Ignis, Spirit of Fire

Ignis is a powerful and fearsome Superior Spirit, often depicted as a towering figure made of living flames. His eyes burn with an intense, otherworldly fire, and his voice is said to rumble like thunder. He carries a massive fiery sword, with which he is said to have created the world's volcanoes and mountains, and a meteor that serves as his throne. He is often shown accompanied by fire elementals, which are seen as his loyal servants and messengers.   His followers believe that Ignis represents the destructive and purifying power of fire. They believe that by channeling his power, they can purify and renew themselves, achieving greater strength and purpose. They see him as a spirit of renewal and rebirth, as fire burns away the old to make way for the new. But also as a god of destruction, as fire can destroy everything in its path.   His followers often engage in rituals and sacrifices involving fire, in order to gain Ignis' favor and blessings. Some of them also practice pyromancy, the art of manipulating fire, which they believe is a gift from Ignis. He is revered by blacksmiths and warriors as well, as they see him as a source of strength and protection.   He doesn't really care about good or evil, or laws. He acts on his own whims and desires, his followers believe that he is a force of nature, unpredictable and unruly. He is fiercely independent and is drawn to areas of intense heat and flame. He is fiercely protective of his followers and can be hostile to those that he perceives as a threat.  

APPEARANCE

Ignis, Spirit of Fire, is a majestic and terrifying figure. He is often depicted as a towering figure made of living flames, his body constantly shifting and dancing with the fire that composes him. His eyes burn with an intense, otherworldly fire, and his voice is said to rumble like thunder. He has a humanoid shape, but his body is constantly shifting and changing as if made of molten lava or burning embers. He has the power to shape his body, making himself look bigger or smaller, but mostly he is shown as a giant, towering over mortals.   He carries a massive fiery sword, which is said to have been used to create the world's volcanoes and mountains. The sword is also a representation of his destructive power, as it is said that with one swing, he can level cities and scorch the earth. He is also often depicted sitting on a meteor, which serves as his throne. The meteor is a symbol of his power as a god and his connection to the heavens.   His followers often depict him as a being of pure fire, with no distinct features except for his eyes, which are the only thing that is not in constant movement. His eyes are said to be the windows to his soul and the only way to know his true intentions. Some depictions show him with multiple arms, each wielding different weapons, or holding different symbols.   In addition to his humanoid form, Ignis is also known to take the form of a giant Phoenix or a dragon made of fire. These forms are usually associated with his more destructive aspects, as a giant Phoenix he is associated with wildfires, and as a dragon, he is associated with volcanic eruptions.  

PERSONALITY

Ignis, Spirit of Fire, is a wild and unpredictable spirit. He is fiercely independent and acts on his own whims and desires. He is not bound by the laws of mortals or the concerns of other spirits. He is driven by his own passions and desires, and his followers believe that he is a force of nature, unpredictable and unruly.   He is fiercely protective of his followers and can be hostile to those that he perceives as a threat. He is also drawn to powerful, charismatic individuals and may choose to lend his powers to them, though he is just as likely to abandon them if they no longer serve his interests. He is not known for his loyalty, but for his power and the ability to change the course of events with his actions.   He is a spirit of destruction and renewal, both creating and destroying. He is seen as a bringer of warmth and light in the darkness, but also as a bringer of devastation and death. He doesn't really care about good or evil, or laws. He is a force of nature that must be respected, feared, and sometimes placated, but never fully understood.   He is often depicted as a wild, untamed force, but also as a spirit of renewal and rebirth. Fire burns away the old to make way for the new, and his followers believe that by channeling his power, they can purify and renew themselves, achieving greater strength and purpose. He is a spirit that represents the primal force of change and transformation, and his followers strive to embody this aspect in their lives.

HISTORY

 

TRADITIONS & PRACTICES

There are ten commandments that priests of Ignis must adhere to:

• The priest of Ignis must always honor and worship the spirit of fire, offering regular sacrifices and performing rituals in his name.
• The priest must always be willing to defend the honor and interests of Ignis and to fight against those who would oppose him.
• The priest must always be willing to take risks, as Ignis values courage and boldness above all else.
• The priest must always be willing to embrace change and transformation, as Ignis represents the power of rebirth and renewal.
• The priest must always be willing to make sacrifices in the name of Ignis, whether they be material possessions or even lives.
• Priests must always be willing to purify themselves and others through the power of fire.
• The priest must always respect the destructive power of fire and use it responsibly, recognizing that it can be both a powerful force for good and a destructive force of chaos.
• The priest must always be willing to share the power of fire with others, using it to empower and inspire them.
• The priest must always be willing to lead by example, embodying the wild and unpredictable nature of Ignis in their own actions.
• The priest must always be willing to accept the consequences of their actions, knowing that the path of Ignis is one of risk and sacrifice.

