Worldbuilding: Myths of Draconiquity, Part I - The Goblin King

 

The Goblin King

Myths of Draconiquity, Part I

The origins of the archfey known as The Goblin King usually refer to his time as an old mage's servant. Some say the mage plucked him from the Fey Realm to do his bidding, while others claim that the mage created him; the very first of his species. Most storytellers will agree that the archfey was at first simply known as “Goblin”. The old mage would teach magic them magic to perform menial tasks. Eventually, "Goblin" outlived their use, and had to escape before the old mage used them as a component for some spell.  

Alone in the wild, "Goblin" often felt lonely and would play tricks on others to gain their attention, but he was always met with hostility. When his tricks almost cost him his life, "Goblin" opted to instead offer his services, like cleaning a room or the dishes, tending to a garden, or knitting a blanket; He would ask for goods in exchange, like being able to sleep in a hidden corner of the same house, or food to sustain himself. This approach was much more successful. When "Goblin" finished the last task he would perform for any individual, he would always ask for an article of clothing in return. 

After being in many households, Goblin felt like he wanted a family of his own. He used his knowledge of  his old master's magics and conjured three friends: a Goblin in his own image that he could play with, a Hobgoblin that was capable of defending them, and a Bugbear with many skills to help him go anywhere. These three friends would eventually become the patriarchs of their respective goblinoid lines; Many regard the Goblin King as the progenitor of all goblinkind for this reason.

Nobody is clear on how the Goblin King became an archfey and gained his title. Some speculate that he gains this status from the crown he wears, and anyone who steals it could gain the same. This speculation has led some to believe that the Goblin King is simply a title that is passed to the goblin that wears the crown.

Regardless of how he gained his power, the Goblin King is widely known as the protector of his kin. He dedicates himself to maintaining his position of power so that his goblins can fall back on him. He does this by making deals with others, tricking them if they break the rules of a deal. Sometimes he will court another archfey if the pairing would benefit his own.

For hundreds of years, goblins have found themselves moving from the Goblin King's realm into the civilized areas of the Material Plane. Nowadays, it is typical for goblins to come from families that have had nothing to do with their ancestral home in the Fey Realm. These modern goblins regard the Goblin King as a figure of myth.

Worldbuilding: Pantheon of Draconiquity, Part VIII - Judgement

    

Zalaurix, Lady of Judgement

The Pantheon of Draconiquity, Part VIII

Motif: A Dragon

Spiritual Weapon: A horn trumpet that conjures divine fire

Domains: Dragon, Order, Peace

Core Beliefs: 

• Remember the past and account for your actions
• Forgive your sins and seek redemption

Zalaurix is the deity of closure and renewal. She is known as the goddess of dragons, as she is always depicted as one, often fully covered in either black, gold, or platinum scales.

In addition, Zalaurix is known for uttering the Laws of Dragonkind, which are as follows: 

1. Dragons shall not worship Mortal gods
2. Mortals shall not enslave Dragons
3. Dragons shall not interfere with the politics of Mortals

Followers

Naturally, as the goddess of dragons, Zalaurix's followers are mainly composed of dragons. This is especially true, due to the fact that the Laws of Dragonkind forbids all manner of dragons from worshipping any deity besides the Lord of Judgement. Dragons will usually refuse to offer prayer to any other god, and it is folly to ask them to do so. 

However, dragons do not worship Zalaurix in the traditional sense; Instead of idolizing her, dragons instead regard Zalaurix as a mentor figure, or an old and trusted friend.

Zalaurix also has followers among the humanoid races, and they are known as Renewed. Most of these followers are people who believe that their lives have been changed by the better thanks to dragonkind, and simply aim to extend their gratitude. A few of these Renewed are aspiring Dragoons, and train in the martial and magical arts to hopefully join their ranks one day.

Rites

The rites of Zalaurix that are practiced by his dragon worshippers are largely unknown; though some have speculated that it involves some form of meditation and self-reflection.

