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Fierce Firelight

David

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Stories of truth, beauty, heroism, and horror. Artpunk maximalist weird fiction.

Fierce Firelight

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The Crimes of Jack Daw - Part 2

Join prodigal thief Jack Daw as he preys upon the ripe city-state of Saxherm. Who would you be if you were stripped of everything but your intuition and language? How would you relate to the life you've led? What part of you would win? Your conscience? Or your id? One day, Jack Daw is forced into just such a reflection. The city-state, however, knows him as thief extraordinaire, and it demands he play his part. --- Special thanks to Solomon VK, who created and characterized the city-state of Saxherm.Support the show

The Crimes of Jack Daw - Part 1

Join prodigal thief Jack Daw as he preys upon the ripe city-state of Saxherm. Who would you be if you were stripped of everything but your intuition and language? How would you relate to the life you've led? What part of you would win? Your conscience? Or your id? One day, Jack Daw is forced into just such a reflection. The city-state, however, knows him as thief extraordinaire, and it demands he play his part. --- Special thanks to Solomon VK, who created and characterized the city-state of Saxherm.Support the show

Monster Eater - Chapter 4

What strategies can a man employ when the only reliable foodstuff is the flesh of supernatural predators? Things whose breath may be fatal, whose bodies may be metal, whose eyes may control the mind? In the face of this many men turn to cannibalism and other Faustian bargains. Ramec must depart his home in the underworld sanctuary of Kalas Da, a place fed and comforted by a strand of the World Fungus. He must forge his path to the surface in a world of absolute darkness and privation, where light is the beacon of death. Ramec goes knowing only that there can be no categorization of the predators of the deep and that the humans of the underworld can be the most dangerous of all. He will be transformed, because every moment in the chaos of the underworld commands death or adaptation. --- Art by Dan Sullivan: "Xenostygian" I've been inspired by fantastic depictions of civilizations and their privations in the deep underworld for a long time, probably beginning with descriptions of the confined-space planes in the old Manual of the Planes, deepening with the phenomenal Underdark, and culminating in the epoch-making Veins of the Earth. Support the showSupport the show

Monster Eater - Chapter 3

What strategies can a man employ when the only reliable foodstuff is the flesh of supernatural predators? Things whose breath may be fatal, whose bodies may be metal, whose eyes may control the mind? In the face of this many men turn to cannibalism and other Faustian bargains. Ramec must depart his home in the underworld sanctuary of Kalas Da, a place fed and comforted by a strand of the World Fungus. He must forge his path to the surface in a world of absolute darkness and privation, where light is the beacon of death. Ramec goes knowing only that there can be no categorization of the predators of the deep and that the humans of the underworld can be the most dangerous of all. He will be transformed, because every moment in the chaos of the underworld commands death or adaptation. --- Art by Dan Sullivan: "Xenostygian" I've been inspired by fantastic depictions of civilizations and their privations in the deep underworld for a long time, probably beginning with descriptions of the confined-space planes in the old Manual of the Planes, deepening with the phenomenal Underdark, and culminating in the epoch-making Veins of the Earth.Support the show

Late March Update

This is just a repost of the message at the end of Monster Eater Chapter 2; essentially I will be unable to make any updates until after April 16th due to a work obligation, and just want to emphasize that the podcast is not abandoned, but simply on an unavoidable hiatus until then.Support the show

Monster Eater - Chapter 2

What strategies can a man employ when the only reliable foodstuff is the flesh of supernatural predators? Things whose breath may be fatal, whose bodies may be metal, whose eyes may control the mind? In the face of this many men turn to cannibalism and other Faustian bargains. Ramec must depart his home in the underworld sanctuary of Kalas Da, a place fed and comforted by a strand of the World Fungus. He must forge his path to the surface in a world of absolute darkness and privation, where light is the beacon of death. Ramec goes knowing only that there can be no categorization of the predators of the deep and that the humans of the underworld can be the most dangerous of all. He will be transformed, because every moment in the chaos of the underworld commands death or adaptation. --- Art by Dan Sullivan: "Xenostygian" I've been inspired by fantastic depictions of civilizations and their privations in the deep underworld for a long time, probably beginning with descriptions of the confined-space planes in the old Manual of the Planes, deepening with the phenomenal Underdark, and culminating in the epoch-making Veins of the Earth. Please note that I will be gone from tomorrow (24MAR) until 16APR, after which we will resume Monster Eater and Herodotus. Support the show

