The First Flame's page

@First Flame: Your character performed well in most relevant situations, but had a little difficulty in hitting foes with melee attacks. There was also a problem with your blasts being able to hit foes with a higher touch AC, but those types of enemies aren't quite as common in this campaign. Outside of having issues hitting AC in some cases, your character performed admirably with its other abilities.

Oh, I'm pleasantly surprised it did so well. :D Being weak on melee attacks was a known issue for me, not surprised there.

I would certainly be curious to know how The First Flame fared in playtesting, whether or not they get in. I feel like I was a bit undertuned, but I haven't played enough at this kind of power level to have a good intuitive feel for whether or not that's actually right (and I didn't go and try to playtest myself to find out XD).

I do have a Google Doc spreadsheet linked in this profile, it explains better where all the numbers come from (if you follow the formulae I used).

I am trying to not think about how cool that Ktinos build could be (Kaiju bloodline legendary bloodrager! Binder troubadour! Transformation feats! I could really have fun with the four Beast Spirits!), so some more on The First Flame. First, I got a quick sketch (yay Patreon rewards :D) of what it might look like--missing the Voice of the Stars in its chest, I'm debating if I want it to look a bit more raptor-like, but I really like how the plumage turned out.

Second, some just assorted notes on things you'd probably know about The First Flame:
* It's been in Hyraeatan for eight decades and some change now. People who know about The First Flame's past are rather concerned by this, because it's generally known to not stick around in populated areas for very long, so the fact that it's still around suggests to them that there's something important it needs to do. If asked its telepathic response sums up to more or less "There is nowhere more important I need to be right now."
* It usually likes to take things slow. Sometimes it just... stand around somewhere, looking, for hours. But it can respond swiftly when there's real urgency.
* It sometimes shows curiosity about the most mundane things.
* It generally keeps to its smaller, anthropomorphic form around Hyraeatan, but every now and again it goes for flights in its true form over the city.

All right, I went back and added a couple more mythic feats to the first flame (adding to its list of immunities that I'm trying to get as much like an elemental as possible, mostly, but also making up for the fact that I was actually overspent by one on magic talents). I'm actually a little tempted to go back and change its "Immune to Light" deific talent because now it has fire immunity from another source, but decided I wanted the additional immunities from it enough to keep it. Also realized I'd missed the extra 10 HP. Theoretically The First Flame is now complete other than traits (and I'm probably going to keep putting off traits until I find out if it gets in since they're so minor I doubt they'd have any effect on selection and the list to choose from is long...).

Now I just have to convince myself that just because I came up with a cool build for a different character I haven't gotten to play much doesn't mean I need to go and actually build a second character. XD

Oh, I forgot about the two bonus mythic feats. (And the three traits, but at this level that's not much of a difference)

I was thinking a bit about the consequences of The First Flame speaking through this telepathy apparatus. In addition to the limitations of "Can only speak to someone within 720' that my light is shining on", the fact that it can't hear responses telepathically fits with the connection with its light--it's radiating the thoughts out, but it can't receive them. More important, it's a standard action for it to speak--it takes it some effort to phrase its alien thoughts into something understandable to most other beings.

I'm thinking its speech will sometimes be more imagery than words, depending on whether or not it feels the need to construct its thoughts in language to get it across.

Also, Deific Talents are banned except for the specific cases of those Universal Deific Talents gained through Boon of the Apex Entity. I forgot to include them on the banlist since they're not official third-party.

This made me realize there's nowhere on my sheet where I actually list which boons I picked, because it was the talents from picking Boon of the Apex Entity I was referring to. It has the Lightbringer sphere with the Cosmic Power and Immunity to Light talents.

Speaking of that and cool visuals, I was playing with the idea of renaming the 'Light of the Dawn' and 'Light of the Noon' and so forth abilities the base Lightbringer sphere gives to be 'Light of the Yellow Dwarf' and 'Light of the Red Giant' and so forth, with its plummage changing appearance to match which one it's using.

@The First Flame: I just did a quick lookover and everything seems in order, although I will admit some surprise when I didn't see Conflagrant Cluster considering how popular it is for Destruction Sphere enjoyers. Not a big deal or anything, just a surprising turn of events.

I'd been skipping over anything marked 3rd-party just to reduce the search space. XD Seems like it wouldn't add a ton more damage, anyway, and I was going more for flavor than just big numbers.

...I feel like that may be a mistake, The First Flame is seeming very under-tuned compared to a lot of the other entries. I suppose that's something that could be fixed after selection if it gets selected.

I do like the visuals you went for with the implant! Like I said, I'm a sucker for cool aesthetics.

