Draconic Prophecy - Mak'Ti
HIGHLIGHTED PARTS HAVE BEEN READ TO MAK'TI
AS IT APPLIES TO C3
A Link Between Worlds- The dragons of Argonnessen are chiefly concerned with how the Draconic Prophecy affects Eberron, studying dragonmarks, the Rings of Siberys, and the positions of the sun and moons (in relation to Eberron).
- It is widely believed that they do not think the Draconic Prophecy concerns other planes of existence, for them Eberron and its peoples are the center of the mutliverse
- However, when the Day of Mourning happened, whatever cataclysmic event destroyed Cyre also caused a rupture in the fabric of reality, opening a raw, almost natural Planar Gate linking Eberron to the lands of Domunz. A gate hidden in mists and storms on the sea, and few truly knew existed.
- This gate led a number of humans of Eberron to Domunz(Terus) thousands of years ago, thinking the land was an unknown continent of Eberron, and linking the two planets through shared species and origins.
- NOTE - they were proceeded (again the people being unaware) by the fleeing House Cannith members and the Warforged Army that persued them, thus leading to Keyrth being buried and "dead" in the Nalied Desert on Domunz thousands of years ago.
- With the Planar Gate bridging the two worlds, for now it seems their fates are intertwined, with King Alphanis of Obreriault said to have Manifested a Dragonmark of House Cannith while in Domunz, something unheard of (Dragonmarks only ever manifest in Eberron)
- Keyrth Trakai is the first being to realize Eberron and Terus are two different worlds/planes when he returns to Eberron.
The Branch of the Prophecy
- Before he returns to Domunz to investigate King Alphanis's death, Keyrth is secretly visited by an emissary of the dragons of Argonnessen (dragonborn), who tell him they see signs of a branch in the draconic Prophecy. Images, portends that do not seem to be anywhere on Eberron, and they suspect they might apply to the continent of Domunz on Terus
- They warn Keyrth that this branch looks to threaten not only life on Eberron and Terus, but far beyond. There are signs of an ancient evil long forgotten, far older and more terrible than even the most ancient dragons on Argonness.
- The most clarity they have on this Branch on the Prophecy concerns an Aberrant Dragonmark, unlike any seen before, appearing to a being on Terus with no connection to Eberron. When the Mark manifests, the end is near. Although, (and this part is unclear), it looks as though the bearer of the Mark may yet be a beacon of hope for the Multiverse. Though nothing is ever set in stone.
- They also see signs of some sort of connection to dark deity The Shadow, that his time may be near, when he will merge once more with Aureon, ending the age of all civilizations
Dragonmarks
Dragonmarks are physical manifestations of the Draconic Prophecy. They have appeared on seven of Khorvaire's common races. They are more intricate than a birthmark and more distinct than a tattoo. There are twelve families of dragonmarks, known as the dragonmarked houses. Originally there were thirteen, but no living creature on Eberron possesses the destroyed Mark of Death of House Vol. In addition to being a status symbol in Khorvaire, the dragonmarks provide the bearer with magical talents.Manifestations
A cleric uses this dragonmark to its full potential.- Dragonmarks typically appear in the bearer's adolescence as they pass through puberty, but this is not exclusively the case. There are three distinct manifestations of each dragonmark that correlate in size, intricacy, and power. As the dragonmark gains power (from least to greater) it will expand in size and complexity rather than forming a different mark. Often the mark will manifest first as the least mark and through study and focus the bearer increases their power and with this increase, the dragonmark also increases, granting additional abilities. However, there are some who will manifest a lesser mark or even greater mark without explanation. House members who manifest even the least dragonmark, however, can expect at least some change in their lifestyle as they find new and better employment opportunities within their house guilds as well as new social avenues to explore.
Aberrant Dragonmarks
Aberrant dragonmarks can be clearly distinguished from a standard house dragonmark and no two are alike.- The dragonmarks are passed through bloodlines and when two members of different dragonmarked families reproduce it often results in what are called 'aberrant dragonmarks'. The aberrant marks do not manifest the same way each time, so it is possible for two individuals with completely different looking marks to produce the same magical effect using the mark. Indeed, each aberrant dragonmark is completely unique to its bearer. Originally aberrant marked were seen as outcasts and outsiders. Often they were shunned by the houses and eked out a pitiful existence. Many members bearing these aberrant dragonmarks have since united in their differences and formed House Tarkanan, most notably present in Sharn.
