Ignited Alchemist

Oswald Copperbeard wasn't always on fire.

He was experimenting with healing compounds, a mixture of rare herbs, crushed minerals, and rendered fats. He added heat. Added more heat. Then too much heat. The explosion should have killed him. Instead, when the smoke cleared, Oswald stood wreathed in blue-green flames that wouldn't go out. They itch and smell like sulfur and burnt hair. Other dwarves started calling him "Flameheart." He hated it.

When King Rennyn mobilized forces against Mahkah Hemlig, the sheriff conscripted Oswald.

"You can heal, can't you?"

"No. I'm on fire."

"Close enough."

So Oswald joined the column. Other soldiers kept their distance. Tilly Gearspring did not.

The rock gnome tinker had built a flying contraption, a nightmare of balloons, canvas wings, and propellers that barely worked. Captain Maud had refused to let her use it.

"Here," Tilly said, presenting it to Oswald. "You're already on fire, so what's a little more danger?"

Oswald stared at the contraption. Then at Tilly.

"This is a terrible idea."

"I know! Isn't it great?"

He took it. He was already cursed and already burning. At least this way he could be useful.

When Captain Maud met him, water dripping from her cursed beard, she stared at the burning dwarf strapped into a flying contraption.

"You're on fire."

"And you're drenched."

"You're going to fly?"

"Apparently."

Maud nodded with water pooling at her feet. "You'll fit right in, Flameheart."

When battle comes, Oswald will launch skyward. A dwarf on fire, held aloft by balloons and a rotor. Maybe, if he's lucky, he'll finally burn out.