Aspects Of Fire
Fire burns. This is the very
nature of its being ― when an object ceases burning, the fire is not
sleeping, but dead. And so it is with the Exalted of Fire. Their hearts burn
with a passion few others will ever match. To the Children of Hesiesh, passion is everything, and one who no longer feels
or believes is no longer alive at all.
A Fire-aspected
Dragon-Blood is passion incarnate. When she loves, she loves with all her
heart. When she believes, she believes with unsurpassed zealotry. When she
hates, she hates with the burning intensity of the Southernmost
flames. For some, passion burns like a slow, smoldering bed of coals, quiet and
almost unnoticeable until one gets close enough. The hearts of others burn with
the raging power of an inferno, visible for all to see and blasting anything
that stands before it.
No action is ever meaningless to
a Child of Hesiesh. The Aspects of Fire enact
religious rituals because they truly believe in their faith. Conflicts ―
be they martial, political or social ― are undertaken because they truly
believe in the cause (or at least in the people involved). When they love, the
objects of their ardor are their heart’s singular fixation, even if only at the
times of consummation. Trite, empty activities are for colder, more timid
souls. The Fire-aspected are
the driving force behind Dynastic society, as their passions often spark flames
in the hearts of others. Aspects of Fire challenge complacency, attacking
hallowed traditions to remind people why they follow those
tradition in the first place and playing devil’s advocate so that ideas
and beliefs are reexamined and perfected. That which cannot withstand or be
strengthened by the Children of Hesiesh’s scrutiny is
simply burned away to make room for something more meaningful.
Aspects of Fire serve similar
roles within bonded circles, reminding comrades of their purpose and
challenging their assumptions. A Fire-aspected
Dragon-Blooded’s loyalty to her circle is
unquestionable; her passion will not allow for anything less.
The Immaculate Dragons: Aspects of Fire who follow Hesiesh work to
reserve their passion for those things that are most important, thereby making
that which they care about all the more meaningful. Those who emulate Daana’d seek out challenges to help, focus and purify their
passions, as well as to inspire passion in the hearts of those they challenge.
Aspects of Fire who follow Mela strive for perfection
in all things ― especially war, often becoming some of the Realm’s most
zealous warriors. Those who seek the path of Sextes Jylis focus their passion upon the Realm itself, working to
strengthen the empire and those who dwell within it. Finally, those who emulate
Pasiap direct their passions toward spiritual enlightenment,
frequently sharing their passion with others as priests and instructors.
Aspect Markings:
Aspects of Fire are marked by an obvious reddish tint to their skin. This tint
is even more noticeable among those with high Breeding and becomes darker as the
Dragon-Blooded ages ― well-bred elders are often a deep and fiery
crimson. It is not uncommon for older Dragon-Blooded of this aspect to emit
puffs of smoke from their mouths as they speak or from their noses as they breath. Some elders even radiate heat from their skin, making
them extremely warm to the touch.
Aspect Anima: When
a Fire-aspected Dragon-Blooded spends Peripheral
Essence, her anima ignites into a lambent aura of reds, oranges or yellows,
shimmering and blazing like a bonfire. High Essence expenditures result in spectacular
eruptions and flickering images of tigers, firebirds and fire dragons and the
crackling roar of a forest fire or the dull scream of a stoked blast furnace.
A Fire-aspected
Dragon-Blooded can spend 5 motes to ignite her anima. For the rest of the
scene, she is immune to fire damage, and anyone striking her without a weapon
or wrestling with her takes a number of dice of lethal damage every turn equal
to the Chosen’s Essence. If the character succeeds with an unarmed attack or
wrestles with a character, her opponent takes a like amount of damage. This
damage is applied separately from any damage the character does with an attack,
and armor applies to it.
Aspect Abilities:
As living embodiments of passion, Fire-aspected
Dragon-Blooded possess an overabundance of personal energy, both physical and
emotional. They excel at physical activity and social interaction, giving them
a natural affinity with the Abilities of Athletics, Dodge, Melee, Presence and
Socialize.
Common Natures:
Bravo, Caretaker, Critic, Explorer, Gallant, Hedonist, Jester, Leader, Martyr,
Paragon, Rebel, Survivor, Thrillseeker, Visionary
The Great Curse: A
Compassionate Aspect of Fire is often driven by her love for those under her
care or simply a deep passion for the concepts of justice and righteousness.
When that which she cares deeply about is harmed or threatened, her passion
overwhelms her and drives her to despair, self-sacrifice and righteous fury. If
her flaw derives from her Conviction, her burning devotion to the cause she fights
for makes it possible for her to inflict great suffering in the name of her
passion. Although Temperate Fire Exalted might seem like a contradiction, they
are quite common. Such a character will likely orient her passions toward
self-perfection and enlightenment and direct scorching hatred toward those that
cannot live up to her standards, herself included. Valor flaws often drive a
Fire-aspected Dragon-Blooded to become a burning
engine of destruction, as her passionate hatred for her foes overwhelms her.
Associations: The
color red, the Maiden of Journeys, the season of Fire and the southern
direction
Sobriquets:
Children of Hesiesh, Burning Swords, Crimson Dragons
Concepts:
Righteous crusader, contrary social critic, legion commander, irrepressible
socialite, devoted scholar
You may escape this time, but
eventually, fire will come to you and
consume you, and you will be naught
more than ashes, I will not forget.