Monster Eater - Chapter 1

What strategies can a man employ when the only reliable foodstuff is the flesh of supernatural predators? Things whose breath may be fatal, whose bodies may be metal, whose eyes may control the mind? In the face of this many men turn to cannibalism and other Faustian bargains. Ramec must depart his home in the underworld sanctuary of Kalas Da, a place fed and comforted by a strand of the World Fungus. He must forge his path to the surface in a world of absolute darkness and privation, where light is the beacon of death. Ramec goes knowing only that there can be no categorization of the predators of the deep and that the humans of the underworld can be the most dangerous of all. He will be transformed, because every moment in the chaos of the underworld commands death or adaptation. --- Art by Dan Sullivan: "Xenostygian" I've been inspired by fantastic depictions of civilizations and their privations in the deep underworld for a long time, probably beginning with descriptions of the confined-space planes in the old Manual of the Planes, deepening with the phenomenal Underdark, and culminating in the epoch-making Veins of the Earth. So far, I've written about four chapters of Monster Eater.Support the show

Reading: The Histories of Herodotus (430BC), Book 1, Chapters 81-94

"The *Histories* of Herodotus is considered the founding work of history in Western literature." "Written around 430 BC in the Ionic dialect of classical Greek, The Histories serves as a record of the ancient traditions, politics, geography, and clashes of various cultures that were known in Greece, Western Asia and Northern Africa at that time." "The Histories also stands as one of the earliest accounts of the rise of the Persian Empire, as well as the events and causes of the Greco-Persian Wars between the Persian Empire and the Greek city-states in the 5th century BC." Today we cover Book 1, Chapters 81-94 with the conclusion of the tale of King Croesus of Lydia, immediately before the tale of King Cyrus of Persia. I am reading from this edition. Major subjects of the Histories include: The Archaic Greek world and the role it played in the prelude to the Greco-Persian wars, beginning with the Kingdom of Lydia in Anatolia and its capital at Sardis. The animals, monsters, geography, and cultures of the earth. The Rise of the Persian Empire. The development of Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and other Greek states. The Greco-Persian Wars. Reading Note: Don't regard my pronunciations as canonicalSupport the show

Reading: The Histories of Herodotus (430BC), Book 1, Chapters 65-80

Wikipedia: "The *Histories* of Herodotus is considered the founding work of history in Western literature." "Written around 430 BC in the Ionic dialect of classical Greek, The Histories serves as a record of the ancient traditions, politics, geography, and clashes of various cultures that were known in Greece, Western Asia and Northern Africa at that time." "The Histories also stands as one of the earliest accounts of the rise of the Persian Empire, as well as the events and causes of the Greco-Persian Wars between the Persian Empire and the Greek city-states in the 5th century BC." Today we cover Book 1, Chapters 45-64, which is where the "History of Lydia and its kings; the story of Croesus", specifically where King Croesus of Lydia launches a war upon Cappadocia, a subject of the Persian Empire, and brings himself into conflict with King Cyrus. I am reading from this edition. Major subjects of the Histories include: The Archaic Greek world and the role it played in the prelude to the Greco-Persian wars, beginning with the Kingdom of Lydia in Anatolia and its capital at Sardis. The animals, monsters, geography, and cultures of the earth. The Rise of the Persian Empire. The development of Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and other Greek states. The Greco-Persian Wars. Reading Note: Don't regard my pronunciations as canonicalSupport the show

