# Intro ![[Sacred Flame.png|400]] The annihilation of Drakkenheim incited a serious religious schism within the Faith of the [[Sacred Flame]]. The [[Followers of the Falling Fire]] are a religious sect who believe [[the meteor]] signalled a celestial prophecy, and consider [[delerium]] a holy sacrament. Called to pilgrimage by the prescient testament of their leader, [[Lucretia Mathias]], zealous masses of devout common-folk now journey to the crater’s edge to take their place in a divine plan. She attests that [[delerium]] is a divine gift, not a blight, and that these sacred stones will offer salvation against a greater darkness yet to come. The mainstream clergy have excommunicated [[Lucretia Mathias]] and branded her followers as an insane cult with heretical beliefs and blasphemous practices. Even still, masses of devout commonfolk now embark on a dangerous pilgrimage to Drakkenheim to take their place in a divine plan. “One day soon, we will near the end of our world — an age where great heroes will be needed. These holy stones were heaven-sent so we might prepare our spirits to meet the all-consuming shadows. In our darkest moment, the Sacred Flame will set alight our blazing hearts as one.” — Lucretia Mathias, Book One of the Testament of the Falling Fire # Key Figures The vast majority of the [[Followers of the Falling Fire]] are commoners, mere pilgrims seeking salvation in the ruined city. Many bring children, infirm, or sick family members seeking miracle healing. Hundreds have arrived already, and thousands more are coming. ![[Lucretia Mathias 1.png]] - [[Lucretia Mathias]] - [[Nathaniel Flint]] - [[Silvie Roseshot]] - A former Flamekeeper inspired by the [[Testament of the Falling Fire]]. Fellow orphaned Street child friend of [[Yzraella]]. %% - [[Brother Abraham Schaefer]] - A faithful old preacher naïve to the horrors of Drakkenheim. - [[George Hopper]] - A courageous fighter who dutifully protects other pilgrims. - [[Anita Winters]] - A strong and sturdy warrior who had visions of the meteor. - [[Dekota Jones]] - A young explorer who questions everything. - [[Cozmos]] - An optimistic tiefling who is obsessed with planar travel. - [[Rufus Apollo]] - An old dwarven cleric who studies astrological signs and patterns. - [[Ingrid and Mara Stumer]] - Sisters who followed dreams and visions to the city. - [[Lucy Wainwright]] - A creative and intelligent woman with a child who came to the city for salvation. - [[Jared Walsh]] - A young paladin who believes he will fulfil his oath by taking the Sacrament. # Roleyplaying Characteristics %% **Symbol** A soaring comet. Their colours are black and white. %% ### Personality Traits - We often speak prayers and quote the writings of [[Lucretia Mathias]]. We enthusiastically share the message of our new faith with everyone. - We are fascinated by the stars, and see omens and prophecy in everything. - We see hope for the downtrodden and absolution for the lost. We offer deliverance and mercy for any who seek the truth and the light, but we condemn those who do not. ### Ideals - A New Age of Heroes shall meet the Creeping Darkness that threatens the world. Through our devotion, we shall light the [[Sacred Flame]]. - Every soul is worthy of redemption, you need only see the good within. From the darkest shadow comes the brightest light. - Material possessions and monetary wealth hold no value anymore. All that matters is our faith. ### Bonds - [[Delerium]] shards have a sacred purpose as the key to our salvation. They must only be used in our religious ceremonies. It is utter profanity to turn the stones into arcane trinkets, and total sacrilege to destroy the holy crystals. - The ruins are a holy site now. We must make a pilgrimage to [[the crater]] to take part in the [[Sacrament of the Falling Fire]]. This test of faith will demonstrate our devotion, and we will know our place in the divine plan. - We are disillusioned by the hypocrisy of the mainstream religious ministry of the [[Sacred Flame]]. The Flamekeepers have tarnished our faith with political ambitions and affluent vices. ### Flaws - [[Lucretia Mathias]] and her disciples who have completed the [[Sacrament of the Falling Fire]] have become living vessels for the [[Sacred Flame]]. We follow them