The Dragonpriest Order serves as a vital spiritual and cultural bridge between the twin draconic gods, Fujin and Raijin, and their mortal descendants, the Y'azi Dragonborn. Founded by the Dragon Emperor Ryujin Hattori and the first Dragon Priestess Hoshiko, the Order exists to ensure harmony between the divine and mortal realms, offering guidance, prophecy, and spiritual support to the people of the Y’azi Peninsula.
Founding and Purpose
The Dragonpriest Order was established during the early days of the Y’azi Empire, following Ryujin Hattori’s sacred pilgrimage to the Isle of Storms. Upon his return, Ryujin, with the wisdom granted by Fujin and Raijin, recognized the need for spiritual mediators to uphold the teachings of the twin gods and provide a direct connection between the divine and mortal realms. Together with Hoshiko, a devout Unknown of unparalleled insight and prophetic wisdom, he founded the Order.
The Order’s purpose is threefold:
- Prophecy: Interpreting and conveying the will of Fujin and Raijin, as well as foretelling events that shape the fate of the empire.
- Spiritual Guidance: Assisting the people of the Y’azi Peninsula with dilemmas of a spiritual or personal nature, offering wisdom and solutions rooted in the gods' teachings.
- Preservation of Harmony: Ensuring that the balance between wind and storm, resilience and power, is maintained in the empire.
Role and Influence
The Dragonpriest Order holds a revered position within the Y’azi Empire. Though they maintain a quiet and contemplative presence, their influence is profound:
- Custodians of Divine Wisdom: Preserving and passing down the teachings of Fujin and Raijin across generations.
- Ritual Leaders: Conducting ceremonies and rites to honor the gods, bless warriors, and sanctify new leaders.
- Crisis Mediators: Called upon during times of turmoil to provide guidance, divine intervention, or critical prophecy.
Their base of operations, the Temple of the Twin Dragons, is located in the capital City of Hojo. This grand temple is a place of pilgrimage and worship, with sacred halls adorned in motifs of wind and lightning, symbolizing the unity and balance of Fujin and Raijin.
Leadership: The Dragon Priest or Priestess
The Order is led by a Dragon Priest or Priestess, chosen directly by Fujin and Raijin as their prophet. This individual serves as the gods’ voice on the mortal plane, interpreting divine visions and guiding the empire through their wisdom.
Responsibilities of the Dragon Priest/Priestess include:
- Delivering Prophecies: Communicating messages from the gods that influence the empire’s spiritual and political decisions.
- Advising the Emperor: Providing counsel to the Dragon Emperor and high-ranking officials in matters of divine importance.
- Serving the People: Acting as a guide for citizens who come to the Temple of The Twin Dragons in Hojo, the Order’s central sanctuary, seeking guidance, blessings, or aid.
The dragonpriests are primarily Lung Dragons, chosen by the twin gods for their wisdom and spiritual strength. Upon initiation, they undergo a divine transformation, gaining the ability to assume humanoid forms as Y’azi Dragonborn. This ability allows them to interact more closely and compassionately with the people, fostering a deeper connection to those they serve.
Legacy
The Order’s foundation by Ryujin Hattori and Hoshiko is central to its identity. Ryujin’s vision of an empire bound by divine harmony and Hoshiko’s devotion to spiritual enlightenment laid the foundation for the Order’s enduring legacy. Together, they ensured that the teachings of Fujin and Raijin would remain a guiding force for the Y’azi Dragonborn, preserving the balance and resilience of their people.
Even today, the Dragon Priest/Priestess embodies their vision, serving as the spiritual heart of the Y’azi Empire and the voice of the twin gods in an ever-changing world. The Order stands as a testament to the empire’s commitment to harmony, tradition, and the divine will of Fujin and Raijin.