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Fire Dancer — Description

If there is one thing surface folk associate demons with, it is fire. To outsiders, they would think that this element rules the entire Underworld, believing in the false idea that the realm down below is perpetually burning. Fire, brimstone and all that nonsense. Indeed, there is lava to be found in portions of the Underworld, but the majority of it is free of such fiery substance. However, the idea that demons are eternally linked to flame is not wrong, as their race is truly devoted to it. It is the element of one of the four Gods Below, and its spark is said to have given rise to their entire kind. So much so, that demons believe they have "internal flames" over "souls," the fire of life burning within their very flesh. It is supposedly what gives them their immunity to fire and their high body heat. And though demons can learn other types of magic, the summoning of fire is a skill pretty much all can do from a young age. It comes naturally to them, which fits well since fire is so ingrained in their culture. Fire brings light, it fuels their famous forges and it creates the warmth that allows life to flourish. With all this, it should be no surprise that there are demons who specialize in the art of flame. However, many surface dwellers were quite shocked to see it wielded in this form.
While some races view flame in a more blunt and deadly sense, demons see elegance and beauty within it. This is easily shown in their beloved fire goddess, Pyrogohna, whose lithe form eternally dances to keep the world spinning and the fires burning. Her movements strengthen flame, and it was that belief that led to the creation of the Fire Dancers. These are demon magic users who specialize in fire magic, and they wield this art through the power of dance. One must wonder what the first surface dwellers thought when they witnessed a Fire Dancer in battle. A big gruff, horned demon spinning about to some unheard rhythm? They may have found it comical, until a wall of flame incinerated them. Do not make the ignorant mistake in thinking this never ending dance is purely for show, as it is these moves that make Fire Dancers the most powerful flame wielders in the world.
The art of the Fire Dancer lays within the creation and sustaining of an intricate dance. What one aims to do is feel the ebb and flow of the internal flame, and inspire your moves and rhythm to it. Let the fire guide you, and your body becomes the vessel for its music and power. Let it show in grand sweeping movements, in undulations and graceful spins. Like how flame burns and spreads, your form must follow in its elegance. By following this rhythm and aligning one's very being to this flame, the power over fire begins to strengthen. As the dance grows more intricate and grand, their mastery over this element seemingly multiples, until their very movements summon burning waves and flaming twisters. This is their literal fiery passion given form, and it lets them channel its power with their hypnotic moves. But this mastery hinges all upon their dance, which cannot stop or else that magic will fade. Much like how Pyrogohna cannot cease in her duty, a Fire Dancer in battle must never falter, or their power will reset to the lowest strength.
The might of a Fire Dancer is seen in the spells they cast with their very bodies, weaving great fire storms and unleashing incinerating waves. The way they wield it is far from the crude fireballs lowly mages like to fling, as it almost moves like water in their hands. They can shape it and strengthen it with their moves, the longer their dance goes on, the hotter it burns. A blacksmith's forge would seem like a warm summer's day compared to the intense heat that a Fire Dancer can produce. And that isn't even them at full strength! Because, as everyone knows, a dance is better with two...
The ultimate power of a Fire Dancer is only unleashed when they have a dance partner, another wielder of the art that can match their rhythm. This pairing is a dream for any Dancer, but it is rare, as it calls for perfect connection and coordination to pull off. One could say that two Fire Dancers coming together into a single dance is akin to the surface's idea of "soulmates," that there is only one out there that can truly bond with them. However, it is not as simple as meeting them, as properly forming that bond calls for lots of practice and lots of dancing. Because the power of the Fire Dancer still applies when two are involved, as they must follow the rhythm of their internal flames. But now, the two flames must match and their dance must combine and flow perfectly. It calls for an incredible amount of coordination and understanding, to know your dance partner inside and out. For when the dance begins, there can be no pauses, no hesitation in what comes next. They must be in perfect unison, flowing in flawless harmony. It is when these two dance as one, that their power multiples to an insane degree. Two feverish bodies whipping up an inferno that can reduce armies to ash.
