The Tiamacle (The Tea-UH-mah-cle)
For her benefit, and the benefit of Chromatic-kind.
Among the badlands, mountainous steppes and volcanic ranges that cover Alezar's territory sits a massive bastion nestled into the peaks of the mountains. The five towers that peak from it climb skyward, each flying two different flags; One emblazoned with the head of a different Chromatic Dragon and the other emblazoned with the emblem of the representing school. Any involvement with the Church of Tiamat flows through this citadel, the central headquarters of the religious organization: The Tiamacle. Inside the fortress are five districts, each with their own individual temple and living quarters, complete with utilities needed for comfort. In the center lies the Central Temple, the most holy ground of Tiamat.
The members who serve as researchers for this school advance the armory of the citadel. They delve into ancient texts of smithing, forging and mining in order to produce stronger weaponry and armor for their fighters.
Black dragonborn, inductees from Zalesh or inductees that demonstrate a level of malice befitting a black dragon begin their spiritual journey in this school. While here, they learn the way of the Black Wyrm. This includes intimidation tactics, anatomy of different creatures, combat strategies and sadism as primary thought.
The researchers of this school inscribe their sessions with Tiamat and the spirits of her dead followers in hopes of recording new methods of torture and intimidation.
The members of the research department for this school study the political and public situations among Chromaticos. The information uncovered gleams new avenues for underhanded tactics to acquire gainful allies.
Organization
The citadel is divided into five sectors, or schools, with each one representing a different color of Chromatic-kind. Each sector is equipped with a temple of their own, living areas, armory and kitchen. Every district is responsible for delivering sermons at their own temple based off of the beliefs and words of Tiamat herself. The students are also given tasks to advance and care for the citadel when not engaged in religious services or classes. Aside from fulfilling their responsibilities, the students of each district live fairly normal lives inside the fortress. They are free to mingle with other schools, so long as they return to their proper sectors once the time for sleep arrives. Ambitious members who seek leadership within the Church are encouraged to take on the challenge of advancing through the ranks, if they so choose.Priesthood
Members who adequately complete their duties, have served at least one year, and display the represented characteristics of their school are invited to begin Priesthood. They begin as curates who assist the Head Priests with their tasks and sermons. As they prove themselves, they obtain additional responsibilities such as leading their peers in sermons as a Priest would, or teaching classes to the fellow members. If these additional obligations are fulfilled with satisfactory results, the curate attains Priesthood after another year of training. Priests always begin and typically lead sermons, though this can sometimes be deferred to advancing curates or model students who wish to assist their sector priests. Priests also serve as the teachers for the lectures belonging to their district. Each district is directed by two Head Priests or Priestesses who are nominated by the members of the district and sworn in by district leadership. The Head Priest(ess) is responsible for levying tasks to their fellow Priests and is the one who dictates what topics their sermons will cover at their respective temple. In order to be nominated, a member must maintain membership with their district for at least three years, demonstrate the qualities associated with their school and be in good faith with Tiamat herself. Above this level of leadership lies the District Advisors and Polychrome CardinalsAdvisory Committee
A District Advisor is a former Head Priest(ess) that has served in their position for at least a single year and successfully passed a District Knowledge Exam. This exam tests the member on their knowledge of their domain and the general knowledge associated with Tiamat. Each district has three of these Advisors, and they are the leaders above the Head Priest(ess). These members no longer engage in sermon or religious duty, they instead dedicate their time to managing the affairs of each district. They make note of what the district requires in terms of care, financial or other area and make the effort to fix it. If grades begin to trend downward, they also intervene on behalf of their district and investigate what the cause(s) are. The District Advisors are incapable of moving further up the hierarchy of leadership within the citadel, as they do not fulfill any religious service past their time as Head Priest(ess).Cardinal Status and Beyond
