flasken

Flasken is a fictional artifact that appears in fantasy literature, tabletop role-playing games, and related media. In most depictions, it is a sealed glass or crystal vessel containing an eternal flame that cannot be extinguished by ordinary means. The flame is typically described as both light and warmth, with occasional magical or practical effects attributed to it.

Origins and naming within fiction vary. In some in-universe histories, Flasken is said to originate among ancient fire-craft traditions, or to have been forged by a legendary group such as fire-dwarves or celestial smiths who bound a flame to glass. The name itself is treated as a relic of a forgotten dialect or a mark of a particular workshop, and different sources ascribe different genealogies to the object's creation.

Physical description and construction are commonly consistent across stories. Flasks are often small to medium in size, with runes or sigils etched near the neck. The flame inside remains vivid even when fuel sources are not evident, and the glass is described as highly resistant to heat and cracking. Some variants emphasize a secret tempering method or an oath-bound linkage between Flasken and its bearer.

Powers, limitations, and usage vary by setting. Flasken may provide prolonged illumination, heating for alchemical experiments, or the ignition of tools and weapons. In several campaigns, the artifact is bound to a ritual, oath, or quest, restricting access to a chosen individual or group and serving as a narrative focal point for endurance and responsibility.

In contemporary fantasy media, Flasken is frequently employed as a coveted plot device or a symbol of enduring power and stewardship.