Among the Renewed, their rituals often involve meditation and introspection, as the god of closure and renewal encourages his followers to reflect on their past and forgive themselves for their misdeeds. These rituals may include purification rites, where followers cleanse themselves of negative energy or harmful influences, and renewal ceremonies, where they seek to renew their spirit and start anew. These ceremonies may involve the lighting of candles, the recitation of prayers, or the drinking of special potions made from herbs and other ingredients associated with rebirth.

Unlike the other deities, Zalaurix does not need require prayer as payment or toll in exchange for services in any way. 

Temples

The temples of Zalaurix are often grand and awe-inspiring, befitting a god of dragons. In the past, dragons preferred to keep their faith to themselves; As a result, their temples can be found in remote locations, built into mountains, caves, or other natural formations, and are typically adorned with sculptures, murals, and other artwork depicting dragons in various forms. These temples are enormous in size, big enough to fit several large dragons. Inside, the temples may be illuminated with torches or magical fires, casting flickering light on the walls and ceiling.

After the founding of the Draconic Consociation, it was eventually agreed that temples of Zalaurix be built inside humanoid cities, despite the protests from the more conservative side of the Consociation. These temples would serve as enclaves for the Order of Dragoons, and they would also serve as hubs for Renewed volunteers to help the cause, as well as the nearby community. These temples may be built with a focus on public areas, such as gardens or courtyards, where followers can gather for communal activities or social gatherings. 

Organizations

Draconic Consociation

This organization is founded on the mutual cooperation between dragons and humanoids, and it is chiefly responsible for enforcing the Laws of Dragonkind. This partnership is responsible for forming the Order of Dragoons, an order in which dragons and highly trained individuals, including dragon-riding knights and mages that excel in the draconic arts, work in close cooperation to execute the will of the Draconic Consociation.

Seekers of Deliverance

Also simply known as "Seekers", there are a few mortals who claim that an impending doom is coming upon the world soon, and that Zalaurix will save those that atone for all their sins and fully dedicate their lives to the Lord of Judgement. These Seekers have built small temples or shrines in a few cities that yet to be claimed by the Renewed. They claim to offer Zalaurix's salvation in exchange for tribute.

Their practices run largely in opposition to the beliefs of the Renewed, and hostilities between these two groups are common.

Worldbuilding: Pantheon of Draconiquity, Part V - The Magician

   

Gaedric, Lord of Innovation

The Pantheon of Draconiquity, Part V

Motif: A finger pointing upwards.

Spiritual Weapon: A Hammer

Domains: Creation, Forge, Artifice, Rune 

Core Beliefs: 

• Convert your dreams from abstract to concrete.
• Share your fortune with those who seek their own, and you may benefit in return.

Gaedric is the god of creation and commerce. He watches over those seeking to make their ideas a reality. He is usually depicted as a fox, guiding humanoids in the middle of a creative activity, like writing or smithing. This fox is sometimes seen holding one of the fabled Gaedran Relics, for which Gaedric is famously known for: A chalice, a staff, a sword, and a pentacle.

Followers

Devout worshippers of Gaedric are known as Manifesters. Their spellcasters are masters of conjuration and enchantment magic. Mages that specialize in the crafting of magic items often lean towards seeking his blessings. Some individuals that seek to invest their wealth in upcoming small businesses with the hopes to receive a return, also decide to join the clergy of Gaedric.

Rites

Clerics of Gaedric offer resources for those looking to realize new ideas. These ideas could range from something as small as a house remodelation, to more ambitious things, like starting a new business. In return, they seek a return with interest from the benefit of the success of those they invest in, as well as their commitment for prayers over a long period of time.

For example, a man seeking to have his own farm might ask the local Manifesters to invest in him. He might be required to live in their temple for some time, dedicating his life to praying to Gaedric and performing duties given to him by the clergy. After he's served for enough time, he is rewarded with enough coin to buy cattle and a farmhouse. Gaedric would then be expected to return for praying sessions in a monthly basis, bringing with him a small share of the earnings he has made. If the man marries and has chidren, he is also expected to bring them over. Once the man's debt is paid in full, he is free to choose not to come to the temple for prayer; though it might be in his best interest to continue, if his business does well enough for him to invest in someone else.

