Vox Vaala
Blood of the Dragon.The core philosophy and living essence of the Drakha Clan, is an ancient belief that those of noble blood are not just chosen by Dragons, but are themselves Dragons in their blood. The faith holds that through a sacred bond, forged by blood rituals and shared life essence, Drakha nobles and their Dragons become one being, their beings intertwined, their instincts fused into a singular, powerful force. At the heart of Vox Vaala is the concept of Vaala—Red Mana, the primal life force, the river of vitality that flows through blood and breath, binding soul to body, and essence to instinct. The nobles of the Drakha believe that while white mana may hold the soul after death, it is red mana, the fiery pulse of life, that retains instinct, passion, and emotion—the true essence of a living being. It is through this fiery red mana that the Drakha seek to immortalize not just their souls, but their very will, through their bond with their Dragon.
The Bonding Ritual
The core of Vox Vaala is the blood ritual—a sacred ceremony where a noble and a willing Dragon merge their life forces with upmost loyalty. The ritual is not one of subjugation but of mutual respect and acceptance, where Dragon and Rider become one in body, mind, and life. Through an exchange of blood, their essences are intertwined, creating a bond so deep that neither can live fully without the other. This bond goes beyond companionship—it is a merging of identities. The noble inherits the Dragon’s instincts, wisdom, and power, while the Dragon gains the human’s strategic mind, emotions, and ambitions. The two are not just linked; they become a single entity across two bodies, sharing pain, triumph, and thought in perfect harmony.Vaala and the Power of Blood
Adherents of Vox Vaala believe in the supreme power of blood as the vessel for Vaala, the lifeblood that carries not just vitality but memory, instinct, and raw emotion. Blood is sacred, for it is the river that ferries the essence of all beings. Through their bond with Dragons, Drakha nobles claim to transcend mortal limitations, their instincts sharpened by the raw fury and grace of their draconic counterparts. In Vaala, they see the truest form of life—the relentless flame that burns in all creatures. It is not enough to retain knowledge and soul; the Drakha believe that true immortality lies in the preservation of will, passion, and raw emotion—elements carried through their blood bond with the Dragon. This is how they commune to their ancestors, through their rituals of blood, and war, they summon forth the instincts, the memory of their ancestors beating hearts in their ears.The Dragon’s Consent
It is central to Vox Vaala that the bond between noble and Dragon is consensual. The Dragon willingly offers their blood to the ritual, understanding that this bond is a sacred pact, not a dominion. This mutual bond means that the Dragon’s essence is equally preserved through the noble, allowing them to live on even if one should fall. The Drakha believe that through this bond, they carry the legacy of ancient Dragons—their voices (Vox) heard across time, forever echoing through the Vaala within them.The Red and White Duality
In the theology of Vox Vaala, white mana is seen as the keeper of the soul, the anchor that holds the memories and personality of a being after death. But it is red mana, raw and untamed, that keeps the fire alive. Red mana preserves instincts, urges, and the driving forces that fuel ambition and survival. For this reason, the Drakha see their bond with Dragons as the ultimate path to ascend beyond death itself. That even if they die, their blood in their children, and houses, carries onward. When a noble and Dragon merge their essences through blood, even if their body perishes, their will—fueled by the red mana—will persist, known as 'The Vox'. It is not about eternal life in the traditional sense, but about eternal presence, a flame that will never die.The Eternal Flame of Drakha Nobility
To be a true noble of the Drakha is to live as a Dragon in all but form. Through Vox Vaala, the noble houses perpetuate their bloodlines, ensuring that their legacy burns ever brighter. The dragons, too, share in this legacy, passing their own essence into the Drakha noble houses through generations. The faith of Vox Vaala has turned the Drakha into a people who are not merely bonded with Dragons but who believe that they are, in essence, Dragons themselves—beings of raw, primal power, with their wills written in flame and their instincts preserved through the blood of Vaala. Together, Dragon and Rider are one, forever etched in the burning lifeblood of red mana, their shared essence echoing across the skies, the Voice of Vaala singing the eternal song of their union.Main Deities