faithfully and heed their every word unquestioningly. - The divine prophecy of [[Lucretia Mathias]] is irrefutably true. Any evidence to the contrary is merely a deception meant to dissuade us from our righteous path. - The old world shall inevitably end in darkness, petty political squabbles and earthly concerns are meaningless compared to our holy mission. %% # Background The Faith of the [[Sacred Flame]] has long looked to the stars for guidance. The flickering stars cast within the Astral Void symbolize how the faithful see their place in the cosmos: points of light holding darkness at bay. Scripture tells how a shooting star inspired [[Saint Tarna]] to seek redemption before a pair of angels. The story of a blackguard turned paladin who founded the Faith itself established an important message within the religion: that from the deepest darkness may arise the brightest light. [[Lucretia Mathias]] was one such Flamekeeper who read omens in the night sky, and was regarded as one of the most learned and wise amongst the clergy. She channeled immense divine power, and invoked miracles that have not been witnessed in a generation. A decade before the meteor destroyed Drakkenheim, she beheld a vision of a falling star that would arrive on earth and signal a great upheaval for the faithful. Despite her reputation, her visions were dismissed as an apocalyptic fantasy and largely suppressed at the time. Her visions proved true; right down to the hour. However, even [[Lucretia Mathias]] did not expect the actual destruction [[the meteor]] would cause, nor did she anticipate it would annihilate her birthplace, Drakkenheim. She spent several years afterwards contemplating the heavens and several strange stones recovered from the city. Her conclusion was dire indeed: the world stands on the precipice of darkness unending. Yet within [[delerium]], she saw the spark of salvation. Though the stones are the stuff of chaos, black charcoal and midnight oil may fuel a great flame. Perhaps if taken up by righteous souls, the crystals might become an earthly vessel for the [[Sacred Flame]] itself. Rather than fall to all-consuming shadows, [[Lucretia Mathias]] prophesied a New Age of Heroes that could meet the coming night. She spoke widely about her beliefs and discoveries, and her fiery sermons galvanized a throng of loyal supporters who proselytized her new creed across [[Elyria]], [[Westemär]], and [[Caspia]]. As her support grew, she resolved to make a pilgrimage to the crater itself to confirm her revelations. Meanwhile, the mainstream clergy reacted to [[delerium]] with disgust and horror. When [[Lucretia Mathias]] returned from her pilgrimage bearing a [[delerium]] crystal embedded in her own body, she was declared a heretic and excommunicated. However, she refused to be silenced. Escaping [[Elyria]], she expanded her original writings and published them as the [[Testament of the Falling Fire]]. This religious essay proclaimed a radical new doctrine for the faith, and called upon all devout believers to make pilgrimage to the crater in Drakkenheim. Those who finish this arduous journey partake in a controversial rite known as the [[Sacrament of the Falling Fire]]. ![[Chaplain.png|400]] # Attire The [[Followers of the Falling Fire]] give up most of their worldly possessions. Many are clad only in sackcloth jerkins or monastic robes, and often carry salvaged weapons adapted from everyday equipment and tools. ![[Nathaniel Flint 1.png|400]] # Strongholds While the Falling Fire is now sending missionaries out all over the world, they have four important holdings in Drakkenheim. ## Hendrix Farm Pilgrims camp out at [[Emberwood Village#Hendrix Farm]] here in [[Emberwood Village]] before embarking on the last stage of their journey to the crater. ## Champion's Gate Not a stronghold in any true sense, the pilgrims use [[Champion's Gate]] as a waypoint on their way to [[The Crater#Edge| The Crater's Edge]] or [[St. Selina's Monastery]]. ## Chapel of St. Gresha Located on the edge of [[the crater]], this is the place where [[Lucretia Mathias]] performs the [[Sacrament of the Falling Fire]] each day at dawn. ## St. Selina's Monastery Located in the [[The Haze|Deep Haze]], this is the sanctuary for members of the Falling Fire who have