New Way of the Dragon

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Origin

The great daimon invasion of Beluaterra destroyed cities, realms, and temples. Nations of daimon-worshippers arose, primarily Sint and Vlaanderen, joining the daimon armies in their conquests against men. In order to weaken opposition, then strove heavily to undermine religions by destroying temples, murdering priests, and converting peasants to daimon-worship. It was during this war that every priest of The Path of the Great Dragon was slain or turned back to a life of battle to defend the lives of his brothers. Without priests to guide the flocks, the temples fell into disrepair, and eventually all were destroyed. The Path of the Great Dragon existed only in the hearts of a few devotes, and the documents they salvaged from the old temples. Finally, one of these devotes was called by the Great Dragon to rescue the spirits of the people from the daimons' wretchedness. Darla Mercer established the New Way of the Dragon in Mallodopia of Mesh. She returned many people to the Great Dragon's teachings.

The original church spanned Mesh and Fronen. The New Way of the Dragon managed to grow very strong in Mesh, but was only able to build one temple in Bil Havel for the whole eastern side of Beluaterra. Fronen had moved on to other faiths after the great destruction. The New Way has recently built four temples on the southeast islands, in Riombara, and helped restore the people of the islands to harmony and productivity in the wake of the daimons' work.

Theology

Modern Foundation

Long ago, a Great Dragon lived in the central mountains. It claimed dominion over all the continents, between the snows at the top of the world, to the warmth of the southern sea. The Nobles and peasants both looked upon the Great Dragon with gratitude and respect. There are stories of The Dragon demanding unwavering fealty, and sending great misfortune on those who opposed it, but there are also tales that it held the first free elections, spoke the first just laws, and forgave even those who sought to destroy it. It is clear that the Dragon had the best interest of all mankind at heart, but that those who strayed from its path would be smitten by his mighty talons.

After thousands of years, but before even the first realm existed, a group of nobles banded to together to secretly oppose the Dragon, and sent a group of the bravest nobles to slay the dragon. While wise and just, The Dragon had ruled too long, they reasoned. Mankind could not advance itself while under the rule of such an old and admittedly strict leader. They arrived at his Mountain Throne, drew their swords, and were met by the Dragon. Their blades could not pierce the Dragon's great scales, and the Dragon let them fight to exhaustion, showing them mercy and tolerance instead of killing them.

The Dragon also came to realize that mankind could not become as great as Him while he ruled them. By facing challenges more on their own, they could earn wisdom and strength. But the Dragon would not leave mankind alone. He would watch over them. Occasionally, he would guide events; choosing Kings and Queens, adding his hand in battle, or coming in visions to give men guidance.

By studying his words, and following his teachings, we can make ourselves greater assets to all mankind.

The Dragon’s teachings are few. The scholars of the Great Dragon have summarized the religion as seeking honor, loyalty, justice, and knowledge. It is through the virtues of collaboration, honesty, integrity, and courage that men will collectively grow stronger and develop into their glorious destiny.

The Boar opposes the Dragon. The Boar sows greed, deceit, fear, and ignorance among men, impeding our ascension. By staying true to the Dragon's virtues, and denying the influences of the Boar and combating his servants, we work to make mankind as good as it can be.

I hope that you value what you have learned today, and that you will join us in using the Great Dragon's teachings and virtues to improve ourselves individually as well as everyone collectively.

A reference to the Book of Oltar

At one time, servants of the Boar became so spiritually corrupted by their greed and betrayal that their bodies began to take his form. They grew tusks, snouts, fur, and cloven hooves, and were driven out of the cities and into the wild. It is possible that the monsters are descendants of those people.

Views of Other Religions

Qyrrvagism is considered a variant of the New Way of the Dragon.

The Blood Cult is considered evil, due to the church's repeated alliance with daimons and human sacrifices.

Hemaism is considered evil, due to its repeated alliance with daimons.