Draconic Cults

Written by Douglysium

Despite the dictates of Shia, Mora, and the rest of the pantheon there still exists fringe cults that worship dragons. Especially, within the territories of the Solar Dragonflight, Lunar Dragonflight, etc. These heretical cults vary depending on whichever dragonflight territory they are associate with or are near but they all view dragons as either being gods or some sort of equal to gods. Which in their minds is further reinforced by the fact that dragons are one of the few creatures that can directly interact with essence. However, some are simply provided a position of power or authority in return for their loyalty. They also tend to avoid using divine magic or boons lest they risk drawing the attention of gods. Those who can safely cast draconic magic tend to enjoy some level of favoritism by members of these cults. The origins of these cults can be traced all the way back to the first emergence of the dragons and the mortal armies used by the dragonflights to war against each other and the gods. As the world descended into chaos some mortals threw in their lot with the powerful, seemingly unrivaled, might of the dragons. While others were simply forced to do so less they incur the wrath of dragons. However, as more and more gods emerged the influence and territory of the dragons waned and the cults greatly decreased in number and frequency. Most dragons, such as Neia Lun de Draco, care little for these mortal cults or their lives and see them only as tools. Some members or even entire cults were / are subjected to horrific and cruel experiments. Some of the more desperate, misguided, or fanatical may see these experiments as some sort of test or gift.

There was a slight surge in the presence and size of draconic cults when Eleteros ascended to godhood as some dragons attempted to use these cults in their bids for the powers of a god. Some believe this is one of the major factors that led to the decision to strip Eleteros of his godhood.

Draconic cults have had a notable presence in the War of the Moon. Despite having fewer numbers than their divine counterparts, Neia Lun de Draco has used some cultists with terrifying effectiveness. Utilizing whatever humanoid soldiers that can be gathered together in order to reach into places that dragons struggle to get into, such as underground areas, and inside certain buildings. Some act as spies or perform sabotage when the time is right. It is suspected that some members of these cults have been tasked with sowing propaganda about Omnia through various mortal societies by the likes of Neia Lun de Draco.

Since the War of the Moon has started the cults have swelled in size as some minor gods and mortals alike have sided with the dragons out of desperation to survive or various other reasons.