You join a group of aspirants wishing to win acceptance to a circle of elite fighters and other experts. These masters pry riches from the cold fingers of despots, raiders, and men long dead in their tombs. What is their demand? That you undertake a mission of your own with one of them watching. Join Dasen as he guides a group of fledgling warriors through the wilderness. They go intent on plunder and hopeful of a more extraordinary way of life. The eagle eye and judgement of a master will be upon them, and a more evil eye than that when the day of their raid comes. Commentary at grandcommodore.blogspot.comSupport the show

Reading: The Histories of Herodotus (430BC), Book 1, Chapters 45-64

Wikipedia: "The *Histories* of Herodotus is considered the founding work of history in Western literature." "Written around 430 BC in the Ionic dialect of classical Greek, The Histories serves as a record of the ancient traditions, politics, geography, and clashes of various cultures that were known in Greece, Western Asia and Northern Africa at that time." "The Histories also stands as one of the earliest accounts of the rise of the Persian Empire, as well as the events and causes of the Greco-Persian Wars between the Persian Empire and the Greek city-states in the 5th century BC." Today we cover Book 1, Chapters 45-64, which is where the "History of Lydia and its kings; the story of Croesus" shades into the "History of the Medes and Persians; the early life of Cyrus." I am reading from this edition. Major subjects of the Histories include: The Archaic Greek world and the role it played in the prelude to the Greco-Persian wars, beginning with the Kingdom of Lydia in Anatolia and…

The Fane of the Poppy - Chapter 4

If you are born to be a warrior, and relish your future in that role, where do you draw the line in terms of what you will fight for? If you are eager to fight for your family's prosperity, what if the truth of their methods horrifies you? Truanor Hightower's dreams of glory in battle and the romance of aristocracy come up against what his House will do for power. Chapter 4- the finale. https://wheretofind.me/@davegreggs Support the show

Reading: The Histories of Herodotus (430BC), Book 1, Chapters 1-44

Wikipedia: "The *Histories* of Herodotus is considered the founding work of history in Western literature." "Written around 430 BC in the Ionic dialect of classical Greek, The Histories serves as a record of the ancient traditions, politics, geography, and clashes of various cultures that were known in Greece, Western Asia and Northern Africa at that time." "The Histories also stands as one of the earliest accounts of the rise of the Persian Empire, as well as the events and causes of the Greco-Persian Wars between the Persian Empire and the Greek city-states in the 5th century BC." Today we cover Book 1, Chapters 1‑44: "History of Lydia and its kings; the story of Croesus." I am reading from this edition. Major subjects of the Histories include: The Archaic Greek world and the role it played in the prelude to the Greco-Persian wars, beginning with the Kingdom of Lydia in Anatolia and its capital at Sardis. The animals, monsters, geography, and cultures of the earth. The Rise o…

The Fane of the Poppy - Chapter 3

If you are born to be a warrior, and relish your future in that role, where do you draw the line in terms of what you will fight for? If you are eager to fight for your family's prosperity, what if the truth of their methods horrifies you? Truanor Hightower's dreams of glory in battle and the romance of aristocracy come up against what his House will do for power. Chapter 3. City-State Generator Worldbuilding and Woolgathering https://wheretofind.me/@davegreggsSupport the show

Reading: Viaticum, by Dan Sullivan

When he spoke, the cleric’s tone was like the chill of an endless body of dark water. “Indeed, you will go through hell, my son. But in order to know hell, you must know what heaven is first.” The man brought a crystal syringe level with Eli’s eyes. ----------- I thought that this story was so affecting that I commissioned the rights to do a recording of it for this podcast. You can find more of Dan's writing at: lacrimisdraconis.blogspot.com Cover art by Dan Sullivan Support the show

The Fane of the Poppy - Chapter 2

If you are born to be a warrior, and relish your future in that role, where do you draw the line in terms of what you will fight for? If you are eager to fight for your family's prosperity, what if the truth of their methods horrifies you? Truanor Hightower's dreams of glory in battle and the romance of aristocracy come up against what his House will do for power. Chapter 2. https://wheretofind.me/@davegreggsSupport the show

Reading: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1800)

