The Covenant of Tenebra- A Mighty Religion

The Covenant of Tenebra is a religion deeply rooted in the symbiotic relationship between dragon riders and the idomini, a powerful race of demons. This religion venerates the elemental forces of fire and wind, embodying the fierce and untamed nature of both dragons and demons. It is a belief system that emphasizes power, dominance, and the mastery of the wild forces within and without.

Deities and Entities:

Drakos, the Infernal Wing

Drakos is the prime deity of the Covenant, symbolizing the unison of dragon and rider. He is depicted as a colossal dragon wreathed in eternal flames, with scales as dark as the night sky and eyes glowing like molten lava. He represents the raw power and destructive force that dragon riders command. Worship: Riders invoke Drakos before every battle, seeking his blessing for strength and fury in combat. Temples dedicated to Drakos are often built on mountain peaks, where the flames of his eternal fire are kept burning, visible for miles around.

Idometh, the Whisperer of the Abyss

Idometh is the embodiment of the idomini demons, a mysterious and fearsome force that grants riders dark powers. She is portrayed as a shadowy, serpentine figure with a multitude of eyes and whispering voices that drive those who hear them to the brink of madness. Idometh represents the hidden, forbidden knowledge and the pact between dragons and demons.
Worship: Followers of Idometh engage in rituals of binding, where they summon and commune with idomini demons to gain their favor. These rituals often involve blood sacrifices and the recitation of ancient, demonic chants that are passed down through secretive covens.

Sylphara, the Tempest Queen

Sylphara is the goddess of wind and sky, embodying the freedom and grace of flight. She is often depicted as a dragon with wings made of storm clouds, lightning crackling around her. Sylphara is revered for granting the riders the ability to control the winds and navigate the skies with unmatched precision.
Worship: Ceremonies dedicated to Sylphara involve aerial displays and dances, where riders and their dragons perform intricate maneuvers to honor her. These rituals are held during thunderstorms, believed to be her manifestation on the mortal plane.

Beliefs and Doctrine

The Sacred Bond:

The core belief of the Covenant is the sacred bond between rider and dragon, known as the "Flame Link." This bond is believed to be a fragment of Drakos' own soul, a gift given to those worthy of commanding a dragon. Breaking this bond is considered a grave sin, punishable by death or banishment.

The Dark Pact:

The idomini are not seen as malevolent beings but rather as necessary allies in the struggle for power. The Dark Pact is a binding agreement between a dragon rider and an idomini demon, allowing the rider to tap into demonic energies to enhance their abilities. However, this comes at a cost—over time, the rider’s soul becomes tainted, leading to eventual corruption or transformation into a demon themselves.

The Trials of Flame and Wind:

To become a full-fledged member of the Covenant, initiates must undergo the Trials of Flame and Wind. These trials are grueling tests of endurance, strength, and loyalty, where the initiates must face their deepest fears and overcome deadly challenges. Success in the trials is seen as proof that the initiate is worthy of the Flame Link and the Dark Pact.

Rituals and Practices:

The Rite of Binding:

This is a solemn ceremony where a rider binds themselves to an idomini demon. The ritual is conducted under the light of a blood moon, with the rider standing in a circle of burning runes. The binding involves the exchange of blood and the recitation of demonic incantations, sealing the pact between rider and demon.

The Flight of Fury:

A ritual of war, the Flight of Fury is performed before a battle. Riders and their dragons engage in a furious display of aerial combat maneuvers, invoking the power of Drakos to unleash their full might upon their enemies. This ritual is believed to instill fear in their foes and ensure victory in combat.

The Ascension of Flames:

Upon death, the bodies of riders are burned in a grand pyre, with their dragons circling overhead. The flames are believed to carry the rider’s soul to Drakos, where they will become part of the eternal fire. This ritual also serves to release the idomini demon bound to the rider, freeing it to return to the abyss or seek a new host.

Cultural Influence:

Hierarchical Structure:

The Covenant is governed by a council of the most powerful dragon riders, known as the Drakonis. Each member of the Drakonis has completed the Trials of Flame and Wind and has forged a Dark Pact with an idomini demon of great power. They are the spiritual and military leaders of the Covenant, commanding respect and fear from all who follow them.

Dragon Cities:

The Covenant’s cities are built on high cliffs and mountain ranges, places where dragons can easily take flight. These cities are fortresses, designed to withstand sieges and provide strategic advantages in warfare. The architecture is dominated by towering spires, massive gates, and intricate carvings of dragons and demons.

Ties with Demons:

The idomini are not openly worshiped but are instead revered in secretive cults within the Covenant. These cults are influential, often acting as advisors to the Drakonis, and they control the knowledge of demonic rituals and the summoning of idomini. The relationship between the dragon riders and the idomini is complex, marked by both mutual benefit and underlying tension.

Type

Religious, Other