Once a Head Priest(ess) has served for a single year, they alternatively can swear membership into another school. This renounces their Priest status in their former school (though it does not revoke their ability to reattain said status) and designates them as a Polychrome Member. Polychrome members garner extra respect from their peers due to their dedication to Tiamat's order, as well as accept extra responsibilities by taking on extra tasks and participating in sermons for whatever districts they are sworn into. After serving the appropriate amount of time with the new district, the member is allowed to attain Head Priest(ess) status by following the standard nomination process. Instead of becoming the Head Priest again, this process bestows them the title of Polychrome Cardinal. Polychrome Cardinals supervise the Head Priest of the districts that they have attained seniority in and also guide the Advisors. The Cardinals are seen as elder members that have reached enlightenment on multiple fronts of Tiamat's wisdom, as they have spent a minimum of seven years studying her virtues. Cardinals may take the final step to leadership by attaining seniority in all five districts. A Cardinal who has accomplished such must journey into the depths of the citadel, down to the Chromatic Portal. There they present themselves to Tiamat herself, who judges the candidate on their capabilities and competence. If she judges them worthy, they become the Chromatic Spirit of the Church. Those judged unworthy are incinerated in Tiamat's unholy flames. The Spirit is the leader of the Church of Tiamat and guides the Church on their efforts across the continent of Chromaticos. Additionally, they serve as the liaison between the Church and the Council of Dragons when political matters must be discussed.Traveling Duties
Being the seat of an entire religious order means that any new temples, churches or other buildings must be staffed appropriately. Every year the Chromatic Spirit organizes regiments of members and priests to send to the different locations across Chromaticos so they can conduct standard services for each location. Each member and priest are encouraged to preach to the population and induct as many new members as they can. These inductees are instructed to make the trip to the Tiamacle to begin their own spiritual journey. When the regiment's year of service is up, another regiment is assigned to the location to swap out and allow the previous members to return to the Tiamacle. The regiment is more than welcome to remain assigned at their location if they desire, The Spirit actually encourages this, as it means that group has made intimate connections to the local population by spreading their message.The Five Schools
School of Endurance
The virtue of endurance can be characterized in many different ways. An athlete that can run across continent, a warrior who refuses to give into his wounds or a leader that outlasts the most vicious of torture methods to safeguard their secret; This virtue is exemplified by the White Wyrm, a vicious hunter that remembers their enemies and stops at nothing to take revenge. White dragonborn, inductees from Briggs or inductees that demonstrate the vindictiveness of a white dragon begin their spiritual journey in this school. Here they will learn the ways of the White Wyrm. Their curriculum includes the anatomy of weaponry, styles of fighting, hunting methods and physical training.The members who serve as researchers for this school advance the armory of the citadel. They delve into ancient texts of smithing, forging and mining in order to produce stronger weaponry and armor for their fighters.
School of Brutality
The power to protect oneself is vital, but the power to prevent attacks in the first place is of utmost importance. Striking fear into the hearts of enemies, leaving an attacker hemorrhaged and unidentifiable or crushing resistance underfoot; This virtue is exemplified by the Black Wyrm, a cruel master that perverts their foes and reigns over those unlucky enough to survive.Black dragonborn, inductees from Zalesh or inductees that demonstrate a level of malice befitting a black dragon begin their spiritual journey in this school. While here, they learn the way of the Black Wyrm. This includes intimidation tactics, anatomy of different creatures, combat strategies and sadism as primary thought.
The researchers of this school inscribe their sessions with Tiamat and the spirits of her dead followers in hopes of recording new methods of torture and intimidation.
School of Subterfuge
Physically defending oneself is a strength that all followers of Tiamat must have, but the power to manipulate and steer your enemies to your side is an invaluable ability. The ability to stop rebellions before they happen, to cause Coups d'état in the most franchised governments and deceive the strongest enemies into your ploy; This virtue is exemplified by the Green Wyrm, a master manipulator and deceiver who stops at nothing to corrupt the good-hearted into joining their evil schemes. Green dragonborn, inductees from Ruxan or inductees that demonstrate exemplary skill in exploitation comparable to a green dragon begin their spiritual journey in this school to learn the ways of the Green Wyrm. They learn to finesse their power with words through cunning, deception, magic and body language.The members of the research department for this school study the political and public situations among Chromaticos. The information uncovered gleams new avenues for underhanded tactics to acquire gainful allies.