completed their pilgrimage and taken the Sacrament. # Objectives ## Transform Drakkenheim into a Holy Site [[Lucretia Mathias]] has proselytized that hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions of devoted followers will need to complete the pilgrimage to fulfil her prophecy. Once they do, the [[Sacred Flame]] will set alight every righteous mortal heart, and a glorious new age of heroes shall begin. Until then, they must ensure many more can make the journey, and preserve the [[delerium]], the sacred charcoal needed to enact their rituals. Thus, they wish to make Drakkenheim itself a holy site. Those who complete their pilgrimage to [[The Crater#The Edge|The Crater's Edge]] participate in a ritual called the [[Sacrament of the Falling Fire]]. This controversial rite requires supplicants to impale a [[delerium]] fragment into their hearts. Those who survive the pilgrimage are spiritually transformed and physically empowered, rendered immune to [[contamination]] and able to survive in [[the Haze]]. Many who complete the pilgrimage suddenly discover they are able to tap into powerful spiritual energies, which they claim are the [[Sacred Flame]]. Thus many followers channel divine magic who had not before exhibited the necessary willpower to master such abilities. ## Spread and defend their new faith The [[Followers of the Falling Fire]] seek to convert others to take up their cause and their beliefs, no matter their former lives. They believe members of the [[Hooded Lanterns]] and the [[Knights of the Silver Order]] could be convinced to abandon their organizations to join the [[Followers of the Falling Fire]]. %% Should a new ruler of [[Westemär]] emerge, the [[Followers of the Falling Fire]] wish to convert this individual to their faith. Doing so will legitimize the Falling Fire politically, and make sure that they can continue their pilgrimages. %% At the same time, they must defend their faith. The [[Followers of the Falling Fire]] have been declared heretics and excommunicated by the clergy of the [[Sacred Flame]], and must protect themselves from attacks (both physical and political) by the [[Knights of the Silver Order]]. ## Claim the lost Relics of St. Vitruvio Drakkenheim was home to many saints of the [[Sacred Flame]]: most notably, the heroic [[Saint Vitruvio]], who fought astride the mighty gold dragon [[Argonath]] centuries ago. Both were buried beneath the cathedral that bears his name. Many relics of this mighty paladin are lost in Drakkenheim, such as [[Ignacious, the Sword of Burning Truth]]. If the [[Followers of the Falling Fire]] were to obtain these relics and resurrect the dragon it would significantly legitimize their beliefs to many laypeople. They wish to reclaim these artefacts and reconsecrate the [[St. Vitruvio's Cathedral#Altar of the Sacred Flame|Altar of the Sacred Flame in St. Vitruvio's Cathedral]]. The [[Phylactery of Saint Vitruvio]] is also one of the [[Seals of Drakkenheim]]. Traditionally held by a Flamekeeper of the Sacred Flame, possessing it ensures the [[Followers of the Falling Fire]] gain influence over the political destiny of Drakkenheim and [[Westemär]]. %% # Missions ### Sceptre of Saint Vitruvio Retrieve the holy relic from the [[Chapel of St. Brenna]]. ### The Lost Disciple A prominent disciple went missing near the [[Black Ivory Inn]]. ### Dwarven Defilers Drive out the [[Clan Ironhelm|Ironhelm Dwarves]] who are mining [[Delerium]] in [[The Scar]] ### Pilgrim's Plight The vast majority of the [[Followers of the Falling Fire]] are common folk. There are few warrior amongst them. Protect a pilgrimage from [[Emberwood Village]] to [[Champion's Gate]] ### Pilgrimage of Falling fire Characters of 6th level or higher who faithfully serve the Falling Fire are invited to take the pilgrimage to [[The Crater]]. ### Lighted Lanterns The characters are tasked iwth convincing the [[Hooded Lanterns]] to convert to the Falling Fire and serve their cause. ### St. Vitruvio's Cathedral Mission Destroy the [[Lord of the Feast]] and retake [[St. Vitruvio's Cathedral]]. Afterwards, help the [[Followers of the Falling Fire]] consecrate the Brazier for the Falling fire and retrieve [[Ignacious, the Sword of Burning Truth]]. ### A Messenger of Faith Entreat members of the [[Knights of the Silver Order]] to back down and join our cause - otherwise destroy them. ### Drive out the Faithless We shall put an end to the [[Amethyst Academy]]'s experiments iwth the holy charcoal by invading the [[Inscrutable Tower]]. ### Shield of the Sacred Flame An expedition to [[City Locations/Castle Drakken]] is needed to recover the fabled [[Shield of St. Vitruvio]]. ### Awaken Argonath We will need a pristine [[Delerium]] geode from [[The Crater#Delerium Heart]] to complete resurrection of [[Argonath]]. ## A Worthy Disciple [[Lucretia Mathias]] is wizened, and though her divine powers imbue her with vigour, she is not long for this world. She has not yet found a true disciple who could take up her mantle after she passes, and she knows that her followers will need to rally behind a new leader when she is gone. # Boons **Divine Spellcasting Services** [[Lucretia Mathias]] can offer her services as a spellcaster to the characters. She can help them recover via spells such as [[lesser restoration]], [[prayer of healing]], [[purge contamination]], [[remove curse]], [[greater restoration]], and heroes’ feast. While characters must still provide any costly material components, she does not charge them to cast the spells. **Celestial Lore** [[Lucretia Mathias]] is an unparalleled expert on celestial phenomena, cosmology, religion, and divine magic. In addition, she possesses unique insight about [[delerium]] and [[the meteor]], and has prescient divine visions. While she could conceivably answer questions about anything, she speaks in prophecy and mystery, and often encourages others to “seek the truth for themselves.” She’s more likely to guide characters towards an answer than outright reveal it. For example, while [[Lucretia Mathias]] has personally ventured to the centre of [[the crater]] and knows what lies there, she believes others must witness it firsthand. Furthermore, she has her own subjective point of view about events coloured by her faith, though she sincerely believes them to be true. **Prophecy** [[Lucretia Mathias]] can cast a wide range of divination spells, including [[commune]], [[divination]], [[legend lore]], and [[scrying]]. She will cast these spells to gain knowledge and insight about future events. **Revive the Fallen** is willing to cast [[raise dead]], [[resurrection]], or even [[true resurrection]] upon a faithful champion. She will use [[delerium]] as a material component for these spells, and so any character raised by her gains a form of indefinite madness. **Sanctified by the Falling Fire** Characters who demonstrate full faith and devotion to the Falling Fire are invited to make a pilgrimage to the crater’s edge and partake in the [[Sacrament of the Falling Fire]]. This ritual imbues characters with powerful protection against [[the Haze]], but has a serious cost. **Relics of the Faithful** As a reward for completing an important mission, the [[Followers of the Falling Fire]] will grant the party one magical rod, staff, or wonderous item from their reliquary.This will be an uncommon item for an Outer City mission, a rare item for the Inner City or a faction stronghold, or a very rare magic item for a successful mission to [[City Locations/Castle Drakken]] or [[St. Vitruvio's Cathedral]]. This boon can be granted multiple times, once for each character in the party. The Game Master can either choose the item, or allow the player to choose it. **Testament of the Falling Fire** [[Lucretia Mathias]] allows characters to read one of her original manuscripts. These take the form of a Tome of Clear Thought, a Tome of Understanding, and a Tome of Leadership and Influence. %% # Sanctified by the Falling Fire The [[Sacrament of the Falling Fire]] is a new spell known only to [[Lucretia Mathias]] and [[Saint Gresha]], who cast the spells each day at dawn and dusk respectively at the [[Chapel of St. Gresha]] on the [[The Crater#Edge]]. A character who participates in the [[Sacrament of the Falling Fire]] gains the following traits, so long as they adhere to the tenets and faith of the Falling Fire: - You gain advantage on saving throws against being [[Charmed]] or [[frightened]], and resistance to necrotic and radiant damage. You are immune to [[contamination]]. - If you die, your