Circle of Embers

The Circle of Embers began on March 22nd of 2016, when a gathering took place in the lobby, due to cataclysmic events on Alpha's Realm. Not only were all the old worlds sealed off from the gathering, but the new coal portal, which had stood there for roughly a week, was still dormant. Suddenly, while gazing upon the coal, AWildVulpix had a vision. Vulpix began to shout “Awaken the Coal!” repeatedly, before several others joined in. Afterwards, Vulpix and Niller1703 proceeded to have more visions. They began to reveal the existence of a benevolent being known as The Mighty Coal, and its doctrines, as well as several ways to pay tribute to this omnipotent being. They told prophecies that, upon the ignition of The Mighty Coal, they would be let forth into a promised land, where they would find bounty and wealth. Thus, the Circle of Embers was born.

Currently, the Circle of Embers has only contacted the The Mighty Coal through visions delivered to its prophets on The Day of the First Spark (March 22nd). They know that the Mighty Coal will one day Awaken and Ignite, and thereafter lead them on a journey to a promised land. They also believe in what is known as “The Inferno”, which is when The Mighty Coal burns away the imperfections of an Ember (Member of the Circle), leaving them a perfect worshipper, and sparking a flame of passion for knowledge and wisdom within them. Furthermore, they hold the Nether to be a place of blasphemous intent, as well as the demon Ifnurot.

To the Circle of Embers, there are many rituals and actions that are considered sacred acts towards The Mighty Coal.

Torches are considered to be a representation of The Mighty Coal, and are to be respected and cherished. They are a gift from The Mighty Coal, sent to provide light to the Embers. Torches are commonly associated with prayer and worship of The Mighty Coal, and are commonly blessed to show respect and thought towards The Mighty Coal. It is considered disrespectful to destroy torches by throwing them into lava or a cactus, though removing them from a place is not.

There is a ritual among the Embers of the Circle known as the “Removal Ritual” involving consuming large amounts of water, and possibly even hurting one's self by going without air while consuming it. The purpose of this ritual is to symbolize two things, removal of water, an extinguisher of flame, to show there is no way to oppose the great flames of The Mighty Coal, and to show that an Ember's inner blaze is so strong that no amount of water can quench it.

Embers refer to the sun as “Sol”, the greatest of the agents of The Mighty Coal. This means that there are often shrines or temple dedicated to the sun, as well as festivals celebrating the gift of the sun.

In the Circle of Embers, the burning of coal or charcoal symbolizes the power and magnificence of The Mighty Coal. There are several ways to go about using it to show reverence to The Mighty Coal, though any use of it shows reverence. A major way to show is known as a Burnt Offering, in which coal is made into large blocks and set aflame for the sole purpose of paying tribute to The Mighty Coal. Another way is known as The Renewal, which involves burning many logs of wood to create charcoal, and using that charcoal to perpetuate the cycle.

Embers are allowed to use sources of heat for smelting other than coal and charcoal, but the use of them is lightly discouraged, unless they are being used for the creation of charcoal, in which case it is especially revered. The usage of Coal blocks is considered to be a way of respecting the gifts of The Mighty Coal, and using them wisely.

The Mighty Coal is a benevolent god, and therefore does not have many strict rules for the Embers to follow, but there are indeed some.

• Embers are not to disrespect The Mighty Coal
• Embers are not to disrespect the gifts of The Mighty Coal
• Embers are not to worship deities in direct conflict with The Mighty Coal
• Embers are to disdain the enemies of The Mighty Coal

The Nether is the first known of the enemies of The Mighty Coal. It is considered a blasphemous and evil place, due to the presence of netherrack, which provides a false and evil fire. The nether also produces corrupted flames, such as Blazes and Magma Cubes, as well as the explosives of Ghasts. Should an Ember create a transport through the nether, they are to conceal the portal, and enclose the transportation, so none of the nether can be seen from it.

The Demon Ifnurot is a demon who has taken control of the Lobby's Tourist Information booth. It has sealed the building, preventing the embers from getting inside and anointing the final torch of the Lobby. Ifnurot is also considered to attempt to seal away wisdom and knowledge from the Embers, as well as intercept messages from The Mighty Coal, so as to deprive the Embers of guidance.

Sol, also known as the sun, is the greatest agent of The Mighty Coal as well as one of its greatest gifts. Sol is a coal of massive proportions. He was placed in the sky by The Mighty Coal to provide light and life for the Embers. Day represents the glory and love of The Mighty Coal, whereas night represents that, while The Mighty Coal burns hotter than all things, it never burns hot enough to harm its subjects, as it is ever benevolent, and without malice.

Lun, also known as the moon, is a subject of The Mighty Coal charged with providing light during the night, when Sol is at rest. While Lun does not provide heat as Sol does, nor does she provide as much light as Sol, it is there to represent that, even if a coal burns low, that doesn't mean it possesses little power, as it can be reignited, as well as used to create more coal.