Ember the Phoenix is one of the four Archon, legendary manifestations of the elemental Unknown deities who serve as their will made flesh upon the Prime Plane. Formed from the fiery essence of Unknown, the Primus god of energy, Ember stands as the guardian of the Unknown and the embodiment of fire and light. As Archon of The Sun, Ember’s presence is both awe-inspiring and cataclysmic, representing the eternal cycle of destruction and rebirth.
Appearance and Powers
Ember’s form is that of a colossal Phoenix, its feathers shimmering in a fiery spectrum of gold, crimson, and orange, each plume ablaze with an eternal flame. Its vast wingspan casts radiant light across the land, and its movements leave trails of molten heat that ignite the very air. Its eyes burn with the intensity of a star, reflecting both the wisdom and wrath of its elemental heritage.
Ember’s flames are far more than destructive—they are a force of renewal and purification. Those consumed by its fire may be reborn, their souls cleansed and rejuvenated, if they are found worthy by the Phoenix's ancient judgment. Its control over Sun-Rifting allows it to harness and manipulate fire and light, shaping the world’s energy to heal, create, or annihilate.
Origins and Role
During the Twilight of Creation, as the Unknown sought to bring order to the cosmos, Pyros manifested Ember from the purest flames of the Plane of Ignis. Tasked with protecting the Sunstone, a critical artifact of balance, Ember became the conduit through which the primal forces of fire and energy flowed into the Prime Plane. Ember's purpose extended beyond mere guardianship; it served as a teacher and progenitor. Ember aided Unknown in sculpting the first Solar Drake in its radiant image and bestowing upon them mastery over Sun-Rifting. These majestic dragons became the stewards of the Sun Realm, charged with spreading Ember’s teachings and preserving the delicate equilibrium of fire.
With the dawn of the Third Age (the Age of the Elves), Ember chose the first Avatar of the Sun, initiating the cycle of Avatars who would protect and lead The Sun Realm. This lineage of Avatars served as intermediaries between mortals and the Sunstone, ensuring the balance of light and fire endured throughout the ages.
The Sunstone
The Sunstone is the heart of Ember’s domain, a radiant artifact housed within the volcanic peak of Unknown in the northern reaches of Osira. This artifact embodies the balance of fire and energy, influencing the cycles of day and night, the warmth of the sun, and the vitality of the natural world. The Sunstone acts as a conduit, connecting the Plane of Ignis to the Prime Plane through the Riftways, allowing fire and energy to flow harmoniously across the cosmos.
Ember is the eternal guardian of the Sunstone, ensuring its power remains untarnished and accessible only to those deemed worthy. The Unknown undertaken by chosen Avatars of the Sun, serves as a testament to Ember’s vigilance and the Sunstone’s significance in maintaining balance.
Maledict of Malekith
The Third Age was marked by a devastating betrayal when Malekith, blinded by his boundless ambition, sought to claim the Sunstone’s power for himself. Malekith’s treachery culminated in a fierce battle against Ember atop Mount Rath, where the Phoenix defended the Sunstone with unmatched ferocity. Though Ember battled valiantly, the confrontation scarred the Sun Realm, scorching the lands of the Solir and forever altering the balance of fire in the world.
This conflict left Ember weary, retreating to the volcanic sanctum of the Sunstone to heal and renew its strength. The scars of Malekith’s betrayal serve as a somber reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and the enduring need for vigilance. It is believed that neither party, however, could kill the other given Malekith's treachery in absorbing Avatar Lumina's essence.
Legacy and Mythology
Ember’s influence extends far beyond its role as guardian of the Sunstone. It is revered as a symbol of rebirth and resilience, embodying the indomitable spirit of fire and the eternal cycle of life, death, and renewal. The Solar Drakes, the Sun Realm, and the practice of Sun-Rifting all trace their origins to Ember, ensuring its legacy endures in the fabric of the world.
Though rarely seen, Ember’s presence is felt in times of great need, its flames illuminating the darkest moments of history. To invoke Ember’s name is to call upon the raw power of creation itself, a force that demands respect and reverence. As the first and greatest of Pyros’ creations, Ember remains a cornerstone of the world's elemental balance and an enduring guardian of its sacred flame.