**Order of the Flamebound** The Oath of the Flame is more than a sacred vow—it's a legacy that courses through the hearts of the **Flamebound**, an ancient order of paladins whose light first sparked during the War of Embers in the Second Age of Solare. Formed during a time when the goddess **[[Perserphina]]** walked among mortals, the first Flamebound were chosen not for their might, but for their unwavering hearts. They did not burn with hatred, but with purpose. Clad in armor etched with glowing runes and carrying weapons kissed by divine fire, the Flamebound earned a reputation as **purifiers of blight** and **liberators of the enslaved**. They believe that fire is not destruction—it is transformation. They burn away corruption not to punish, but to allow rebirth. --- **Sacred Role in Solare** The Flamebound are most often found in places where **oppression festers or undead walk**, answering silent prayers with radiant resolve. They serve as **temple guardians**, **wandering judges**, and **divine executioners**, depending on the need. Though not a centralized church, the Flamebound maintain strongholds throughout Solare, the most famous being the **Sanctum of Cinders**, a volcanic monastery in [[North Angoria|North Angoria]] where paladins are tested by flame and vision. In times of war, they are called upon by kingdoms like **Brensistria** and the scattered freeholds of **[[North Angoria|North Angoria]]**, especially where the **Askaria Empire's** chains have spread. They rarely travel as far south as **Polaria**, preferring to focus their efforts where tyranny and undeath are most rampant. While many see their glowing eyes and burning auras as holy, others fear the judgment they bring—**for a Flamebound’s mercy is real, but hard-won.** --- **Order and Command** Though many Flamebound paladins venerate **[[Perserphina]]**, the order itself is not beholden to any one deity. Members may follow gods of war, light, purity, or liberation, so long as their flame serves justice and renewal. As such, the Order of the Flamebound is structured more like a **militant fraternity of ideals** than a rigid religious hierarchy. The Flamebound organize themselves into **Circles**, each led by a high-ranking paladin known as a **Kindler**. These Kindlers are chosen not by divine mandate, but by consensus and trial—tested by flame, spirit, and deed. Each Circle governs its own territory, often centered around a Flamebound sanctuary or stronghold, like the **Sanctum of Cinders**. Above the Kindlers sits the **[[Ash Council]]**, a circle of veteran paladins who gather once per decade to discuss matters of philosophy, doctrine, and coordination. The Council does not command, but **guides**—offering wisdom and unity in times of strife. - **Initiates** are called **Sparks**, training in remote sanctuaries until they undergo the Trial by Flame. - **Full members** are known simply as **Flamebound**, allowed to travel and act independently once they have proven their control and clarity of purpose. - **Kindlers** are Circle leaders who may command small crusades or negotiate with allied powers. - The **[[Ash Council]]** consists of the oldest surviving Flamebound, most of whom dwell in seclusion or as eternal guardians of sacred sites. --- **Appearance & Symbols** - **Holy Symbol**: A stylized flame encircling an open eye—representing judgment, clarity, and purpose. - **Armor**: Often polished steel inlaid with golden-orange sigils that softly glow when divine power is invoked. - **Weapons**: Flame-forged blades or radiant hammers, many passed down through generations, each reforged anew in sacred flame. --- **Cultural Beliefs** - **Redemption First**: The Flamebound always offer a chance for redemption. Only those who scorn the light are consumed by it. - **Sacred Fire is Not for Show**: They rarely cast fire-based spells frivolously. Every flame must serve purpose—cleansing, protecting, or inspiring. - **The Unseen Chains Must Burn**: They are especially drawn to freeing slaves, confronting tyrants, and breaking enchantments that bind the mind or will.