Temples

Where there is civilization, there will most likely be a temple to Gaedric. These temples are often large enough to house a host of followers; most of these being up-and-coming entrepreneurs serving their time in order for the temple's clerics to lend them their resources.

Besides their well known process for investment, many temples offer consulting services; for a donation to the temple, they can offer their advice to solve a particular problem in someone's business, or even refer them to an expert under the temple's network.

Because the work of Manifesters is such an enterprise, clerics of Gaedric do not tend to build shrines, as they are not big enough for them to do the good work of the Innovator. However, it's common to see small shrines of Gaedric inside the personal space of hustlers with many ambitions.

Organizations

Ortis Company of Innovation

Named after a legendary paragon of Gaedric, this company specializes in the creation, sales, and distribution of magic items. This, coupled with their resources and influence has turned them into a world-class arms dealer.

In cities, their workshops are often extensions to existing temples of Gaedric, though cases where an enclave of the Ortis Company resides without a nearby Gaedric temple are not unheard of. Their operations are similar to the temples' in regards to investing in others, though they focus on fostering magical advancements, and they mostly only invest in things that they believe can be mass produced. 

The company is also known to have an invested interest in the discovery of ancient artifacts; chief among these being the Gaedran Relics, an effort that has forced the Order of Orm to clash with the Ortis Company.

Guild of the Black Fox

There are those who believe that Gaedric's teachings did not intend for the blatant and sometimes corrupt amount of capitalism that can be seen in their modern temples. This secretive guild is composed of con men and thieves with arcane talents. The members of this guild work in the shadows, making sure that the dealings that happen inside the temples of Gaedric are honest and fair. 

Worldbuilding: Pantheon of Draconiquity, Part IV - The Hanged Man

 

Ghotomo, The Ascended

The Pantheon of Draconiquity, Part IV

Motif: A Lotus Flower

Spiritual Weapon: A giant, open palm

Domains: Mind, Peace, Self

Core Beliefs: 

• Study The Virtuous Truths and you will find The True Path
• Follow the The True Path, and you shall reach enlightenment

Ghotomo is most often depicted as a mortal that managed to ascend to divinity. His teachings are based on clarity and self-enlightenment. He is often depicted as a monkey, or a slim, robed man with the face of a monkey, that either hangs upside down, or stands on his hands; in both of these depictions, one of his legs is straight, while the other bends to make the shape of the number four. 

Followers

Those who worship Ghotomo are known as Selfless. Their spellcasters are experts in abjuration and transmutation, and every member is expected to learn proper meditation practices. Those who practice the psionic arts often find themselves seeking Ghotomo's teachings.

The Selfless believe that they will reach enlightenment through the worship of Ghotomo; in prayer, they solicit him for clarity in the True Path, and Ghotomo in return guides them to the way of enlightenment. 

Rites

The Selfless do not exchange goods or services in exchange for prayer, for Ghotomo does not care for blind worship. Their practices often involve various forms of community service, and those that become genuinely interested in the lifestyle of the Selfless are then welcome as one of their own.

The Virtuous Truths are a number of statements that are the core of Ghotomo's beliefs. The True Path is a series of behaviors, or lifestyles, that followers practice in a given order, as part of their journey to enlightenment. 

Temples

Because Ghotomo's teachings focus more on the self than on Ghotomo himself, those that follow The True Path don't usually require a place to gather. However, many of the bigger cities will often have a small temple dedicated to Ghotomo. These temples coordinate with local authorities and offer their assistance in the city's maintenance as a form of community service; In these cases, it's not uncommon to see Selfless monks rescue citizens from a burning building, or deliver food to the elderly in the middle of a snowstorm. 

Outside of the cities, a handful of greater temples to Ghotomo exist. All of these temples are located in remote locations of the world (and not all of them reside in the Material Plane). Selfless that truly devote themselves to Ghotomo's teachings will seek these temples to find like-minded individuals and unlock the secrets of The True Path.

Organizations

Ghotomists

There are those who believe that "Ghotomo" is not a mortal that ascended to godhood, but is instead a title, which was given to the first individual that broke the shackles of mortality through self-enlightenment, becoming an entity that transcends mortal limits. Though his name has been long forgotten, many have followed in his footsteps to become Ghotomo themselves. 

