Baptism of Fire

The baptism of fire hearkens back to the immolation of the Prophet Al'Mudin by Reymal forces in 532. In passing through the Baptism of Flame, Kolites signal their willingness to likewise be martyred for the sake of the Truth, becoming true Laymen and Laywomen of the Church of Kol.

Initiates are typically adolescents or younger adults, in the thirteen to eighteen range, although converts can certainly be any age. The initiate is clad in a simple gray robe which is destroyed by the flame. The cleric in charge of the ceremony or an assistant cast wards of flame resistance on the initiate as a portion of the liturgy (though exposure is typically brief enough to be safe otherwise). After affirming their allegiance to the Church, initiates pass through the flames to the other side, where they are received into a new, white robe. Kolites are often, but not always, married in these robes.

The most recognizable symbol of the Baptism of Flame is that of the passage itself. A stone bridge passes over a pit for the ashes. On each side of the bridge, a stake and pyre are placed, typically enchanted so as to always be aflame. The initiate is initially clad in a simple grey robe, which is burned away by the flames. At the far side they receive a new white robe. For poorer initiates, the new robe is donated by the Church or the community, and is well-built, sturdy, and nonetheless elegant. It is typically used in later ceremonies, particularly weddings. Some wealthier patrons order more expensive robes from tailors, which they use for the end of the ceremony.

The Baptism of Flame is, where practical, attended by the family of the initiate, as well as a Cleric and their assistants.

The Baptism of Flame is performed on a semi-regular basis. In cities with full cathedrals, it is often done multiple times per day, but in more rural areas, it is done far less frequently, typically only by demand and by Pilgrim Clerics.