Order of the Orange Flame

Overview

The Order of the Orange Flame is an ancient organization dedicated to the protection and secrecy of a powerful force known as the Flame. Founded in 1120, the Order originated within the now-lost city of Skylan, where it endured centuries of isolation before emerging as a respected institution in New Orange City. Its headquarters, an elegant complex of two distinctive towers and a main palace structure, sits atop Skylan Mountain, overlooking the Irvington and Dukeside District neighborhoods of New Orange City.

Though once in extreme disrepair, the Order’s complex was recently fully restored, and today serves as a venue for both public and private events, while still maintaining its ancient traditions.

History

The Order was founded during the era of Skylan, a city built within the vast caverns of Skylan Mountain between 1100 and 1250. The city was the vision of Joe the Imaginer, a leader who sought to create an isolated utopia, guiding his followers into the mountain to live in solitude. Over time, the city of Skylan faded from history, but the Order endured, continuing its sacred mission within the mountain’s halls.

As Oranjestad grew and expanded into modern-day New Orange City, the Order gradually opened its doors to the public, integrating with the larger society while still protecting its ancient secrets. The restoration of its mountainside complex marked a new era for the Order, allowing it to reclaim its place as a respected institution.

Mission and Philosophy

The Order of the Orange Flame is dedicated to safeguarding the Flame, a fragmented source of power that, if reunited, could reshape the world. The Order has long maintained that the Flame should be kept hidden, believing its power to be too dangerous for mortal hands. Throughout history, Flamekeepers—the sworn guardians of the Order—have worked to ensure that the Flame’s pieces remain scattered and protected.

The Order values wisdom, protection, and restraint, believing that true power comes not from wielding force, but from ensuring it does not fall into the wrong hands. This belief has put them at odds with rival factions who seek to use the Flame for their own purposes.

Rivalry with the Obsidian Order

For centuries, the Order of the Orange Flame has maintained a philosophical and territorial rivalry with the Obsidian Order, a powerful faction residing atop neighboring Rainbow Mountain. While physical battles between the two have been rare, their ideological struggle has shaped history, often leading to contests of influence over the populace and struggles over control of powerful relics.

While the Order of the Orange Flame believes in protecting power through secrecy, the Obsidian Order is said to embrace power as a tool for reshaping the world. This fundamental difference has led to centuries of debate, espionage, and intrigue, with both factions vying for control over history itself.

The Order Today

Following its full restoration, the Order’s complex now serves as a symbol of New Orange City’s past and present. It hosts public lectures, private ceremonies, and remains an active institution for those who continue to follow its teachings. Though the modern role of the Flamekeepers remains largely unknown to outsiders, the Order continues to protect the Flame’s secrets—watching, waiting, and ensuring that history does not repeat itself.