Known as Ghotomists, these unorthodox followers of the True Path believe that Ghotomo's intention was to help others follow after his steps, and he never meant be worshipped. They believe in The Truths and The True Paths, but disagree that the First Ghotomo will guide anyone in prayer.

This, of course, puts them at odds with the Selfless. Though this ends up in healthy disagreements for most of the time, extremist Selfless have been known to attack Ghotomists on sight.

Ember Lotus

Founded by a handful of fully achieved Selfless who aimed to apply Ghotomo's normally self-intended teachings to guide the world itself to enlightenment. The Ember Lotus is a secret, anarchist organization with an agenda that is often at odds with some of the other, more prominent organizations of the world. Rumours say that they currently plot to demolish the Draconiquity.

Worldbuilding: Pantheon of Draconiquity, Part III - The Tower

  

Zanviola, Lady of Storms

The Pantheon of Draconiquity, Part III

Motif: Sea Serpent

Spiritual Weapon: Trident

Domains: Weather, Destruction, Sea , Travel

Core Beliefs: 

• Demand what you're owed, and do not accept compromise
• Enact vengeance towards those who cross you

Zanviola is the goddess of reckoning and vengeance. Her portfolio includes mastery over weather and the sea. She is often portrayed as a large sea serpent.

Followers

Zanviola regards those who practice her beliefs as her children, and her followers who subscribe to this idea refer to themselves as Zanviolites. Spellcasters devoted to her are masters of evocation and transmutation magic, and every member is required to learn how to swim. Many druids pledge themselves to her, as they often find that the best way to protect nature is to bring reckoning to those who would spoil it.

Rites

Zanviolites preach that water is the source of all life, as life cannot grow without it. They believe that the sea is Zanviola's gift to all living beings. For her sea-dwelling children, the sea is a domain she grants for them to live in; While for those who live on the surface, it is a place to provide fish them to feed upon, as well as a means to quickly travel between lands. Rain, on the other hand, is the blessing she provides to bring the gifts of the sea to those who live away from it. 

Zanviola delivers her boons without request, but they are not free; She expects her due payment from those who would benefit from her gifts of the sea, in prayers and tribute. Those who not pay their dues risk inviting the direct retribution from The Lady of Reckoning.

The clerics of Zanviola act as her direct agents for this purpose, demanding tributes and prayer from fishermen and sailors, and keeping tally on those that skirt their dues. Most seafaring folk won't question to pay these dues, as they rightly fear a visit from a member of the Stormlords. 

Temples

Every coastal settlement has some form of temple dedicated to Zanviola; The size of the temple is relative to the amount of ships that the city can dock. In some cases, the temples are big enough to host docks themselves. Many seafarers come to these temples and pay tribute in exchange for a consultation on the upcoming weather to determine the date when they next set sail; a service that many Zanviolites are happy to provide.

Many large farms prepare a shrine to Zanviola; though this is often only after a Zanviolite threatened to bring a drought to their crops if they refused. 

Temples of Zanviola are rare inside inland cities, but they can be expected if the location is prone to storms and tornadoes. For most inland cities, however, it is more likely to find a shrine to the Lady of Reckoning inside a hideout for the Wroth.

Organizations

The Wroth

The teachings of Zanviola can very often become a mantra of empowerment for the poor and forsaken, and The Wroth takes full advantage of that. This cult-like organization gathers those that have nothing to lose, and enamor them with the idea of bringing a reckoning to those in power who profit at the expense of many; like corrupt politicians, slave owners, or rich individuals with a history of exploiting their workers to death. 

Stormlords

Considered more as a folktale than an actual organization, the Stormlords are the primary reason that seafarers and farmers heed the Zanviolites and pay tribute to their goddess. Stories of ships that skirted their tribute payments and were never seen again are plenty; When sailors share the stories of how they were haunted by the ghosts of these long lost ships, it brings further credence to the Zanviolites' word.