You're speaking to the guy who commissioned art of his phoenix-shifter. :D I've been playing around with the idea of making some of its other equipment look unusual--it's incredibly ancient, much of its gear is probably keepsakes from civilizations that eons ago or the like. Some of it I'm wanting to say is actually an expression of its power--the Phoenixfire Halo (a ring of flowing flames that hovers above its head) is definitely in that category. Oh, and also, I decided to call the telepathy implant "Voice of the Stars"

I was realizing I hadn't put The First Flame's Deific Talents in its profile, I'm fixing that now.

Okay, I think I have everything transfered over to this profile. Let me know if there are any issues.

On its telepathy implement, I think I've settled on it being a weird contraption of celestial bronze tubes. However, the inventor god that made it for The First Flame knew that would be kind of ugly so they capped the side of it that would stick out of its chest with a massive fire opal. Over the eons, The First Flame has very slowly accumulated carbon from its fusion around this contraption. Now, the fire opal is surrounded by more than a foot of rough diamond.

Sad, but understandable.

So, are we playing "Wait for someone else to say something" again?

The First Flame's thoughts radiate out like a calm but focused light, the steady glow of the constant stars. Perhaps we should travel to the world and begin our investigation there? It sounds as if we have few divinations to do from a difference.

I think we need to just get this moving...

The First Flame dips its great head to Caravalle. The light of its thoughts is calm and steady, like the morning sun on a clear day. We shall want to bend all our powers of divination upon our task before we depart, I think. I have none such, however, beyond the sight of my eyes. Most likely we shall find that the most important answers are hidden from divinations... or our enemies would likely have broken through already.

Still, what divinations do we have? The outer defenses at least we should be able to investigate by such means. And perhaps what legends the locals may know of the place. Sometimes the 'ancients' hide clues for the future in such things.

There is a trace of wry humor to its use of 'ancients', acknowledging that it itself could well be counted as one.

I'd certainly be interested in continuing. I'd asked the question I did to try to keep conversation going or at least draw out a "no, let's go".

So, are we waiting on something right now? Is there more to plan?

Its thought-light still falls like a laughing, twinkling star. No, stealth will be only a temporary/prerequisite measure for a group such as us. But if we can learn a little of the details of the situation, it will aid us.

The First Flame looks to Evelynda, its thoughts steadying to a steady glow. Invisibility should be sufficient for me, I would think. As soon as I use any of my magic/Radiance/Flame, any disguise would be compromised.

Oh right, you asked about The First Flame's auras. Its always-on Aura of Gold gives a +2 luck bonus to attack rolls, saving throws, ability checks, and skill checks to all allies within 60' of it. It can also shed bright light using its Light sphere abilities to have other auras, with a range of up to 205' (or 2 miles if it really gets spendy with things, but that seems like it would rarely be called for). It can bend its light to exclude certain squares, which it would use to exclude enemies from positive auras or exclude allies from negative auras. It can combine any two of:

* Beacon of Hope: You can roll twice and take the better result on saves vs. fear, and you can roll a second time against fear effects you initially failed a save against

* Blinding Light: Dazzles and possibly blinds

* Bound Light: Entangles and possibly prevents dimensional travel

* Inner Sun: Causes a single weapon to do extra fire damage (or creates a weapon of light that does fire damage)

* Irradiance: Sickens and possibly nauseates

* Revealing Light: Suppresses invisibility

* Searing Light: Does damage (33 fire and 33 untyped a round)

* Shining Arsenal: Causes targetted armor to protect against incorporeal beings or a weapon to count as a certain metal for weaknesses and DR

* Luminous Smite: Basically paladin Aura of Justice, gives its Charisma (+17) to attack and its class level (+30) to damage against evil targets

...yes, this means that The First Flame could do 66 damage a round to everything in a two-mile radius, if it so chose. Epic levels are scary. (Also it would not want to do that if it had a choice because that's *massive* collateral damage to the environment)

The First Flame considers the information, tilting its massive head to one side in thought.

A dangerous/pitiable/terrible foe indeed, as might be anticipated, it 'says', the light of its thoughts cold and remote like a distant star, It seems we would be best served by seeking to swiftly acquire this mantle. We shall wish to be careful with our approach, for these Obliviax may well already be positioned to take advantage of any weaknesses/openings in the item's defenses/guardians that we create. We should gather what information/sights/words we may from the inhabitants quietly first, preferably without revealing ourselves.

Humor touches its thoughts, its starlight twinkling merrily. Unfortunately I am ill-suited to going unnoticed, even in my smallest form.

I'm debating about The First Flame's telepathy--it doesn't really *have* a native language, so I'm thinking its telepathy comes through as organized thought more than words. So I was debating about giving some synonyms sometimes on some of its words, like "Radiance/Killing Light/Radiation" or the like to indicate that its thoughts don't always fit nicely into words.

