons, Maelich and Cialia are unique in their potential. When discussing control of the element it is important to note that control does not equate directly to understanding of it. Unlocking the secrets of Dragon's Fire - secrets even the great Helias doesn't completely understand - reveals all knowledge of Coeptus to the initiate. This is a feat none in the history of Ouloos can boast. For these reasons - whether feared or revered - Dragon's Fire is respected by most. These are also the reasons that led a small group of men from the farthest reaches of Ouloos to adopt a reference to the element in their name.
The Dragon's Flame is an elite force comprised of the finest warriors from the greatest cities and fiercest tribes of men that believe in the purity and strength of Dragons. Some come from regions where Kaldumahn rules, others Moshat, but all share a deep reverence for the oldest living creatures on Ouloos. These are men who study the arts of fighting and war not with a mind to destroy, but with a mind to defend. Calling them expert killers grossly understates the skills they posses. However, unmatched physical prowess is only one aspect of a flame. Each flame has studied the histories from the well known to the obscure, even studying the folklore and oral traditions of less sophisticated societies. One would be hard-pressed to present a challenge unknown to them. More important than physical ability or knowledge of the physical world is the fact that each flame spends their life on a personal, spiritual journey into the Fire. Spiritually, they burn through meditation in the belief that in order to understand the Fire, you must be consumed by it. Though no flame has ever achieved the state of Dragon - completely giving up the physical and becoming eternal, spiritual Fire - that is the goal of all flames.
There are always one hundred flames and always have been since The Dragon's Flame began. The best soldiers who excel beyond their peers in training and prove themselves in battle are considered for the trial. Only the best of the best can possibly hope to survive. Candidates are stripped of clothing, supplies, and weapons prior to being deposited at the top of Mount Destiny - the tallest peak of the White Mountains. The snow never ceases there, and the beasts grow large and terrifying. Warriors that survive the icy cold, grizzly mongs, and the horrible halbakurs earn a place on the list of flames in waiting. Only once a flame is extinguished can their crest be passed on. Luckily for those flames in waiting, the list is never very long. At the end of each day - or battle - a count is taken. "How many are we? Count The Dragon's Flame," The Red Dragon will call out. If all is well the reply will be, "The Dragon's Flame is one hundred. The Fire burns unfettered." If the number has changed the reply will be something like, "The Dragon's Flame is ninety-four. Count one-hundred we do no more." At these times, flames in waiting will be called to serve.
The oldest of the flames is honored with the title of Red Dragon. This is an honorary title as none of the flames is greater than any other. With the title, Red Dragon also earns the added responsibility of communicating with the world outside of The Dragon's Flame. Spang has held this title for the past twelve years, and he will continue in this capacity until he is called home to the Lake or his physical body can no longer meet the demands of his post. When that time comes, the next in line will take his place. And so the cycle will continue.
When ships from across the Great Sea threaten the coast west of Havenstahl. The greatest city of men will need to call on the aid of The Dragon's Flame. This is a first for Havenstahl. Prior to the eyes of Ouloos being opened by Maelich and Cialia with the help of Helias, none in Havenstahl would count The Dragon's Flame as friend. Much has changed since then, and many changes have yet to come.
The Dragon's Flame is an elite force comprised of the finest warriors from the greatest cities and fiercest tribes of men that believe in the purity and strength of Dragons. Some come from regions where Kaldumahn rules, others Moshat, but all share a deep reverence for the oldest living creatures on Ouloos. These are men who study the arts of fighting and war not with a mind to destroy, but with a mind to defend. Calling them expert killers grossly understates the skills they posses. However, unmatched physical prowess is only one aspect of a flame. Each flame has studied the histories from the well known to the obscure, even studying the folklore and oral traditions of less sophisticated societies. One would be hard-pressed to present a challenge unknown to them. More important than physical ability or knowledge of the physical world is the fact that each flame spends their life on a personal, spiritual journey into the Fire. Spiritually, they burn through meditation in the belief that in order to understand the Fire, you must be consumed by it. Though no flame has ever achieved the state of Dragon - completely giving up the physical and becoming eternal, spiritual Fire - that is the goal of all flames.
There are always one hundred flames and always have been since The Dragon's Flame began. The best soldiers who excel beyond their peers in training and prove themselves in battle are considered for the trial. Only the best of the best can possibly hope to survive. Candidates are stripped of clothing, supplies, and weapons prior to being deposited at the top of Mount Destiny - the tallest peak of the White Mountains. The snow never ceases there, and the beasts grow large and terrifying. Warriors that survive the icy cold, grizzly mongs, and the horrible halbakurs earn a place on the list of flames in waiting. Only once a flame is extinguished can their crest be passed on. Luckily for those flames in waiting, the list is never very long. At the end of each day - or battle - a count is taken. "How many are we? Count The Dragon's Flame," The Red Dragon will call out. If all is well the reply will be, "The Dragon's Flame is one hundred. The Fire burns unfettered." If the number has changed the reply will be something like, "The Dragon's Flame is ninety-four. Count one-hundred we do no more." At these times, flames in waiting will be called to serve.
The oldest of the flames is honored with the title of Red Dragon. This is an honorary title as none of the flames is greater than any other. With the title, Red Dragon also earns the added responsibility of communicating with the world outside of The Dragon's Flame. Spang has held this title for the past twelve years, and he will continue in this capacity until he is called home to the Lake or his physical body can no longer meet the demands of his post. When that time comes, the next in line will take his place. And so the cycle will continue.
When ships from across the Great Sea threaten the coast west of Havenstahl. The greatest city of men will need to call on the aid of The Dragon's Flame. This is a first for Havenstahl. Prior to the eyes of Ouloos being opened by Maelich and Cialia with the help of Helias, none in Havenstahl would count The Dragon's Flame as friend. Much has changed since then, and many changes have yet to come.
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