Dragons
Imposter Gods
The Religion of the Draconians known as Darastrx di Eluithol, or more commonly Divinity of Dragons. The Dragon cults started long before the Draconnians were created. In the ages long ago these cults were smaller and spread throughout the many nations of the world. Their beliefs which now form the foundation of the modern faith were that the Dragons were the true gods of the world. They believed that Divinity was stolen from the Dragons by lesser beings. These lesser beings became what the mortals now refer to as the gods.
The Draconic cults believed that the Dragons had crafted the world in their image. It was said to be a
land of wealth and prosperity watched and cared for by the Dragons. Sadly the world has long since been corrupted by the new gods that stole power from the Dragons. They have turned it into the chaotic and sickly world it now is. Even worse they have claimed the deeds and powers of the Dragons they usurped.
The Cults vowed to restore the power of the Dragons. In return their patrons gifted them certain powers, artefacts, lost knowledge and wealth to help them in this cause. These cults practised in secret, carrying out their tasks under cloak and dagger for ages. That was until the Great Awakening occurred. This was when the Draconians were created by the Dragons. The first transformed were the members of these cults. They would go on to assume some of the highest roles and positions during the Draconic wars. However the Great Awakening was not limited to these cultists. The Dragons quickly influenced many others, transforming them into their new forms.
This would greatly grow the numbers of the Draconic faith. However, because of the rapid growth many of its systems, proper preachings, and ideals were poorly spread. Many knew the grand goal of the faith but the nuances, specifics and history of this faith were greatly lost. Especially because the Draconians would go on to lose. Their race and faith were slaughtered and destroyed en masse. Almost every text documenting the faith was destroyed, any that remained was hidden away. Most importantly the faithful were separated from their leaders, the Dragons themselves had seemed to abandon the Draconians.
Common Ceremonies/Practices
Sky Burials: The Draconians believe to truly honour the dead they should be left as high in the sky as possible. It is common to construct small towers that hold the bodies aloft. After three days it is then common to burn the remains in their place. So their ash may fly free for eternity.
Draconic Order: The order of importance in draconic society. Highest in the ranking is the Rah Draco. There can only be one that holds this position. Believed to be the oldest, most powerful, and intelligent Dragon to exist. The last Rah Draco disappeared at the end of the Draconic wars. Second are the Elder Dragons. They stand as the most powerful Dragons after the Rah Draco. After these are the Dragons. Every single true Dragon stands near the peak of Draconic society. The Lesser Draconics are after them. These are the cousins of the true Dragons, such things as wyverns, basilisks and so on. Then there are the claws. This rank is largely made up of the Draconnians. They carry out much of the work and general labour of the draconian society. Anything that does not come from Draconic ancestry is not included in this ranking as they are seen as unworthy.
Dual di Harktic: Draconic society revolves around strength. Might makes right to a Dragon, for why would they care for the commands of someone they could just as easily dominate. Therefore the Dual di Harktic is a verbal challenge of power. These words are never spoken unless there is true intent behind them. For as soon as they are spoken by Draconic law the combat has commenced. The first to lose, either by forfeit, being unable to continue or simple death shall be shamed. If they were the superior then they are now the subject and must respect their challenger's strength and power over them.
Zul Do’fin Draco: Meaning the Voice of the Dragon. These positions are the closest the Draconian faith comes to the clergy. However, they are much more like champions of their gods. During the Draconic wars, many of the Draconian generals held this position and its powers. A Zul Do’fin Draco is created when a dragon has seen great potential in one of their servants. They are granted great power most importantly the gift to channel their master's voice and the power that comes with a Dragons speech, among many other gifts. No one knows where the last of the voices disappeared to after the draconic wars. Perhaps they were all silenced, perhaps they continue to serve their masters in a distant land, or perhaps they shall only reappear when new champions claim them.
Dahmaan: Simply meaning “remember,” or also being known as the day of ash. It is perhaps the strangest part of Draconian faith to observe as it seems so out of character for them. It is a sombre and solemn affair whereby the Draconians take a day of rest and remembrance for the day the world was split in two. They coat their bodies in ash as a display of their shame and failure on that fateful day. The day is joyless and uneventful other then that.