The Church of Flame

"From flame, we are forged. In flame, we are tested. Through flame, we are made pure."

The Church of Flame is the dominant faith in Caelvaris and respected in varying degrees across Velastra. Founded in the First Era during the Age of Ash, it reveres sacred flame as the divine force of transformation and purification. To the public, the Church offers healing rites, last fire-burials for the dead, and blessings for forging, warfare, and judgment. They serve as keepers of tradition and moral guidance, preserving stability through devotion to the Eternal Flame, which they claim is the divine reflection of Ifrexus’ sleeping essence—though they do not name the Primordial directly in doctrine.

While most followers are benign, fervent, and peace-seeking, the Church’s deeper doctrines speak of an eventual trial by flame—a metaphor most clergy treat as spiritual. But for the Cinderborn, an extremist sect hidden within, that trial is literal: the waking of Ifrexus to burn the world clean.

Church Symbol

A stylized flame rising from an open palm, wreathed in seven radiant arcs—each representing one of the Seven Sacred Trials of Purification. The arcs form a sunburst crown behind the flame.

In sacred vestments, priests wear the flame in burnished bronze set into crimson robes. High priests wear obsidian pendants etched with the flame in silver.

Main Tenets & Beliefs

• Flame is the Path to Purity – Suffering, trial, and hardship are viewed as divine tests. All things impure can be made whole through fire.
• All Are Forged Imperfect – People are like metal: flawed, but shapeable. Mistakes do not damn a soul, but resisting change does.
• The Sacred Fire Sees Truth – Fire reveals what is hidden—whether lies, guilt, or courage.
• Only the Willing Are Forged Anew – Redemption cannot be forced. Those who reject the path must be left to judgment.
• When the World Grows Cold, Flame Shall Rise – A final, sacred trial will come. Whether symbolic or literal is debated.

Scriptural Passage (Book of Embers, Verse XIII:III)

"As ore is cast into the crucible and dross burns away, so too shall the soul be tested in flame. That which is gold shall endure, that which is rot shall flee. But beware—there is ore too brittle to forge alone, too impure to temper. These must not be polished… they must be broken and reforged so that the flames may purify the unclean."0

Interpretation:

• To the public: A parable urging humility, introspection, and willingness to change.
• To the Cinderborn: Justification for purging those deemed irredeemable—by flame, force, or worse.

Church Hierarchy

1. High Solari Brenevan Thorne – Voice of the Flame Description: A poised and eloquent elder who has led the Church's public doctrine for over twenty years. Known for his compassion and his stirring homilies, Thorne secretly suspects corruption within the upper clergy but fears exposing it would shatter the faith’s foundation. Personality: Diplomatic, introspective, burdened by the weight of truth.

2. Emberfather Relos Durn – Keeper of the Crucible Hall (Vaelgard) Background: A firebrand preacher stationed at The Ember Vigil's southern threshold. His booming sermons rally the people of Vaelgard, and he’s widely revered—but his obsession with "cleansing impurity" edges dangerously close to extremist rhetoric. Personality: Charismatic, zealous, rides the line between faith and fanaticism.

3. Sister Vaenra Oth – The Lantern of Mercy Background: A blind prophetess who delivers “Flame-visions” during public ceremonies, believed to speak directly for the Eternal Fire. Her visions have become increasingly erratic—warning of “a crown carried by broken flame” and “a child of ash wearing a father’s name.” Personality: Soft-spoken, cryptic, revered as a living miracle.

Seven Sacred Trials of Purification

To the faithful, the Seven Trials are metaphorical guideposts on the journey toward spiritual clarity, redemption, and personal growth. To the Cinderborn, they are often twisted into justification for purging those who “fail” to meet divine expectations.

1. Trial of Ash – Acceptance of Loss “That which was, burns away. Only what remains can be made anew.” This trial represents grief and surrender—letting go of attachments, mistakes, or past identities. Ash symbolizes the first transformation, when pride or denial is reduced to humility.

• Ceremonial Rite: Ash-marking of the brow at funerals or after confession.
• Twisted Interpretation (Cinderborn): Destroy the self and attachments completely—even one's former name or family.

2. Trial of Smoke – Clarity of the Hidden “Smoke clouds the eyes, but teaches the soul to see.” A test of discernment, meant to guide followers through deception—whether external lies or self-delusion. Smoke implies mystery, confusion, and emerging insight.

• Ceremonial Rite: Meditation in a smoke-filled chamber during major festivals.
• Twisted Interpretation: Truth is hidden only from the unworthy—those who cannot see must be blinded.

3. Trial of Ember – Endurance Through Trial “An ember is small, yet it endures.” The ember symbolizes resilience and inner strength. This trial teaches that even a faint flame holds power when carried through hardship.

• Ceremonial Rite: Pilgrimage or fasting to demonstrate discipline.
• Twisted Interpretation: Only those who survive unyielding trials are worthy—the rest are fuel.

4. Trial of Spark – Ignition of Purpose “One spark begins the blaze.” This trial focuses on discovery of one's divine purpose or calling. Sparks are moments of insight, passion, or transformation.

• Ceremonial Rite: Coming-of-age blessing, where one lights a sacred candle with a shared flame.
• Twisted Interpretation: Those without purpose must be consumed to ignite another’s flame.

5. Trial of Flame – Passion Without Consumption “Flame dances, but it must not devour.” A trial of temperance and control. It teaches that raw emotion or power must be harnessed—not allowed to consume oneself or others.

• Ceremonial Rite: Candle balancing or carrying open flame across a sacred path.
• Twisted Interpretation: The uncontrolled must be culled—they will burn everything.

6. Trial of Glass – Reflection and Accountability “From heat and sand, glass is born—clear, but fragile.” Glass symbolizes self-reflection and vulnerability. This trial demands that one confront their flaws and accept responsibility for their actions.

• Ceremonial Rite: Reflection over a mirror of polished obsidian during Ember Vigil confessionals.
• Twisted Interpretation: Shatter those who cannot reflect—they resist purification.

7. Trial of Forge – Rebirth Through Fire “In the forge, what breaks is reforged.” The final and greatest trial: transformation. The soul emerges remade, not destroyed. It represents redemption, change, and forging a better self.

• Ceremonial Rite: Passing under an arch of sacred flame at Emberfast or after pilgrimage.
• Twisted Interpretation: If one cannot be reforged… they must be melted down.