The First Flame looks down upon Sharletta with what might be sympathy. The light of its thoughts is gentle and warm, like afternoon sunshine that has heated stones to perfect lounging temperature. I think we must all learn about working together. We are accustomed, each of us, to being peerless, yes? Beings like us are rare indeed in each universe, much less ones that work together. No doubt we shall all find points of friction between us as we move forward, but we must put these aside and learn to trust one another, else the End-Flame shall consume all. We must keep no secrets from one another in what we are doing.

Its thought-light grows fiercer as it turns its burning gaze to Evelynda. You asked of capabilities. I am The First Flame. The fires of the stars are my blood and breath, and I can draw them forth to consume everything from my foes to solid stone. My Radiance can scorch flesh within and without or turn talon or blade into searing blazes. But light also brings life, and so may I. Wounds and illness of all sorts I can burn away at a thought, and even death retreats before my Radiance. You shall also find that my simple presence lifts the heart and strengthens the limb.

It returns its gaze to Sharletta, its light again growing softer. I would be curious if your little creature can survive my interior.

The First Flame waits for the answer to the question the others are asking before allowing Sharletta close.

As Arinolus's voice sounds in its mind, The First Flame mantles respectfully. Raising its head once again, it 'speaks', its thoughts as fierce and bright as a blue-tinged titan among stars. It shall be done. The End-Flame shall not prevail.

It pauses a moment, the fierceness of its thought-light softening in wordless agreement with Sharletta's questions. The Gorvet--should we seek their destruction as well, or focus solely on the Mantle? That is, if they do not force the issue themself.

A flare of burning light in their thoughts makes clear the great firebird's thoughts on the subject.

Would any of us know of this Gorvet Uncleur?

I think we're awaiting the appearance of Arinolous now?

The First Flame considers the latest arrival with a cocked head.

Its words fall on the Warchief's mind like the troubled light of a hot, newborn star, still roiling in the aftermath of its ignition. Five? And such as you as well as those here already? War may be an understatement, as describing the collision of galaxies as a 'war'.

For a moment its thoughts are the brilliant flash of colliding stars, before fading to the twinkling glow of a distant star through a living world's atmosphere as it turns to Caravalle. My dietary requirements are to skim the atmosphere of a great cloud-world once in a great while. I need only the raw material of primordial creation, and that not in a living atmosphere. Aught else will simply burn to naught before it finishes traveling down my throat. I have no complaints about your hospitality.

To be clear, The First Flame was including Logic, Memory, and Creativity in its telepathic message.

The First Flame turns its blazing eyes to the latest arrival. A fourth? Would Arinolus appear now, or were there yet more to come?

Its words light on the minds of all present as the gentle rays of dawn. Greetings to you, Sharletta. Arinolus has yet to inform us of the purpose of the summons.

Storm clouds begin to dim the light of its words. But for such a group of powers to be gathered, I can think of no other purpose than confronting the End-Flame.

Yes, I've been having fun with The First Flame's dialogue tags. :D

The First Flame inclines its great head to the three ravens. Its voice falls like gentle rays of dawn's light upon them. I meant no offense to you. I was counting the summons, and assumed that you had come at the summons for your friend here. Its thoughts indicate Evelynda.

Its regard turns to Caravalle, the light of its voice still soft. Songs and stories indeed sustain my mind and spirit in the depths of the void. Perhaps there will be time to share them if our task does not prove too urgent, or after if otherwise.

The colossal firebird turns its gaze toward the newcomer, its eyes two brighter orbs of yellow amongst its fiery plummage.

Its words fall on the minds of the two other beings like the light of a distant star, remote and uncaring. "I have been called many things over the long eons. The names matter not to me. But if you require a name, call me The First Flame.

Its tone softens, the remote star twinkling in amusement, as its gaze turns back to Caravalle. I thank you for the offer of food, but I have no need nor use for such sustenance. Nor, I think, would you appreciate the smoke of its burning at the touch of my throat. I ask your understanding in this thing.

Next nebular dust begins to shroud the star of its telepathic speaking, doubt creeping in to its thoughts. Three are here, and yet does not Arinolus reveal himself. How many has he called? In all my time, I have never before seen more than three called, and I fear what this means for our purpose.

The First Flame pauses in its flight as it receives its summons, considering. It has not an urgent task at present, and it knows Arinolus would not summon it lightly. Thus, it decides not to delay responding and requests to be pulled to The Cynosure immediately.

It appears above the platform, its Radiance brightening the twilight of the place. It flaps its massive wings once, twice, then gently sets its talons down on the 'ground' of The Cynosure. The First Flame folds its great wings, tiny arcs of flame jumping between its fiery feathers.

The gigantic firebird turns its gaze to Caravalle. I greet you, it 'says', its words falling upon her mind like warm afternoon sunshine. I see that I am not the only one summoned. Have you word yet of the purpose of the summons?

Its words dim, like sun shrouded by cloud. My own thoughts turn towards the End-Flame, but I am not certain.

