Eons ago, long before humans ruled the world, long ago before Irrisen was covered in Ice and Snow, even before Baba Yaga had control of that region. The northern lands were covered in volcanic ash and soot. The earth spewed forth its fiery molten rock upon the land,, forming the mountains and valleys that populate the landscape today.
It was in this world of fire that Red Dragons ruled. But they could not rule alone. Smaller creatures, some of the earliest first worlders, the Lava Gnomes filled that role. The lava gnome were resilient against the fires of the volcanos and thrived along with their Dragon masters.
As time went on, the soot and ash eventually blotted out the sun. The polar ice caps expanded and soon this volcanic world would descend into an ice age.
The volcanoes became dormant, the lava receded back into the deepest recess of the earth. The cold was too much and many of the weaker dragons began to perish.
Many Dragons fled south and re-populated other parts of the world, some may even live today. Some took with them their Lava gnome servants. But for the gnomes left behind, the real battle for survival was just beginning.
In an effort to keep warm, the Lava gnomes dug deeper and deeper into the earth looking to find the lava flows once more. But the gnomes would only dig so deep, there are even darker things that lay deeper below.
Eventually the cold would penetrate the deepest caverns the gnomes now called home. The clans would be plagued with famine, and many died of exposure.
AS time passed the gnomes managed to survive. They adapted to the cold, they evolved into what many would call Glacier gnomes. Their numbers have always remained few, and as the eons passed, they became indigenous creatures when the other races began to settle the lands that are now called Irrisen.
The Glacier gnomes have become a part of the Irrisen society and fall into the normal hierarchy alongside the ice goblins.
But once, every so often, sometimes once in a hundred years, a gnome is born that has both the traits of the glacier gnomes and the lava gnomes. Blaize is just such a gnome this explains her fire abilities and cold resistance
When such gnomes are born, it is usually best to hide them from the winter witches that rule the land. Unfortunately Blaize’s abilities could not be hidden as they didn’t fully manifest until later in life and as her luck, at the worst possible time.
While walking the market, Blaize got hit with a snowball from some of the other kids. She got a little angry as it knocked her down and got her new dress all wet.
In her anger the snow around her started to melt, and when she looked at her hand, a small flame had formed; right in front of the whole marketplace.
Fearing for her life should the winter witches see her, Blaize’s parents grabbed her and fled. They needed to go somewhere safe. But word travels fast and when they returned to their own little community they were brought before the elders.
It was decided that they be exiled to protect both them as well as the rest of the gnomes. They entered into a teleportation circle and sent away.
Nothing was ever said about the incident again, It would seem the winter witches were none the wiser, or perhaps other plans are in the works. In any event no retribution against the gnomes ever came.
Blaize and her family ended up in the village of Heldren. It was here they settled, keeping to themselves mostly, at least for the first several months, they were outsiders and didn’t talk much, afraid that they would cause problems.
They tried to establish a business, but it didn’t work out, instead they learned to farm and raise some animals. As the months turned to years they eventually became a part of the community. Blaize secretly practiced her magic but she really need a proper teacher.
About two years after their arrival, some travelers from Qadira came through, and they took notice of Blaize as she practiced her magic.
Taking an interest in her talent, they stayed a bit and watched her. They made some queries of her parents and learned all they could. After much negotiations and several days of convincing, Blaize agreed to journey with them to Katheer. There she would be proper instructed in controlling and using her talents.
She remained in Katheer until word came of an unexpected cold had reached the border wood as well as Heldren. Fearing that the winter witches were coming for her and her family, Blaize returned Heldren to try and save her family or at least help the people of Heldren as they help her as outsiders in a new land.