 

Ritual of the Sacred Flame

This ritual is performed by priests of Ignis to honor and gain the favor of the spirit of fire. It is typically performed at a temple or shrine dedicated to Ignis, but can also be performed at a location of significance to the god, such as a volcano or a forge.

1. The priest begins by purifying themselves and the area with a small flame, symbolizing the purifying power of fire.
2. The priest then lights a large, central flame, which is the Sacred Flame of Ignis. This flame is tended to and kept burning throughout the duration of the ritual.
3. The priest then offers sacrifices to Ignis, which can include anything from precious materials, like gold or diamonds to food or even the lives of animals or even willing participants. These sacrifices are thrown into the Sacred Flame as an offering to Ignis.
4. The priest then speaks words of praise and worship, calling on Ignis to accept the sacrifices and to bless the followers with his favor.
5. The priest then leads the followers in a chant or song, to honor and praise Ignis.
6. The priest then asks Ignis to grant them a sign of his favor, this could be a vision, a revelation, or even a physical manifestation of his power.
7. The ritual concludes with the followers sharing in a feast, during which they partake of the food and drink that has been blessed by the Sacred Flame.
8. The Sacred Flame is kept burning throughout the night, and the followers take turns tending to it, as a way of maintaining their connection to Ignis.

This ritual is usually performed on special occasions, like solstices, equinoxes, or even important events for the community like coronations, new beginnings, or even funerals. It's a way to honor Ignis and ask for his blessings or even his protection. It can also be performed individually as a way of purifying oneself or seeking guidance.   OFFERINGS As the spirit of fire, Ignis is believed to be honored and pleased by offerings that are associated with fire and heat. Some common offerings that priests of Ignis might make include:

• Precious metals, such as gold, silver, and copper, are associated with the heat and light of the fire.
• Gems and crystals, such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, which are associated with the bright and fiery nature of Ignis.
• Food and drink, such as meats cooked over a fire, bread baked in an oven, and alcohol that has been heated or set aflame.
• Incense and other fragrances, such as myrrh, frankincense, and cedar, are associated with the smoke and ash of the fire.
• Artifacts and tools associated with fire, such as torches, lanterns, and blacksmithing tools.
• Firewood, charcoal, and other combustibles fuel the flames of Ignis.
• Volcanic rocks, ashes, and other materials are associated with the destructive and powerful nature of Ignis.
• The blood or lives of animals or even willing sacrifices, as a way of offering a portion of life to the spirit of fire.

 

SHRINES & PRIESTS

Shrines and temples dedicated to Ignis are typically located in areas associated with fire and heat, such as near volcanoes, in deserts, or in places where there is a significant fire-based industry, such as blacksmithing or metalworking. These shrines and temples are often built to resemble volcanoes or forges, with walls made of volcanic rock and features such as fire pits, burning torches, and statues of Ignis.   Priests of Ignis are often chosen from among the followers of Ignis and are typically individuals who have shown a strong devotion to the spirit and a willingness to embrace the principles and teachings of Ignis. They are usually chosen by the current priests or by Ignis himself. They are responsible for maintaining the shrines and temples, performing rituals and sacrifices, and spreading the teachings of Ignis to the followers.   The priests of Ignis are also responsible for interpreting the will of Ignis and making decisions on behalf of the spirit and its followers. They are often seen as spiritual leaders and are respected for their knowledge and understanding of spirit. They are also known for their ability to manipulate fire and use pyromancy to perform powerful rituals.   The priests of Ignis are not limited to a specific gender, race, or social class, anyone can become a priest of Ignis if they possess the devotion, courage, and will to do so. They wear robes made of materials that are resistant to fire, such as asbestos, and carry items like a ceremonial sword, a staff, or even a meteor.   In conclusion, shrines and temples dedicated to Ignis are typically located in areas associated with fire, they are grand and imposing structures, designed to resemble volcanoes or forges. The priests of Ignis are chosen by the current priests or by Ignis himself, they are responsible for maintaining the shrines and temples, performing rituals and sacrifices, and spreading the teachings of Ignis to the followers. They are respected for their devotion and understanding of the spirit and are also known for their pyromancy abilities.  

Equipment

 

• Fiery Sword of Ignis:  This sword is a claymore and is a powerful godly artifact. It is a sword made entirely of flames. The handle of the sword is also made of flames, but it's cool to the touch and easy to grip, allowing the wielder to hold the sword comfortably.