The Eternal Flame
Also known as: The First Fire, Ignatius's Breath, The Undying Flame
The Eternal Flame is an ancient bonfire burning at the heart of the Obsidian Citadel that has, according to Drakonian theology, burned without interruption since the dawn of time. It radiates a field of concentrated draconic energy that suffuses the surrounding structure with warmth and a faint golden luminescence, and is the source from which the torches of the Ember March are lit each summer campaign season. Drakonians from across the highland cities maintain satellite flames kindled from this source, treating continuity with the Eternal Flame as a condition of spiritual legitimacy.
Artifact Details
- Type
- Sacred Site
- Rarity
- Unique
- Origin
- The theological origin of the Eternal Flame holds that Ignatius himself breathed the first fire into this spot at the moment he and Tiraveth shaped the world, and that the Flame is a direct continuation of that primordial act. The mundane explanation, maintained quietly by certain archivists in the Serpentine Archives, is that the earliest recorded reference to the Flame dates to approximately the founding of the Obsidian Order, suggesting it may have been established by Korathyn Blackfire as a physical symbol of draconic continuity rather than a literally primordial artifact.
- Current Owner
- The Obsidian Order, maintained by Elder Pyratheon as ceremonial keeper
Overview
The Eternal Flame is a unique sacred site in Landorya. Its known origin is The theological origin of the Eternal Flame holds that Ignatius himself breathed the first fire into this spot at the moment he and Tiraveth shaped the world, and that the Flame is a direct continuation of that primordial act. The mundane explanation, maintained quietly by certain archivists in the Serpentine Archives, is that the earliest recorded reference to the Flame dates to approximately the founding of the Obsidian Order, suggesting it may have been established by Korathyn Blackfire as a physical symbol of draconic continuity rather than a literally primordial artifact.. It is currently associated with The Obsidian Order, maintained by Elder Pyratheon as ceremonial keeper. Its most cited abilities include Radiates a persistent field of draconic energy that enhances fire-aligned magic within the Obsidian Citadel's walls, Flames kindled from the Eternal Flame carry a secondary blessing that provides minor heat protection to the bearer during the Ember March, and Serves as a spiritual anchor for the Dragonsoul Pact: dragon-bonded Drakonians report that their empathic link with their partner strengthens measurably in proximity to the Flame. Accounts also warn of a drawback: Those who approach the Flame with intent to exploit rather than honor it report a burning sensation behind the eyes and a persistent hearing of voices speaking…
History
The Eternal Flame has presided over every major event in Obsidian Order history. It was before this Flame that Korathyn Blackfire first swore the founding oath. It is before this Flame that every successive Lord of the Flame is invested after their ritual duel of succession. When Draegos Ironmaw defeated his predecessor Zharak the Unyielding in their three-day caldera duel, the investiture at the Eternal Flame was the formal moment his authority became legitimate. The satellite flames maintained in regional cities are relit from the primary source every decade in a ceremony that involves a delegation traveling from each city to receive a new kindle.
Powers & Abilities
- ✦ Radiates a persistent field of draconic energy that enhances fire-aligned magic within the Obsidian Citadel's walls
- ✦ Flames kindled from the Eternal Flame carry a secondary blessing that provides minor heat protection to the bearer during the Ember March
- ✦ Serves as a spiritual anchor for the Dragonsoul Pact: dragon-bonded Drakonians report that their empathic link with their partner strengthens measurably in proximity to the Flame
- ✦ Cannot be extinguished by mundane means or weather; magical suppression attempts have historically failed and in several recorded cases rebounded on the caster
Curse or Drawback
Those who approach the Flame with intent to exploit rather than honor it report a burning sensation behind the eyes and a persistent hearing of voices speaking in ancient Draconic that does not cease for several days after the visit. Three recorded attempts to steal embers from the Flame produced similar outcomes of increasing severity.