School of Patience
Those who have the power of combat or words often make the mistake of rushing into a situation with very little thought as to their actions beyond the first few. Possessing the level of clear-mindedness and forethought to analyze a situation, break down potential options in one's head and follow through is a critical necessity. This virtue is exemplified by the Blue Wyrm, a prideful tactician that knows the battlefield, its enemies and how to proceed with minimal resistance. Only blue dragonborn or inductees that demonstrate skills qualifying them for the previous three schools may begin their spiritual journey here. Otherwise, they must attain membership via the Priest process. This school will teach them the ways of the Blue Wyrm. This includes advanced courses in combat strategies, magical ability, physical training and deception. Their abilities will be heightened to greater peaks and they will push their limits. The researchers for this school study tomes of arcane lore from ages long ago in hopes of discovering ancient draconic secrets. They also study the history of magic and its effects on the world, such as the Disaster Dragons that occur every odd century or two.School of Supremacy
While many warriors exist with the virtues of endurance, brutality, subterfuge and patience, only a select few have the capability of utilizing all four in combination with their vanity and arrogance. These lucky individuals are those with the power to rule with an iron fist and dominate their opposers in the name of the mighty Dragon Queen Tiamat. The combination of all four virtues with the power to rule is exemplified by the Red Wyrm. The archetypal dragon, powerful and egotistical. Enemies cower at the mention of its name and beg for mercy. Red dragonborn are the only creatures with the knowledge, skillset and mindset to begin their spiritual journey in this school. All other creatures must attain seniority in the previous four schools before being eligible to begin their study of the Red Wyrm. The courses taught in this school are the culmination of the curriculums taught in their previous lessons. Students will master battlefield strategies, learn to create their own spells, push their body past its limits and understand the complex thought processes of all creatures. Above all else, they will be taught the virtue of supremacy. They are the embodiment of Tiamat's will and power, attributes befit only for a King or Queen. Researchers of this school study in all areas from the previous four schools, but also indulge in historical readings to better understand the rise and downfalls of those who came before them. Recognition of a degrading rule is critical to ensuring one does not become another piece of history to be understood in the future.Daily Schedule
Welcome to the Tiamacle! You've taken your first step to achieving enlightenment by following the ways of the one true Queen of Dragons: Tiamat. What school are you in? Brutality? Subterfuge? Maybe you're a first-time Patience? Either way, we're overjoyed to have you here and we hope to cross paths with you during your time learning. Take one of these pamphlets so you know what times are important around here!Click to Receive your Class Schedule!
| Task | Timeslot | Responsibility |
| Wake-up Call | 6am | Chromatic Spirit |
| Morning Sermon | 6:30am | Priesthood |
| Breakfast | 7am | Priesthood/Cardinal/Spirit |
| Break | 7:30-8am | Students |
| Prepare Lessons | 7:30-8am | Priesthood |
| Lessons | 8-12pm | Priesthood |
| Recess/Lunch | 12-12:30pm | Students |
| Afternoon Sermon | 12:30-2pm | Head Priest |
| Afternoon Lessons | 2:15-4:30pm | Priesthood |
| Tasks and Research | 5-6:30pm | Students |
| Dinner | 6:45-7:30pm | Priesthood/Cardinal/Spirit |
| Night Sermon | 7:45-9pm | Spirit |
| Advisory Meetings | Throughout schedule | Advisory Committees |
| Lights Out and Bedtime | 10pm | Students/Head Priest |
To serve Tiamat and her land faithfully. The Chromaticos Coat of Arms is proudly displayed upon the front of the Tiamacle, along with their own symbols flown upon the flags that fly above each sector.
Spirit Jhulan Deep in Study by StaticStar1 via HeroForge
Founding Date
22nd of Pyr, 15 EoD
Alternative Name(s)
Central Temple of Tiamat
Type
Citadel
Population
15,211
Inhabitant Demonym
Tiamat's Children
Related Tradition (Primary)
Creation
The legend of the Tiamacle's creation is a well-known story. When Tiamat and her brother first arrived in this world after Io's disappearance, each took a singular pupil under their tutelage. Tiamat's pupil became the first Chromatic Spirit, and she was known as Amai Nevayat. After Tiamat's descent into the spiritual realm of Hell in 10 EoD, the inhabitants of the world that refused religion in Io's absence rebelled against Amai. She fled for her life, spending five years on the run, eluding capture at every turn as she traveled the continent. Her luck ran out on the 22nd of Pyr, 15 EoD. Fearful villagers cornered her in the mountains of Alezar. The years of living as a drifter had taken their toll on her body and she could no longer continue to run. As the crowd surrounded her, five dragonborn within began to radiate; one of each color. The magical energy within each of them surged into Amai, giving her enough stamina and strength to cast one last spell. The spell was shaped by Amai's desire to uphold Tiamat's will and used her and the dragonborn as a material for its casting. Each dragonborn was transformed into a temple, with Amai being reconstructed into a temple of massive stature. The ground shook and the mountains reshaped themselves as the walls of a citadel sprouted from the ground. When the process was finished, the villagers could only watch in awe at the sight before them. The massive bastion that would become the Tiamacle.Rumor has it that the church knows of an ancient ritual that can turn certain dragonborn and half-dragons into true dragons. Whose to say such a thing really exists, though?
Psst - just so you know, you have an open BBCode bracket somewhere! The Like button isn't working! :O
Creator of Araea, Megacorpolis, and many others.
I was in the midst of editing when you commented! It should be all fixed, spruced up and ready to like now. Thank you though, I know I would have appreciated the heads up if I had forgotten a bracket somewhere! <3