Fireworm Leadership
There is no king or queen of the fireworms, no true government or ruler that commands them; they live in familial clans of anywhere from two to a hundred members, all brothers and sisters or cousins many times removed. There are no formal laws aside from the Law of Retribution; anyone who does harm to a fireworm will be paid back by their entire clan. Fireworms in small clans or outside of them entirely are vulnerable to abuse this way, and often ally themselves with a more powerful clan for protection.
Clans vary greatly depending on their size and power. Leadership may be elected, decided by seniority, be hereditary, or chosen based upon the most powerful warrior in the clan. Rules within a clan are surprisingly similar, no matter where on the island they make their den; one must never act against a member of one’s own clan, and one should have the approval of the leaders before taking action against another clan’s member. So long as they abide by these rules, a fireworm will always have the support and protection of their clan. The punishment for breaking these rules is up to the clan’s leader, but often severe.
Vendettas between clans are hard to shake off and can last for generations and claim many lives. The shared code of honour between the clans helps to avoid some conflicts, but most major clans have some deep-seated rivalries with each other. Alliances between clans of equal size are rare but not unheard of; honestly is prized among clans and most will take each other at their word - unless they’ve lied in the past, in which case they can never be trusted again - if they come to an arrangement.
Clans vary greatly depending on their size and power. Leadership may be elected, decided by seniority, be hereditary, or chosen based upon the most powerful warrior in the clan. Rules within a clan are surprisingly similar, no matter where on the island they make their den; one must never act against a member of one’s own clan, and one should have the approval of the leaders before taking action against another clan’s member. So long as they abide by these rules, a fireworm will always have the support and protection of their clan. The punishment for breaking these rules is up to the clan’s leader, but often severe.
Vendettas between clans are hard to shake off and can last for generations and claim many lives. The shared code of honour between the clans helps to avoid some conflicts, but most major clans have some deep-seated rivalries with each other. Alliances between clans of equal size are rare but not unheard of; honestly is prized among clans and most will take each other at their word - unless they’ve lied in the past, in which case they can never be trusted again - if they come to an arrangement.
The Law of Retribution
The Law of Retribution - simply referred to as “the Law” by those raised on the Island of Fire - is half code of honour, half shared philosophy that governs over all interactions that occur on the Island and between the fireworm clans. The Law itself is simple; that one’s actions should be repaid in full. If a fireworm is unfairly attacked, the entire clan will invoke the Law to strike back and get vengeance upon the aggressor, and more than a few wars between clans were started in this way. If someone does a good turn for a fireworm, their clan will be more generous in their dealings with the individual, and help them when the opportunity to do so arises. Some fireworms take the Law more seriously than others; sometimes a simple ‘thank you’ is enough of a way to show gratitude, while others’ sense of honour demands that they repay the kindness of others in full.
It also applies to trade and expressions of gratitude; if someone saves a fireworm’s life, they can expect that individual to pay them back in some way, be it following them around to keep them safe until that debt is repaid, or giving them a gift of great value. Cheating or lying to a fireworm is just about the worst thing one can do, and those with a reputation for doing so will find that no fireworm will take their word for anything going forward.
Although outsiders are given some leniency, as fireworms are aware that not all are raised knowing the Law of Retribution, those who violate its demands may still be treated with hostility. Much of the Law is, thankfully, rather intuitive, and incidents entirely caused by ignorance tend to be rare.
It also applies to trade and expressions of gratitude; if someone saves a fireworm’s life, they can expect that individual to pay them back in some way, be it following them around to keep them safe until that debt is repaid, or giving them a gift of great value. Cheating or lying to a fireworm is just about the worst thing one can do, and those with a reputation for doing so will find that no fireworm will take their word for anything going forward.
Although outsiders are given some leniency, as fireworms are aware that not all are raised knowing the Law of Retribution, those who violate its demands may still be treated with hostility. Much of the Law is, thankfully, rather intuitive, and incidents entirely caused by ignorance tend to be rare.
Major Fireworm Clans
There are currently eight major clans inhabiting the Island of Fire, and hundreds of smaller minor clans. This section provides information on the leadership and culture of each major clan. If you would like to read about each clan’s den, see the fireworm territory page.
