Draconism

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Draconism
Draconism.jpg
CreatorXero
Information
Main Leader(s)Exarchos Davion
RacesAny
Draken (Predominant)
Base of OperationsSanctum of the Dragons, Lower Dragonhearth
PlanetWyrmeron (Origin)
All
StatusActive
Notable Members

Background

When the Draken race was created by Zamendrya the Dragonqueen, the primordial dragonmen looked up at her like she was a Goddess weaving their kind into joyous existence. Ever since the first step of Drakenkind all the way to the present day, the sacred faith that the Draken have towards not only Zamendrya but all Dragons has prevailed as one of Auria's most powerful and influential religions to date. Continuing to believe in the fundamentals of Draconism, the Draken (and later on the Wyaur) would function as a solid foundation in the Draconic Empire, making them willing servants to the one's the Tomes of Draconism label "Heavenly Ones".

Draconism would remain at the heart of Dragonhearth's lower society even to this day where it is a natural part in many Draken and Wyaurs' lives. The feverish faith that they have towards Dragonkind has made them send out emissaries all throughout Auria to spread the word of Draconism to the lesser races, causing a debate to be had in Upper Dragonhearth over the morality of influencing all of mankind to worship Dragons. Pride would overtake the discussion and ultimately the Apexion Law would see nothing wrong with it so long as it does not stir up large-scale violence with other religions or groups.

Draconism has had a varying degree of success in spreading to other races. The Naga are at the forefront in their following as it has established itself as a predominant belief in their culture thanks to their origins being very similar to that of the Draken. Nevertheless the act of practicing Draconism has become less common in the Shin Dynasty as the Naga look to free themselves from the bindings of worship and instead look towards praising the indominable mortal spirit. Still, a variation of Draconism known as Nobiri Draconism is still practiced by most though it involves simpler and more easy-going expressions of reverence.

In Gwynbrenon a special mention has to be made for the K'aaba Tux Trolls. Long ago they sought kinship with the native Drakes of the land and forged an eternal bond with them, allowing the Trolls to prosper in the lands now known as Blackwood. This friendship between Troll and Dragon would pave way for Draconism to subtly seed itself into their culture and become a core part of their beliefs, although they do not blindly see Dragons as Gods they do see them with high amounts of respect and are in direct conflict with the Kultura Ri'ki Trolls who have gained recent traction in reforming their traditions and becoming more hostile towards Dragonkind as a result.

In Imperia, the Luxfordian estate Darksorrow has forged a tight bond with Dragonlord Venorion and his lair. The influence of Dragons is felt strongly among them as they have started to seek a kinship of their own with them. This would be best remembered in the battle between the Dragonlord and Tharus, champion of Darksorrow. Instead of killing the man, Venorion was impressed by his fighting spirit and granted him his draconic oath that would allow their two factions to live in harmony with one another and even make trade on the irregular.

In Saberos, the Hayka view the draconic Hydras with some level of reverence thanks to their connection with the boundless sea. Although not following Draconism directly, the Hayka do see the Hydras as sacred, albeit slightly malevolent creatures that are best represented as the wrath of the seas by Hayka sailors.

Laws and Traditions

The leader of Draconism is a cultural figurehead known by the title "Exarchos". The current one is Exarchos Davion. At first the Exarchos was merely a title given to the leader of the Draken when establishing order in Dragonhearth however that title quickly changed to that of an actual holyman who serves as a direct speaker for Dragonkind. The Exarchos and his closest followers are allowed to freely travel into Upper Dragonhearth in order to represent Draken and Wyaurs.

The utmost importance of Draconism is to revere Dragons no matter what. To the followers of Draconism, a Dragon of any kind is to be respected and served as it is thanks to them that mortals may walk the corporeal realm. Not all Dragons are seen equally in the eyes of Draconism however as there are a list of important god-like figures in their lectures which are raised higher above the rest:

  • Dragonqueen Zamendrya is practically a Prime God to Draconism and is treated as such with constant tribute and praise.
  • The Six Dragonlords are Lesser Gods in the eyes of Draconism and they are paid homage to on the regular. Throughout Auria there are six Draconic settlements each corresponding to a Dragonlord's flight and in those settlements the Draken and Wyaur servants treat their respective Dragonlord with eternal care and undying love. Yearly pilgrimages to the six Dragon Lairs of Auria are a widespread tradition as well which involves a group of Draken of any age and social standing to travel to the homes of the six Dragonlords in order to pay tribute to them.
  • The Seven Elders are also viewed with great joy by the followers of Draconism. Though not as important to them as the metaphorical Dragon Gods, the Elders are given praise in every sermon as they are credited as being the seven guardians of Zamendrya.

The symbol of Draconism is known as the "Dragon Crest", a layered sigil which depicts Zamendrya in the middle, a circle with six gemstones depicting the six Dragonlords. The Dragon Crest is displayed on a seven-legged altar known as a Vomos, meant to represent the seven Elders.