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, first published 1798. One of my favorite poems. This is the version from Lyrical Ballads, 1800, assembled by William Wordsworth; the title of this edition is "The Ancient Mariner", but it's generally been published as "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" ever since then. Note that I prize running through readings in a natural way over total accuracy, so I have a few missed or displaced words in the reading; I encourage you to read the poem, as if any parts of this are hard to understand it will make sense on the page and carry its power. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Lyrical_Ballads_(1800)/Volume_1/The_Ancient_Mariner https://wheretofind.me/@davegreggsSupport the show

The Fane of the Poppy - Chapter 1

If you are born to be a warrior, and relish your future in that role, where do you draw the line in terms of what you will fight for? If you are eager to fight for your family's prosperity, what if the truth of their methods horrifies you? Truanor Hightower's dreams of glory in battle and the romance of aristocracy come up against what his House will do for power. https://wheretofind.me/@davegreggsSupport the show

You are dying. Do you choose to live out your life in as much comfort as possible, or do you throw yourself into an endeavor which you would never risk if you were well? But what would it mean to face death with only the worst consequences of your endeavor in sight? Join cancer-ridden mercenary Hunter Flintridge as he embarks on a job only a dying man could do.Support the show

Patrick Stuart on Demon Bone Sarcophagus

I interview author Patrick Stuart on Demon Bone Sarcophagus, the first release of his upcoming RPG adventure trilogy Broken Fire Regime. Patrick is known for sui generis RPG works such as Veins of the Earth. He blogs at falsemachine.blogspot.com. This interview is available in video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yClMXIjlrM&t=98sSupport the show

Patrick Stuart on Art

I discuss art with author Patrick Stuart in support of his upcoming compilation of blog writing, Speak, False Machine. He is commissioning art from a different artist for each of the book's chapters, and I interview him about his thoughts on each artist and how they came to be associated with their respective chapters. Patrick is known for sui generis RPG works such as Veins of the Earth. He blogs at falsemachine.blogspot.com. This interview is available in video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOpKlStShCsSupport the show

David McGrogan on His Life and Work

I interview RPG writer and publisher David McGrogan about his life and how it has helped to shape his writing. David is the author of sui generis RPG works such as Yoon-Suin, the Purple Land. He blogs at monstersandmanuals.blogspot.com. This interview is available in video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFsPD889yr0&t=4425s Support the show

Making Your Bones - Chapter 2: Bloodshed

What do you do when a man whom you revere asks you to commit a killing and you're not even certain that it's wrong? When you have everything to gain and you're under his protection? What could be the cost? Join mercenary detective Jon Dart on his first contract for the mountaintop corporation city-state of Starling & Shrike. Chapter 2.Support the show

Making Your Bones - Chapter 3: Dragonslayer

What do you do when a man whom you revere asks you to commit a killing and you're not even certain that it's wrong? When you have everything to gain and you're under his protection? What could be the cost? Join mercenary detective Jon Dart on his first contract for the mountaintop corporation city-state of Starling & Shrike. Chapter 3.Support the show

Making Your Bones - Chapter 1: Honor

What do you do when a man whom you revere asks you to commit a killing and you're not even certain that it's wrong? When you have everything to gain and you're under his protection? What could be the cost? Join mercenary detective Jon Dart on his first contract for the mountaintop corporation city-state of Starling & Shrike. Support the show

The City of the Dead - Part 2

What do you do when society crumbles? Stand astride the wreckage and vie for king of the scrapheap? Go into exile and poverty? Get revenge on the people who might be to blame? Or try to wrest some torch of knowledge from the inferno? Join Jeremy Bridgewell as he is forced to answer this question in his home city of Twinmartyrs. This is part 2- katabasis.Support the show

Reading: Horatius at the Bridge (1842)

The seminal classic poem of Rome's early trials by Thomas Babington Macaulay.Support the show

The City of the Dead - Part 1

What do you do when society crumbles? Stand astride the wreckage and vie for king of the scrapheap? Go into exile and poverty? Get revenge on the people who might be to blame? Or try to wrest some torch of knowledge from the inferno? Join Jeremy Bridgewell as he is forced to answer this question in his home city of Twinmartyrs.Support the show

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