Ashwalker Clan
Clan Name: Ashwalker Clan
Den Location: Ashen Nest Government Type: Ruled by elected leaders. Current Leader: Lahar Senior Minstrel: Coal Founded: 415 A.E.D The youngest of the major clans, the Ashwalkers were only recently formed through the union of the leaders of two smaller clans, swelling their numbers and granting them more influence over the island. They are traditionalists and dislike outsiders, living near the scorching heat of the always-erupting volcanoes along the southern coast of the island. Unlike the Firemaw Clan, they do not attack strangers without cause, but they aren’t exceptionally friendly to off-islanders that they encounter, either. This is rarely an issue, however, as the heavy plumes of toxic gas and oppressive heat keep out all but the most determined travellers. They hold strongly to the Law of Retribution, making them fierce allies and terrible enemies. They are fair in their dealings, even with outsiders, but crossing them is a sure path to regrets. Members of the Ashwalker Clan tend to dress in typical manners for fireworms; flame-themed or jewelry depicting the Two Brothers are generally preferred, crafted from gold, silver, rubies, and other precious materials found on the Island of Fire. They have a rivalry with the Basalt Clan and Viper Clan. |
Basalt Clan
Clan Name: Basalt Clan
Den Location: Seaside Overlook Government Type: Ruled by elected leaders. Current Leader: Firebug Senior minstrel: Albatross Founded: ??? B.A An ancient clan that makes their home in the immense spires of basalt along the Island of Fire’s northwestern coastline. They are just as capable in the sea as they are in the sky, and largely subsist off of fish. Despite their age, the Basalt Clan is the most progressive of the major fireworm clans, welcoming outsiders and traders from other lands into their midst, to the point where foreign traders have started to settle down in their territory as accepted members of the clan. Their numbers are filled with talented diplomats and bargainers. Relationships with sundrake merchants or other visiting non-fireworms are fairly common occurrences, and not seen as very unusual. Under the rule of their current leader, Firebug, the clan has banned the practice of abandoning iceworm hatchings - something that had previously only been frowned upon. Due to their westerly location, the Basalt Clan sometimes find themselves the target of attacks by Xocrian dragonslayers and will defend themselves viciously if needed. Basalt Clan members love to decorate their bodies lavishly, with jewelry and clothing traded for from visitors from faraway lands, or even going out of their way to get elaborate tattoos and piercings. They have a rivalry with the Firemaw Clan and Ashwalker Clan. |
Firemaw Clan
Clan Name: Firemaw Clan
Den Location: Wrath’s Sanctum Government Type: Ruled by the most feared and powerful warrior of their Clan. Current Leader: Fumerole Senior minstrel: Rhyolite Founded: ??? B.A The dreaded Firemaw Clan has inspired terror in the hearts of other fireworms for generations, raiding and pillaging other clans in the name of their feared goddess of destruction and namesake, Firemaw. They kidnap any outsiders they come across to sacrifice to their goddess and await the day that she will emerge from her underground prison and destroy all others, and have a habit of stealing young fireworms and eggs to be raised among their own children. Despite this, few dare to retaliate against them, as their warriors are some of the most dangerous and skilled to call the Island of Fire home. Members of the Firemaw Clan like to wear the bones of their prey - be it animals or other dragons - cleaned, carved with beautiful patterns and inlaid with gold and gemstones, equal parts beautiful and terrifying. They make their den in a craggy expanse of caverns along the slope of the western Sibling, one of the largest volcanoes on the island. Within smoky caves are space for their stolen treasures, clan members to sleep, a prison for captives taken (of which a human with glowing eyes the colour of magma is a permanent resident), and in the deepest recesses of their home, the ancient bones of an Elder Drake lie half-buried in rock, the exposed areas polished and carved. They have a rivalry with the Moon Clan and Storm Clan. |
Forest Clan
Clan Name: Forest Clan
Den Location: the Sleeping Wood Government Type: Loosely led by the eldest and most respected elders, though rules are very relaxed outside of what is required for their basic needs and safety. Current Leader: Eyjafjallajökull Senior minstrel: Petrifaction Founded: 359 A.E.D A reclusive and shy lot, the Forest Clan resides in the southern reaches of the dense rainforest that covers part of the Island of Fire. Their home is in the boughs of the largest skybrush cypress known to exist, named the “Sleeping Wood” by the fireworms who dwell within. Due to living deep within the forest, any use of fire is strictly banned for the protection of their home, and instead, they tend to bioluminescent plants and flowers throughout their arboreal home. They like to wear carved wooden beads and drape themselves in garlands of fresh flowers, giving them the permanent scent of nectar. Butterfly and bee motifs tend to be popular for personal decor. Although apprehensive around them, members of the Forest Clan are not hostile towards strangers or outsiders from the Island of Fire and can make for loyal friends if one is willing to put in the effort to bring them out of their shell. |
Moon Clan
Clan Name: Moon Clan
