Death Flames

The Death Flames is a small cult consisting of humans from Thay whose sole purpose is to further the interests, wishes, and dogma of the god Kossuth. Their symbol is a dark skull with a blue flame background.

Little is known about the background, base of power, or methods of the Death Flames, but several things have come to light in the last year:
 * Even though believed to be based somewhere in Thay, and given the fact that many of its members are Red Wizards, it is still believed the Death Flames are not endorsed by the Zulkirs of Thay. It is speculated that should their motives ever cross a line where it interferes with Szass Tam and his goals, there may be problems.  It is widely believed that the Flames attack Red Wizard enemies to appease those in Thaymount.
 * Their former leader appeared to be one Eric Frost. It is believed he was once a Red Wizard, but his long beard obviously tells a different story now.  How he left the organization alive is still a mystery.  Whatever the case, most believe that there is someone higher up pulling the strings for the organization.  Whoever is at its head, the organization has seemed to grow very fast, using religion as a recruiting tool.
 * Their motives seem to border on religious fanaticism. Since their formation over a year ago, most of their actions have gone to further church goals.  Several churches of Istishia, god of water and Kossuth's mortal enemy, have been destroyed, for example.  Temples to Kossuth have been erected in several cities across southern Faerun in the past 6 months.
 * Their latest actions seem to have baffled many who guard against them. It has been rumored that they were in league with a group of Yuan-ti from the Black Jungles and a local merchant group in the nation of Tashalar.  If these rumors were true, and recent events in Waterdeep seem to support them, there is much question as to what the Flames received from this relationship, given that all previous action has been tied to furthering Kossuthian dogma.
 * The Death Flames have been responsible for attacks on a Blue Wizard cell in Shilmistra, and the near destruction of several churches in Waterdeep. They further attacked a temple to Istishia in Tashluta, but were defeated by the clerics with help from followers of Savras.
 * The Death of Eric Frost in 1376 is sure to slow the group down, but given the immense membership, a new leader is sure to immerge soon.
 * The Blue Wizards have recently uncovered more information on their powerbase: The Death Flames' true home is in the Tharch of Lapendrar. This southwestern tharch is ruled by a Cleric of Kossuth - Dmolti Kilass .  If the fire god had Chosen, this man would be it.  With a minimal Thayan presence, the access to Thayan goods, and the blessing of Kilass, Lapendrar is the perfect place to house the Death Flame organization.

The Death Flames first appeared to the Circle of the Tome in Unther, where they attempted to disrupt the peace talks between Unther and Mulhorand.