soul enters the [[delerium]] fragment embedded into your chest. You can’t be raised from the dead while your soul is in the fragment. The embedded [[delerium]] fragment does not contaminate or otherwise harm a character who keeps their conviction. %% ## Loss of Faith A character who violates or loses their faith in the Falling Fire loses the protections of sanctification and the beneficial traits above. Instead, their body is directly exposed to the [[delerium]] in their chest and they immediately gain one level of [[contamination]]. Until the fragment is removed or they atone for their sins, their hit point maximum is reduced by 10 (3d6) and they gain a level of delerium [[contamination]] each time they finish a long rest. ## Sanctified Delerium A [[delerium]] fragment filled with a sanctified soul glows with golden light. It becomes inert and immune to all damage except bludgeoning damage from magical weapons. Sanctified [[delerium]] possesses no other magical properties and is worthless for all arcane applications. A creature holding the fragment can telepathically communicate with the soul held within. If a sanctified fragment is destroyed, the soul inside is utterly annihilated, but the fragment can be used in a spell to return the dead soul within to life. %% ## Removing the Fragment The [[Sacrament of the Falling Fire]] ritual fuses [[delerium]] to the body. The fragment can only be physically removed through great effort, requiring one hour of work and a DC 25 Medicine check. %% On a successful check, the fragment is removed but the sanctified character suffers 55 (10d10) damage. The fragment can be harmlessly removed from a willing creature using a [[heal]] or [[wish]] spell. # Strike Teams The [[Followers of the Falling Fire]] lack military training and possess few resources. What they do have, however, is great faith and determination. In battle, the [[Followers of the Falling Fire]] surge forward in a mob to engage in zealous combat. However, they staunchly defend one another and look out for their fellow believers. They have little regard for tactics or strategy, believing instead that their actions are guided by divine providence instead. They rarely retreat. ## Pilgrimage A mob of 21 (6d6) commoners led by a priest. Such groups may also include several noncombatants, as well as wagons pulled by draft animals such as oxen or mules. ## Militant Faithful 10(3d6) cultists led by 2 (1d4) cult fanatics. ## Sanctified Zealots An assorted group of 7 (2d6) berserkers, cult fanatics, and preists. These individuals have completed the [[Sacrament of the Falling Fire]], and have the [[#Sanctified by the Falling Fire]] traits. ## Converted Clergy Any other strike team might be joined by a kniight, chaplain, or cavalier originally a member of the mainstream clergy who has shifted their faith to the Falling Fire. Many might even be former members of the [[Knights of the Silver Order]]. ## Angelic Avenger [[Lucretia Mathias]] can summon 1d4 devas or a planetar to lead another strike team. # Schemes **Celestial Visions** If the player characters pose a threat to [[Followers of the Falling Fire]], [[Lucretia Mathias]] begins using [[scrying]] spells to observe the characters when they are outside [[the Haze]], and using [[divination]] and [[commune]] spells to learn about their personality traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws. Her aim is to simply learn about the characters, their motivations, and actions. **Compelling Plea** [[Lucretia Mathias]] uses her knowledge of the player characters to implore them to join the [[Followers of the Falling Fire]]. She uses information gleaned about the characters’ ideals, bonds, and flaws to impress the importance of her own visions. She makes prophecies and delivers omens that the characters will not succeed without faith, and perhaps even exposes their vices, flaws, and past sins. However, in bringing up the characters’ failures, secrets, and flaws, she offers them hope for atonement and absolution by joining her. **Salvation and Penitence** If the characters are in dire circumstances, [[Lucretia Mathias]] receives a vision of their plight and dispatches a Falling Fire [[#Strike Teams]] to rescue them. The [[#Strike Teams]] brings the characters back to [[St. Selina's Monastery]] and offers them healing and help, but also takes their possessions and tries to forcefully convert them. They may even imprison the characters until they repent. **Conversion** If the player characters have any family members or loved ones, the [[Followers of the Falling Fire]] seek them out and attempt to convert them. Alternatively, they convert members of the [[Queen's Men]], [[Knights of the Silver Order]], or [[Sacred Flame]] to join them. **Truth of the Crater** [[Lucretia Mathias]] invites the player characters to accompany her to the centre of [[the crater]] so they can see for themselves the truth of what is to come. If they do not agree to join her, she incites the monsters therein to attack, relying on her own divine power to protect herself. %% # Image ![[Falling Fire Flag.png]] %% “For the Sacred Charcoal shall light the purifying flames of the Falling Fire, and the faithful shall be sanctified by its power. And in this holy union, our souls shall be made as one” “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall find a shard of the Sacred Charcoal that doth match their souls. And they shall take it in upon themselves, and be reborn in the light of the Sacred Flame” “The Sacrament of the Falling Fire is our most precious rite, and only those pure of heart and soul and purpose may partake. The Sanctified shall be filled with the grace of the flame and shine like beacons of light in the darkness” “And the faithful shall be transformed by the Flame, and they shall be lifted upon wings of blessed fire to soar above the tribulations of this broken mortal coil. For they have been blessed by the Sacred Charcoal, and their souls are one with the Sacred Flame itself” “The end of this world is nigh, but I say do not despair, for we alone can fix this broken world by uniting together in the light of the Falling Fire” “Faith is a living, daring confidence that a woman could stake her life on it a thousand times and never flinch” “In times of darkness and despair, it is easy to lose hope. But remember, the light of the Sacred Fire burns within us all, and when the hour is darkest, that light burns brightly” “The church in Ellyria has become corrupted by its own dogma. It is time for us to cast off these shackles and renew our commitment to the guiding principles of the Sacred Flame that are second to no mortal hierarchy” “The light of the Flame has been smothered by the weight of tradition. We, the Falling Fire, will rekindle that flame and let it burn bright once again” “The Matriarch is content to passively observe the flame from a distance. We, the Falling Fire, walk amongst the flames unharmed and emerge stronger” “The Ellyrians are afraid of change and the truth that the Falling Fire foretells. We welcome it, for only by embracing the new can we truly honor the legacy of the Sacred Flame” “The Sacred Flame is not a possession of the Church. It belongs to no woman, but instead gives itself freely to all who seek its truths.” “The pilgrimage will not be easy, but I promise you there is no worthier task. Through our sacrifice, we can reforge this broken world” “Brothers and sisters, I know that the journey before us is long and perilous. But though we walk upon a knife’s edge path, we have the light of the Flame to guide us and we do not falter” “The Sacred Charcoal is the seed to a new Age of Heroes, and we are its incubators. There is no charge more sacred” “The Sacred Charcoal burns brightly like the stars in the sky, each one a beacon of hope and wonder against the darkness. Together, we form constellations of blinding light that can guide this world towards a brighter future” “A New Age of Heroes is nigh. It will not just be a new chapter, but an wholly new book, written in the language of the Sacred Flame itself” “The stars themselves have sent us a holy sign. The way forward is clear. We must simply have the resolve to do what is right” “A new Age of Heroes, she did see // A world reborn, from darkness free, // and all did know the power of the Sacred Fire, // and saw the light it doth inspire” “She saw a world consumed by blight, // covered in darkness, ruled by night. // But lo behold, a meteor did fall, // and from its heart, we hear the Sacred Charcoal’s call.” %%