Den Location: Fort Diana Government Type: The Moon Clan’s hierarchy echoes that of the ancient moonviper empire, and functions as a hereditary monarchy. Their leaders are referred to as Emperors, Empresses and Sovereigns. Current Leader: Empress Dacite Senior minstrel: Crescent Founded: Around 35 A.E.D. The Clan existed in some form prior as the servants and personal guard of the Prince who once oversaw the Island of Fire. The Moon Clan inhabits Fort Diana, an ancient palace at the heart of the Island of Fire constructed by the former moonviper governors of the island. They are one of the wealthiest clans, owing a good portion of their riches to the treasures abandoned by the moonvipers in their haste to flee eruptions and revolt decades ago. They hold to this day that, as those who were closest to the old empire, they are the inheritors of Adeodatus’ fallen empire and the true rulers of the Island of Fire. Most born members of the Moon Clan have visible signs of moonviper ancestry, with serpentine builds, silvery scales, and even, rarely, functional forelegs. Members of the Moon Clan worship the three goddesses of the moonvipers, the Moon Sisters. They do not recognize the authority of the Perigee, and although they are more pacifistic by nature, do not abstain entirely from violence if pressed. They depict the Moon Sisters as a trio of fireworms with silver scales, rather than as three moons as is the custom back in the Land of Rivers. Their fashion is still influenced by the Land of Rivers and moonvipers to this day, though with a greater appreciation for bling, preferring moon and star-themed jewelry made of black stone, silver and moonstones/sapphires. Their current ruler, Empress Dacite, took up her position at the age of two after her mother, Empress Thera, died in a brief outbreak of Scale Rot in 490. She worked under the regency of the clan’s senior minstrel, Crescent, for many years, and has only recently taken up the full powers of an Empress. The Moon Clan are regarded as ‘self-important snobs’ by most of the other fireworms, but generally try their best to avoid violent confrontations with outsiders, and are gracious hosts to outsiders from the Island of Fire |
Song Clan
Clan Name: the Song Clan
Den Location: Singer’s Island Government Type: The Song Clan has no formal leader, and instead functions as a direct democracy. A member of the clan known as the Singer is elected each year to collect votes. Current Leader: Singer Heliconia Senior minstrel: Minivet Founded: ??? B.A The Song Clan makes its home on a small island off the southern coast of the Island of Fire, and is the southernmost inhabited region in the Realm. They are famous with the other clans for being the most exceptionally talented singers of their kind, with beautiful, haunting voices… as well as being exceptionally short, as most of their number have varying levels of springsinger ancestry. At the start of each year, the Song Clan’s members hold a ceremony known as the Changing of the Winds, where every clan member may volunteer - or abstain from participating - in what is essentially a song ‘duel’ conducted over the next week. Each night the clan votes on a favourite between two contestants, and by the end of it, only one individual remains; they will be the clan’s Singer for the rest of the year and are responsible for directing the clan’s votes on issues and counting votes. Of all the fireworm clans, the Song Clan’s members are by far the most averse to violence and prefer to solve their issues through words rather than by tooth and claw - if pushed, they’ll fight, but only as a last resort. Their isolated location has been a boon for them, and aside from the all-clans alliance against the Viper Clan decades ago, have lived mostly in peace since Adeodatus’ empire was forced to relinquish their claim to the Island of Fire. They are somewhat wary of strangers - even other fireworms - when they first encounter them, but warm up quickly to those who prove to have no ill intentions, and are excellent hosts to those who have earned their trust and friendship. Members of the Song Clan enjoy growing flowers and other plants, both for decorative, food and medicinal purposes, and jewelry and artwork created by their members often have flower and plant motifs. They are one of the few clans with no real rivalries and tend to stay out of inter-clan politics as best they can |
Storm Clan
Clan Name: Storm Clan
Den Location: Thunder’s Witness Government Type: Diarchy Current Leaders: Wrangell and Veer Senior minstrel: Pyroxene Founded: 203 A.E.D. A clan of honourable warriors and thrill-seekers, the Storm Clan revels in the source of its name, delighting in the hurricanes and other dreadful weather that wracks the eastern shores of the Island of Fire and might drive off less formidable dragons. It is said when thunder cracks over the island, the Storm Clan seeks not shelter, but to ride the storm to its end. As a result of their peculiar behaviour, it is not uncommon for others to wonder if they are descended from the storm dragons to the northeast of the Island of Fire. They make their den on the far north-eastern edge of the Island of Fire’s jungles, just bordering the vast stretches of lava floes that cover the Island’s eastern third. Their closest neighbours are the Firemaw Clan, and the Storm Clan’s warriors often clash with them when their raiders approach to try to steal resources or eggs and young hatchlings. The Storm Clan is ruled by a pair of leaders, Wrangell and Veer; mother and daughter. Once, the clan’s leaders were from two different families, but eventually, the two families became one. Wrangell is older and more experienced, while Veer brings youthful energy - and exasperation at her mother’s tendency to overreach and try to ‘help’ with her duties as clan leader. They have a rivalry with the Ashwalker and Firemaw Clans. |
Sulfur Clan
Viper Clan
Clan Name: Viper Clan
Den Location: Viper’s Roost Government Type: Loosely organized, anarchic clan Current Leader: Wraith Senior minstrel: Avhauin Founded: Initially founded 158 A.E.D, destroyed in 456 A.E.D, re-founded in 494 A.E.D The Viper Clan were wiped out a generation ago for treachery, driven off by a united front of all the major fireworm clans after a betrayal so heinous that all who remember it refuse to speak of it. They are remembered as sly, cowardly, and not to be trusted under any circumstances. Or, at least, they were supposed to have been wiped out. A young Iceworm has returned from the faraway north, claiming to be the last remaining member of the original clan. They have managed to band together a disparate group of other Iceworms, small clans, hybrid dragons, and even humans to re-form the hated Viper Clan. They are quickly growing to become one of the dominant clans and have taken up residence in the high, empty caldera of an ancient volcano, where the air is cooler and more comfortable. The Viper Clan has a rivalry with all others clans as a result of the actions of the Mad Viper, Hiri Fireblood. Despite this, the clan’s members are largely content with pulling small-scale, harmless pranks on their neighbours. They are rivals with all other clans. |