Fire Folk

The fire folk empire once existed over a vast expanse, covering the volcanic islands of Wa in the east. That empire has since fallen, and even their largest city, Huo Cheng, was destroyed by a volcano. Most remaining fire folk can be found in Gongheguo City. Small populations also remain in tiny communities, hiding from larger nations.

Fore folk usually stand between 5 and 6 feet tall. Their skin is typically fair compared to other human races. Hairstyles can say a lot about a fire folk as well. There are certain hairstyles and ceremonial top knots and ponytails that are reserved for royalty, and various hairstyles for other stations in life. Fire folk like to wear bold colors like reds and yellows.

Of all the races, fire folk have the most zest. Fire folk have dozens of festivals, and find any excuse they can to throw a party. Festivals are held almost weekly, if not more so, with multiple reasons to celebrate life and love.

The fire folk of Gongheguo City have the most advanced industry and are the crafters of many different kinds of trinkets and treasures. Fire folk are also the biggest crafters of weapons and armor. In antiquity, they were used for war or palace coups, but now they are only used for practice or ceremonial decoration.

The fire folk typically live for less than a century. Of all the societies, fire folk could be considered the most changing. The rulers of the empire succeeded rapidly, and while the succession of the throne was typically handed down along familial lines, it was not uncommon for others to take over the throne for their own families. In recent times, the empire has fallen to the point where many families claim kinship with royal lines, but none have any true authority over other fire folk.

Firelacing comes from the fire folk, and tradition dictates that the ability was originally learned from dragons. Dragons are seen as the original firelacers, and fire folk revere these powerful creatures in daily life. Firelacing masters spend years learning control over their abilities. Amateur firelacers might use their abilities indiscriminately, but only a master will be able to exert true control over their fire, using it not only for its power but for its soothing light.

While the fire folk can be seen as intimidating by other societies, the truth is that fire folk will be incredibly quick to trust someone and decide that they're a friend, and invite them along to festivals, or open their home to them.

Air Monks. "Once you get to know them, the air monks can be really fun! They do their meditations, and that's great, but there's nothing more entertaining than getting an air monk to loosen up and tell you their stories."

Water Clan. "I don't understand how the water clan can live in places that are so cold. And it's kind of strange that they don't have more contact with other people. Are they being secretive, or is it just because no one else goes there? They can be a little hard to trust."

Earth Kin. "The earth kin are so structured, it can be a little infuriating. Even their festivals fall on such a strict schedule with specific rules on how to have fun. It's pretty rare to see an earth kin just cut loose and be unrestrained for once."

Obake. "I'd love to meet an obake. People say they look like animals, and they love to play tricks. I wonder if that's true? If they do exist, the must keep to themselves, but I wouldn't hesitate to meet one!"

Fire folk might be the people most suited for life on the road. Quick to make friends and sate others who might distrust them of their nature, a fire folk doesn't take another creature's reaction to them personally. They know of their own reputation and find it's more prudent to simply lead by example and show why they would be great friends.

Fire folk may become adventurers just for the love of travel, to make new friends, see strange lands, encounter weird new creatures, or test their might against dangerous spirits.

Fire folk names are granted at birth. Typically a fire folk will only have a single name, with distinguishing family names reserved only for high society. Fire folk names often flow together, using softer consonants such as "z."

Male Names: Azata, Azumu, Daichi, Daizuke, Goro, Hachiro, Haruto, Haruzi, Hayato, Hideyoshi, Hinaza, Izuki, Jiro, Kaede, Katashi, Kazuo, Mazaru, Minoru, Noboru, Nori, Ozamu, Ryo, Shiro, Taro, Yazu, Yoshi, Zaburo, Zota

Female Names: Aizo, Aimi, Azuko, Chizako, Chinatsu, Etsuko, Haruna, Hina, Hiroko, Izumi, Kazue, Kazuko, Kazumi, Mei, Midori, Mizuki, Natsuko, Rei, Satomi, Sayuri, Shizuka, Suzu, Suzume, Tomiko, Yoko, Yumi, Yuzuki