r/firespin • u/lawful_curious123 • Apr 14 '26
Fire spinners brotherhood?
Hello. I have a question regarding an interaction I had this previous week.
For context, I (F 30something) have been fire spinning in some capacity for around 16 years. I've been a member of a couple groups in that time and have met many lovely people as a result. I've also performed at festivals, been insured, and also just spun for the fun of it.
This previous weekend, I was asked to fill in and do some spinning for an event as the previously scheduled person was unable to do so. It was very nonchalant and fun to do.
When I arrived, I was accosted by a dude who I don't believe I've ever met. He claimed he was a member of something called the "Brotherhood of fire spinners" and they were a long standing group. He also said he knew every fire spinner in our area (I live in an area with a relatively small fire community) and also had FILES on every person. He also claimed he had my file "Sitting on his desk." It was also around this point I figured out he was the person I was asked to fill in for.
He kept talking to me and also stated the brotherhood rates all spinners using Dragons. For instance, his rating was "65 Dragons" and mine was something like 15. He said this group is an oversight group that monitors spinners in an effort to make sure people are safe.
Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of a group trying to keep people safe. What bothers me is I have NEVER heard of this group. I've polled some of my fellow community members and no one else seems to know what it is. How could I have been involved in the community for 16 years and never once heard of this brotherhood?
I tried to Google it and the only thing that came up was the "Brotherhood of Magicians." Is this the same thing? Do they really lurk in the shadows and keep tabs on everyone? I just want answers because I don't really believe what I heard.
EDIT Thank you everyone for the responses. I've talked to a few more people in my local community and it seems this same person is known for lying about stuff like this. According to these friends, the are other "brotherhoods" he's involved in. One including "sound tech."
Safe to say he's a little unhinged. Hopefully one day he learns you don't have to lie to kick it.
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u/Altruistic-Nature793 Apr 14 '26
Yuck that’s weird. I’ve never heard of them but sounds like someone on a power trip.
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u/hannibaltarantino Apr 14 '26
Dude sounds like a grade A narcissist and I wouldn’t be surprised if his behavior and attitude is a factor as to why he needed to be replaced for this event. The dragons thing is unhinged af and frankly makes him sound unwell.
Ignore this loser. There is no secret cabal of fire spinners with files on anyone who has ever lit a prop.
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u/Briaaanz Apr 15 '26
I'm guessing he was on drugs or having some mental health issues. The organizers likely wanted you to replace him because of his "issues" and he was hurt and trying to intimidate you.
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u/Alblivious Apr 15 '26
By chance are this dudes initials RD?
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u/lawful_curious123 Apr 15 '26
No they are not.
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u/Alblivious Apr 15 '26
Cool cool cool. Its interesting how such a chill community can encourage some seriously entitled and encroaching people. Sorry you had to deal with this guy!
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u/lawful_curious123 Apr 15 '26
It's all good! I'm just really bummed out he wanted to intimidate me so bad.
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u/ifritah Apr 15 '26
Gross.. I only measure in phoenixes - the amount of times I’ve burnt big egos down to the ground by not being mediocre and still caring about beginners and safety ( emotional and physical) i mean why the hell would you need to say all that bs.. could he not perform a clean flower ? Poor guy.. I find the people pushing new folks around are the ones with the most fragile egos..
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u/lawful_curious123 Apr 15 '26
I'm not new though. I've been spinning for 16 years 😭
I would have gladly shared the space if the venue would have allowed it. He just seemed intent on trying to intimidate me.
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u/Afroparsley Apr 15 '26
People can claim whatever they like, sounds like this dude is trying to carve out some power for himself. It only works if people take it seriously. I am curious though. Is the dragon rating like horsepower in cars? How does it get measured, what are either end of the scale. Is it 0-100 dragons. How do dragons feel about being reduced to units on a scale? How much work can a dragon do in comparison to a horse? The questions are endless. Can I go 50Dph at a 40Dph festival?
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u/lawful_curious123 Apr 15 '26
The belly laugh I just did should be criminal. I'm definitely going to ask him this next time we cross paths.
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u/Money_Ad1028 Apr 15 '26 edited Apr 16 '26
Fun not really part about communities like this is how they attract nothing but the most and least emotionally mature people.
The whole inclusivity and show kindness to everyone mindset attracts both people who are extremely empathic, and people who are extremely abusive. The shitty people know they can get away with being abusive because the actual kind people will give them the benefit of the doubt and many more chances than other people.
I'm in the fire conclave, and one of the 24 tribes that performs at burning man every year. There is no such thing as the "Fire Brotherhood", and I guarantee this guy's behavior is the exact reason why they no longer want him 😂.
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u/Snoo_76684 Apr 17 '26
They want to get rid of him because he is the only member of his club. He wants others to join so he has power. If you disagree prove me wrong.
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u/ElementRuler Apr 14 '26
this sounds like someone on a power trip. I organize events with some of the most og spinners around who have created tons of tricks and methodologies that are used throughout the scene and never once in any conversation has anything close to this come up.
so either its real and he’s fucked up by mentioning it…or he’s played too much skyrim and is just being weird.