Rituals & Daily Practices
Morning Rituals
Morning training is a sacred ritual, a daily reaffirmation of the Drakonian warrior spirit. It begins with weapon drills and ends with a communal recitation of the warrior's creed.
The Rite of the Hatching
When a clutch of dragon eggs is laid within a Drakonian stronghold, the entire clan gathers for a grand ceremony to bless the unborn drakes and to pledge their loyalty and service to the hatchlings. This rite involves offerings of rare meats, precious metals, and the recitation of ancient, draconic chants.
The Forgefire Vigil
During the longest night of the year, Drakonian smiths and craftsmen hold a sacred vigil in honor of Ignatius and Jormungandr. They tend great forges throughout the night, offering their finest creations to the gods and praying for inspiration and mastery in their craft.
The Drakeblood Sacrament
In times of war or great need, Drakonian warriors will sometimes drink the blood of a willing dragon ally in a solemn sacrament. This ritual is believed to temporarily imbue the warrior with draconic strength, resilience, and fury, making them nearly unstoppable on the battlefield.
The Dance of the Five Clans
During the festival of Tiamat, Drakonians from each of the five elemental clans gather to perform an elaborate, ritualized dance. Each clan showcases their elemental affinity through their movements and magic, and the dance culminates in a grand, unified display that honors the power and unity of dragonkind.
The Ascension Challenge
When a Drakonian reaches adulthood, they must undergo a solo quest to prove their strength, cunning, and worth to the Dragon Gods. This challenge often involves slaying a mighty beast, recovering an ancient artifact, or completing a task set by one of the great dragons. Only by completing their Ascension Challenge can a Drakonian be considered a true adult and a worthy servant of the gods.
Festivals and Celebrations
The Forge Festival, where master craftsmen display their finest works, is the grandest of the Drakonian celebrations.
The Night of Falling Stars
Once every seven years, when the volcanic ash clouds thin enough to reveal the full night sky, the Drakonians celebrate the Night of Falling Stars
a festival dedicated to Jormungandr and the pursuit of hidden knowledge. On this night, the Serpentine Archives are opened to all Drakonians regardless of rank, and the sorcerer-priests share prophecies and teachings that are otherwise restricted. Aeriel scholars have noted that this festival coincides with a celestial event visible only from the volcanic highlands, suggesting an astronomical knowledge among the ancient Drakonians that few outsiders suspected.
The Ember March
At the onset of every summer campaign season, the entire standing military of a Drakonian city assembles for the Ember March
a torchlit procession through the city streets in which every warrior lights a torch from the Eternal Flame (or its local equivalent) and carries it to the city gates. The march is both a display of martial readiness and a religious invocation, as the carried flames are believed to extend Ignatius's protection to the warriors who bear them. The Lord of the Flame leads the march at the Obsidian Citadel, while governors lead their cities' respective processions.