Fire Magic Wars

In 1925 the Venerable Order of Firecasters was torn by a rift between the older magicians, who had controlled the guild since its founding, and the younger magicians, who were growing in number. Because it was governed by the arcane rules of secret societies rather than direct democracy, the younger fire mages chafed under the authority of a few elders.

Led by a talented fire-caster whose identity remains unknown, the younger magicians split from the guild the following year and formed their own organization. Located outside the city on a farm near Muroc, the Brotherhood of Barnburners was said to be centered around their charismatic leader and his demonic benefactor.

The old guard could not ignore such open disobedience and expect to maintain face in the close-knit community of magicians. Summoning a powerful fire elemental, they declared war on their former brethren. The Muroc farm was burned to the ground and several magicians were injured.

In retaliation, the Muroc group assassinated Hieronymus Falstaff, the magician who had led the V.O.F. since 1911. Days later a violent face-off between several magicians in downtown Los Angeles resulted in the destruction of Magic Moe's.

What became known as the Fire Magic Wars came to an end in 1930 when the Muroc group lost control of a demon they had summoned to deal with the remaining elders. The V.O.F. disbanded later that year and most of its surviving members left the country.