Of course Fire Dancers are utilized best when on the battlefield, especially against non-demon foes. Their mastery over the element knows no equals, putting human pyromancers to shame. In fact, some believe they are so in tune with the flame, that late stage pyromancers may straight up abandon their human compatriots to bask in the wondrous flames of passion. Fire Dancers unleash fire storms upon their enemies, incinerating waves and rivers that melt armor and reduce flesh to charcoal. And since demons are naturally immune to such heat, it makes it the perfect weapon, as one can frighten and fry foes with zero worry of collateral damage, the demon troops marching through the burning sea with ease. Those who have the misfortune of fighting a Fire Dancer must have as much fire resistant gear as they can muster, and focus on trying to interrupt their dance. If one can make them falter, fall or fail, then their power will be extinguished until they can get another dance going. This is easier said than done, because these dances are obviously graceful and fast. They can dodge arrows and blades as if this was all rehearsed, swiftly flowing and spinning away from danger. And fire is not their only weapon, as they typically carry armaments that enhance their moves and aid them in close combat. These tools are elegant, almost as if they were meant for theater over battle, like curved swords, bladed fans and searing whips. Though not nearly as big and bulky as other demon weapons, they are aided by the flames around them, giving them burning edges and bites that can cleave through armor and turn limbs into charred stumps.
Such beauty, however, is not restricted to the battlefield, as Fire Dancers are used in other parts of Underworld culture. Their moves are utilized in performance and theater, using their bodies and flames to weave tales and create stunning displays. Fire Dancers are famous in war and on the stage, with cavernous theaters packed with eager watchers who wish to witness flame given life. It is advised, though, that surface dwellers avoid getting seats in the first couple rows, as the fire from their performance will splash out onto the audience. This is no mistake or danger, as demons are immune and shades can shift their forms to let it pass through them harmlessly. In fact, there are many enthusiasts of this art that claim this is the only way to truly appreciate the performance, as you can feel the passion and emotion within the fire that envelopes your body. Fire Dancers are also seen in the temples dedicated to Pyrogohna, where the masses come to worship through feverish dance. Attending a session here means partaking in one long dance, as it is believed that doing so helps strengthen the fiery God Below and also ease some of her burden. The Fire Dancers lead the performance and create the dazzling displays of fire that show the Underworlds love for their goddess. Do not come to these temples when tired, for this is a very taxing form of worship.
Fire Dancers also have an impact in the realm of romance, as the bonding of two is seen as one of the truest forms of love. Like a "soulmate," those who find one another and can partake in a singular dance are said to be destined and forever bound in internal flame. The image of two Fire Dancers in unison is a symbol of undying love and perfect harmony. Tales of romance performed by one of these duos is said to reduce even the hardest of demon warriors to tears. The two are said to be inseparable, even if one were to perish. If one of the pair is to die, the other will shortly follow them, unable to bear being apart. For enemies looking to slay these incinerating fiends, it may sound like a good thing, as killing one takes out both. But one should know that a mourning Fire Dancer in battle will let their internal flame fully ignite and lead them into a suicidal dance of frenzy. The end result is a massive explosion that will reunite the lovers and also obliterate anything around them. So if your aim is to kill them, you better take both out at the same time, lest you and your and half the kingdom turn into a smoldering crater.
On the note of love, Fire Dancers are credited with being responsible for the acceptance of same sex marriage within the Underworld. This is because when two Fire Dancers bond, trivial things like gender are not taken into consideration. There can be dance duos of any combination, and when they master the dance together, the love between them is undeniable. However, a long time ago, such unions were frowned upon, and certain couples were denied the right. To have their undying love scorned was the ultimate insult, and it resulted in all Fire Dancers walking out from their duties. Their flames would be taken away from the battlefield and the temples would grow cold and still. When the major commanders of the Underworld forces saw one of their strongest troops leave, suddenly the tune began to change. Thus, their unions were quickly approved, and it got the ball rolling for all others in the Underworld.
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Whoops! Here is a real old drawing that got shoved so back in my posting folder I plum forgot about it! At last let the poor fella out!