Hmm... I could probably spend my last gold on an Implement, if that would be okay with our GM?

Nevermind I found something else I want and can no longer afford the feat myself. Lol

Oh well, I guess we'll have to coordinate where we put our effects. :D

I'm not actually sure he can die. Like, at all. He has these three abilities and I have no idea how they interact...

I'd guess you have to be staked on your 'home plane' and then forced to run out of whatever the points are in that third ability. :D

In all seriousness, I figure we're pretty free to try to be unkillable because our ultimate foe's signature ability is "I erase you from the timestream", which will probably bypass any trick we try to come up with to survive...

• X-ray vision. Yes, she sees your naughty bits.

I suppose she'll be able to see that, as an agender elemental-ish being, The First Flame doesn't have any of those. :D

The First Flame wrote:

...They also have Light and Nature powers, meaning they can apply glowing auras that have various beneficial or negative effects (such as 60 damage a round in a large radius or something similar to a constant Remove Fear) as well as control fire in various ways...

I've got a few Dark talents. Would you be up for grabbing the twilight adept teamwork feat?

Sounds like a cool idea--it would go well with showing how The First Flame has learned that not *all* darkness is evil. The trick is figuring out which feat I'm willing to give up... I'll see if there's one I'm not too attached to.

I was realizing I should detail The First Flame's immunities and resistances, so that's added to its sheet now.

So a little info about its capabilities--I designed it to reflect all of the concepts involved with fire, so they can destroy, heal, encourage, and enlighten in equal measure. Their Destruction sphere powers can do massive damage to large areas, as well as apply a wide variety of status effects. (They can also use fire to heal, but their Life sphere is more efficient. The only reason it might matter is because they can do fire damage without expending any resources, meaning they can be a source of infinite healing--nice, but at this power level not really unexpected).

Their healing abilities are similiarly vast, from being able to throw out 8d8+150 hp heals pretty freely to being able to store 600 hp worth of healing and let allies access it themselves instead of having to be the one to trigger it. And of course The First Flame can bring the dead back to life with an effect similar to True Resurrection.

They also have Light and Nature powers, meaning they can apply glowing auras that have various beneficial or negative effects (such as 60 damage a round in a large radius or something similar to a constant Remove Fear) as well as control fire in various ways.

And of course they can come back from the dead in three different ways.

They also have a few Brute sphere tricks for general being-a-giant-bird things like grabbing things and hurling them into mountainsides and the like.

Ooof, hope she's able to recover swiftly!

I *think* I have pretty much everything ready on The First Flame's character sheet now. I did add in a bit of info on how its stats change with its different forms for quick reference. The main thing I'm debating about is if I want to try to spend the last 55,000 gp of its equipment allotment on something.

Greetings everyone! I'm excited to play my giant firebird. I'll look over everything and make sure I have all the details finished on The First Flame. Probably add in some blocks showing its stats in its different forms.

I realized I hadn't copied over what The First Flame's Transformations were, so that's fixed now. Also discovered that I hadn't filled in its description, and took care of that.

There are a number of people here on the boards who live to make complex characters. :D

I live to make *monster* characters, which often overlaps.

Speaking of which, I think I've transferred everything from my spreadsheet to this profile. I'd still recommend looking at the spreadsheet, with a build this complex having a grid and multiple tabs makes things much easier to organize. I do have the link to the spreadsheet in this profile.

When the Creator ignited the first star, a loop of flame erupted from its newly-burning surface. This flame took some tiny divine spark and formed great wings and keen talons, becoming the first and greatest of all phoenixes. The Creator charged it with going forth to bring light and warmth to the coldest and darkest corners of existence, and since that time it has flown the void, bringing its fire to those who need it most.

…or so one legend says of its origin. But legends about it are as numerous as its names: The Sunwing, The Beginning of Phoenixes, The Stellar Eagle. When asked, the name it gives for itself most often is The First Flame, but it acknowledges the others, as well.

What is certain is that The First Flame is a being of great compassion, but also terrible wrath. At times they descend on a darkened corner of a world and bring hope to a dying people, using its power to rekindle life where it was almost extinguished. At other times their coming is marked by vitrifying entire swaths of land with its flames--sometimes because of an obvious threat, other times when no danger can be seen. Still other times it descends in its smaller, anthropomorphic form, to speak to and guide individuals or nations that were lost in metaphorical darkness.

Now, it rises to the call to fight the End-Flame, the Fire of Undoing, that which is counter to every fiber of its essence. It will throw its entire being into this war, but it is not hasty nor foolish. It is ready to plan, to prepare, to do all within its considerable power to assure victory.

**************

I'm still working on transferring everything over, but The First Flame is pretty much done on the spreadsheet I was working on. I'll try to get it all formatted and transferred over by next Monday.