The Dragon Orders
There are seven orders, each dedicated to the philosophy exemplified by their patron Great Dragon. Within each order, they are often further sorted into branches and sects that emphasize some aspects of the order over others.
The seven Great Dragons are as follows:
Fyornil is the red dragon of fire and combat. His followers exemplify honor, passion, and ambition. Some say they follow the philosophy of “Might makes Right,” as those within the order defend their beliefs violently and without remorse. Members of this order are not without restraint, tempering their intensity by following a code of honor. Once they have given their word, they will uphold their promises to the end, even to their death. All factions in this Order advance through trials of combat, be it through the slaying of beasts, or challenging others within their order to duels. They are one of the best allies to have at your back, but woe to those who break a pact with a Fyornilian, for they will face a dragon’s fury.
Aia, the white dragon, is said to be one of the oldest dragons. Her domain is one of healing, and she is the icon of the age and the wisdom it brings. Her order is dedicated to relieving others of suffering and value selflessness and self-sacrifice. Followers of this Order believe that all life is precious, and will never strike first or defend themselves, unless they are faced with the undead, who stand opposed to their faith. As such, they are also opposed to Ritual Reincarnation, as it defies the natural cycle of life. Aian’s are known for their charitable ways, giving all that they have for the betterment of others.
The largest dragon is Gurana, brown in color, and has a presence of safety and protection. Unlike followers of Aia, the Order of Gurana will concede to violence, if necessary, to defend the helpless, but only when no other options are available. They make excellent bodyguards, and often travel alongside Aians to protect them. Followers value piety and humility and do what they believe is right not for fame or glory. It is said that Gurana’s first act was to sit in a wheat field act and marvel at life’s bounty, hence why he is often symbolized with wheat stocks. His symbol is also commonly seen over the beds of those in need of protection, such as newborns and the elderly.
Qualtara, the feathered blue-green serpent dragon, is said to have gifted the world with the magic of binding, tightening the bonds of law and order. She is intelligent and fair-minded, and her followers value self-control and justice. They are often sought after to serve as judges and mediators where disputes are had. A Qualtaran may rise in rank through a system of petitions and votes. More than anything else, the Order of Qualtaran is fair and just.
The youngest is Vaeltran, the blue dragon of free thought. While the smartest of the dragons is also said to be mad, her followers claim to know truths outside of comprehension. Even followers can only guess at the knowledge this path will reveal to them. Elevation in this Order is found through the pursuit of knowledge, not through typical library research, but via cunning and creativity. Many followers find experimentation and trickery will open minds, though no two follow the exact same doctrine, free to interpret as they see fit. Games such as chess or riddles are highly encouraged, though to win or lose are both means of gaining knowledge. The Order of Vaeltran is filled with bright minds and creative tricksters.
The Order of Moore was originally led by the brother of Aia, the black dragon Oberon (known by some as Thanatos). As a gatekeeper to the dead, Oberon’s realm was of natural death. Despising the undead, he sealed all necromantic magic in a crown to prevent it from being misused. Ravnos, fearing his own death, stole the crown and gained God-like power over the undead. The loss of this crown weakened Oberon, resulting in his own death. A mortal named Moore kept the faith in his absence until the black dragon Styx rose to take his place. Followers abhor undeath, and view Reincarnation as blasphemous. They are also well known for their ability to divine dreams, as the realms of Death and Dream are linked. Some priests traveling granting mercy to those worthy of death, while others perform funerary rights and assist in the grieving process. Those who follow the Order are patient and silent in their observation of death, and the balance it brings.