Tiamat. The mother of all Dragons, the mistress of destruction, Queen Tiamat. Lantyr. Princess of all Dragons, the next in line, the sunfire dragon, she who sleeps on the sun. Apsu. King of the Drakes, the wingless prince, he who serves his mother. Kazamir. The favored son, guardian of magic, the loyal soldier. Karsus. The great magical advisor, he of golden scale and rainbow breath. Said to be a dragon that can wield every breath weapon, and went on to make the basis of how most Lazurinians cast spells today. Bahamut. King of Dragons, the platnium Dragon. Often in his mythology described as intimidating, surrounded by silver birds, however recounts are often strange of him, often depicting him with wildly different personalities depending on the story. Mystery. Though not revered extremely, Mystery does have a sizeable worship base within Clan Drakha, more as an ancient 'creation deity' than the main one they worship, but her contributation towards creating Tiamat is noted. Korrath. The Ironclad, first son of Bahamut, protector of fortresses, and unyielding shield of the Drakha. Korrath’s scales are said to be impenetrable, making him invincible in battle. Many Drakha fortifications are dedicated in his honor, calling upon his protection. Zephyros. The Windstrider, second son of Bahamut, dragon of the swift winds, and herald of freedom. Zephyros is worshipped by those who value speed and agility, and his flight is said to be faster than any known creature. He is often depicted as a dragon of boundless curiosity. Rhazoth. The Bonebreaker, third son of Bahamut, lord of strength and might, the fist of war. A brutish and terrifying dragon, Rhazoth is worshiped for his unmatched physical power, crushing enemies beneath his claws. It is said he can topple mountains with a single strike. Xal'gorath. The Devourer, the Abyssal Maw, and the End of All Things, fourth and last son of Bahamut. Xal'gorath is the embodiment of destruction without purpose, a malevolent force that seeks to consume everything in its path. Unlike Tiamat, who is revered for her control over creation and destruction, Xal'gorath is feared for his insatiable hunger, devouring not only worlds but the very essence of life itself. His breath is said to be a void, pulling everything into a black maw that leaves nothing behind. Less worshipped, and more feared.
Vox Vaala is a religion practiced exclusively by the noble bloodlines of Clan Drakka. It is deeply intertwined with their national identity and culture, creating an inseparable link between the Drakka people, their Dragons, and the raw life essence known as Vaala. This belief system reinforces the clan’s sense of superiority and unity, fostering a fierce sense of nationalism that defines their entire way of life. The Drakka not only see themselves as Dragon Riders but also as extensions of Dragons themselves—noble creatures whose power, instincts, and emotions transcend mere mortality.
One of the highest honors in their culture is to partake in sacred duels to the death, which are often held in tribute to the power of Vaala. These duels, known as Vaala’rakh, are considered acts of reverence to the power of red mana and the force that binds Dragons and their Riders. To participate in a duel is to offer oneself to the ultimate test of strength, honor, and devotion to Vaala. Only Drakkakin nobles are allowed to engage in these duels, as the bond they share with their Dragons is considered a divine link that allows them to channel Vaala directly. For them, the duel is more than just a battle—it is a sacred rite that could elevate them into the ranks of the Great Vox, the collective voice of the ancestors who continue to guide their people from beyond.
Death in a Vaala’rakh duel is seen as the highest form of glory. Those who perish are believed to join the Great Vox, the spiritual force of Vaala that speaks through the voices of past Dragons and Riders. This eternal chorus is said to guide Clan Drakka through instinct and intuition, ensuring that their warriors remain connected to their draconic heritage even in death. To die in such a duel is considered an honor not just for the individual, but for their entire noble house, cementing their place in Drakka’s history.
Survivors of these duels are celebrated with great reverence. Much like gladiators, those who prevail in battle are granted immense recognition, wealth, and status among the Drakkakin. The victorious Rider is seen as a living embodiment of Vaala’s favor, and their Dragon’s strength and instincts are believed to have been fortified by the duel. The prestige that comes with victory elevates the Rider’s house, often securing alliances, political power, and territory within Drakka's floating islands.
Comments