Regardless of their reputation, the fact is that there is indeed an organization of individuals capable of summoning storms at will and making ships disappear without a trace. It is speculated that these are mostly composed of Sahagin, and perhaps other sea-dwellers. Nobody really knows what they're after, but the rumor is that, while a regular Zanviolite is incapable of weilding magics powerful enough to control the weather, there's a chance that they are in contact with a Stormlord that could be hired to perform the deed.

Worldbuilding: Pantheon of Draconiquity, Part II - The Hierophant

Durvos, Lord of Lore

The Pantheon of Draconiquity, Part II

Motif: Raven

Spiritual Weapon: A feathered quill

Domains: Knowledge, Arcana, Rune

Core Beliefs: 

• Knowledge requires nurture.
• Education is the pillar of growth of the one and the many.

Durvos is the god of education and knowledge; including history, both natural and mathematical sciences, arcane lore, as well as the teachings of the divine. He is usually depicted as a raven, or a tall humanoid-shaped figure with dark avian features.

Followers

Followers of Durvos are sometimes called Erudites. Their spellcasters are masters of abjuration and divination magic, and literacy is often required of every member.

In addition, many journalistic groups associate themselves with the Lord of Lore, and this is often reflected in their names or symbols being raven themed.

Rites

The clerics of Durvos offer sanctuary for those seeking to learn. In return, they foster research and accept new information, as well as provide a haven to repay them with prayer.

Temples

Durvos' temples are mostly found as various forms of libraries. Access to these libraries is often only granted for something in exchange, like a piece of new information, or an extensive amount of prayers. It is for this reason that Erudites keep a healthy relationship with the Whisperers, who often have obscure knowledge to provide.

Temples of Durvos inside large cities almost always task themselves with conserving the knowledge of local cultural traditions, and they help ensure that these are taught, practiced, and honored by the local citizens.

In addition to these library-temples, a few schools that study the magic arts consider themselves as temples of Durvos. All places of learning in general, however, even those that are martially focused, often house a shrine to the Lord of Lore.

Organizations

Corvus Bibliotheca

Floating above mist-filled lands, Corvus Bibliotheca is an ancient, roaming gray tower. This imposing structure contains much of the world’s secrets, in the forms of stories, poems and songs that are written within its many tomes and scrolls. Residing within its halls are the Grackles; a short, black-feathered avian race that communicates by repeating words and phrases that they’ve heard before. The Grackles call this tower their home, and the tower protects them.

Dolfero University

Named after a renowned gnome arcanist of heroic legend, this university is as big and powerful as a small city. This haven of learning accepts arcane spellcasters of all kinds, and offers extensive courses on all schools of magic. Though it hosts small shrines to other gods, it in itself is generally considered to be the largest known temple of Durvos.

Worldbuilding: Pantheon of Draconiquity, Part I - The High Priestess

Velmyssa, Lady of the Veil

The Pantheon of Draconiquity, Part I

Motif: A black cat

Spiritual Weapon: A dagger

Domains: Trickery, Knowledge, Twilight

Core beliefs

• There is power in holding secrets.
• Secrets are a burden that only few can carry.

Velmyssa is the goddess of secrets and shadows. She is often portrayed as a black-furred female catfolk.

Followers

Followers of Velmyssa are often called Whisperers. Their spellcasters are generally practitioners of divination, enchantment, and illusion magic, and many of their members are experts in subterfuge as well.

Rites

Velmyssa's clerics offer blessings and protection in return for secrets, which they, in turn, offer to others in return for loyalty and prayers.

Temples

Because the priesthood of Velmyssa is often cult-like, temples to the Lady of the Veil are rarely open to the public; Her followers instead prefer to congregate in private estates. Shrines, however, do exist, and the common folk will whisper their secrets to statues of onyx felines. It's said that sometimes they can feel as though the Lady hears them, unburdening them from the responsibilities of keeping terrible secrets, and blessing them with good luck for some time.   

Organizations

Shadow’s Hand

This organization focuses on blackmailing others through secrets, and have wormed themselves behind positions of power. This has allowed them to pursue their agendas while remaining mostly unnoticed.

Order of the Watchful Eye 

This group dedicates themselves to protecting sensitive information. Through magic and other means, they are able to detect if certain information is being disclosed, and they work to find out who is doing so. Nobles often seek this order to protect their secrets.