- Aberrant dragonmarks, also known as aberrant marks, are a more dangerous and destructive form of dragonmark that can appear on any race regardless of bloodline. No two aberrant dragonmarks are alike, and they can range in power and appearance. The most common way aberrant marks manifest is when two people from different dragonmarked families have a child together. Because of this, unions between different dragonmarked houses are forbidden by the Twelve.
History
War of the Mark
- Five hundred years before the formation of Galifar, aberrant marks were more common, more powerful, and more dangerous. The first Sharn was destroyed in an earthquake by the powers of aberrant leader Halas Tarkanan, while another aberrant leader called the Lady of Plague commanded hordes of vermin to destroy cities with disease. In an effort to eradicate these dangerous individuals, the dragonmarked houses united in the War of the Mark and hunted down those with aberrant marks, significantly reducing the numbers of those with such marks and those with marks had much weaker powers.
Recent History
- Those with aberrant marks are no longer being hunted down and killed as in the days of the War of the Mark, but a general superstition and fear of the aberrant marks persists. During the Last War, Breland trained a group of aberrant-marked individuals to carry out a series of suicidal black-ops missions. Eventually the group went rogue and fled to Sharn, forming the group known as House Tarkanan. Since the Day of Mourning, the number of aberrant dragonmarks has begun to increase.
CORE D&D INFO
The Draconic Prophecy is a record of things to come that has been playing out since creation.- The dragons of Argonnessen observe and record everything from the position of the moons and stars, to the position of the Ring of Siberys to physical manifestations of dragonmarks in the world, all of which they study looking for portents and omens of things to come. The prophecy encompasses many many volumes and is said to be as complex and unfathomable as the dragons themselves. A few among the scholarly study snippets of the massive work, but only the dragons with their incredibly long lifespan, the elves of Aerenal, and the immortal rakshasa have the ability and patience to see the prophecy for what it truly is.
- Recently, dragonmarks have formed on the so-called lesser races. Although the dragons are divided as to what this might mean, they are no less interested in studying the new bearers of the Draconic Prophecy.
- It is unknown what the Draconic Prophecy's nature is. Some argue it is a revelation of the end of the world, others of a new beginning. Whatever it means, it is obvious that the prophecy points towards the transformation of the world as we know it.
Argonnessen
Argonnessen is a continent to the far southeast of Khorvaire and southwest of Sarlona. It is the home of dragons, the oldest civilization in the world. The continent of Argonnessen is almost totally unexplored by any race of Khorvaire, and the continent is well-protected against intruders.Geography
- Argonnessen is one of the four major continents of Eberron. It is located in the southern hemisphere, bounded by the Dark Sea to the west, the Dragonreach and the Sea of Rage to the north, and the Sea of Lost Souls to the south east. Off the coast of Argonnessen lies Seren Island. Argonnessen and Seren are for the most part off limits to the "lesser races" (which includes almost everyone except dragons). The continent and island are also inhabited by dragonborn and dragon-worshiping human barbarians, the Seren tribes.
- The mainland of Argonnessen is divided into four separate regions: the Light of Siberys, the Tapestry, the Thousand, and the Vast.
History
- Argonnessen was a sanctuary for dragons in the aftermath of the war with the fiends and Overlords. About 60,000 years ago, the dragons began to emerge from the continent to spread across Eberron, encountering a number of emerging civilizations, the largest of which were the giants. Some dragons shared their knowledge with these new civilizations, while others conquered large swathes of the world. However the conquering dragons and the rivalries and competition between dragons created by the conquests caused the Daughter of Khyber to stir, leading the Conclave to put an end to the draconic expansions.
- Since then, dragons have only sallied forth in large numbers from Argonnessen once, to destroy the giants of Xen'drik before they could unleash great magical power on their rebelling elf slaves.
Politics
- The primary government of Argonnessen is the Conclave, a meeting of dragon elders once a decade to discuss important matters such as laws, military actions, and the Draconic Prophecy.
- However, several other organizations also exist on the continent. These include the Eyes of Chronepsis, an organization of dragons that enforces the laws of Argonnessen, and the Light of Siberys, a military force dedicated to protecting the continent and containing the Overlords and the Lords of Dust.
- Many of the continent's dragons are members of a group known as the Chamber, which interprets the Draconic Prophecy and shapes the world in order to engineer certain outcomes of the Prophecy.
Ring of Siberys
The Ring of Siberys is a planetary ring of golden dragonshards that orbit the planet of Eberron. Beyond the ring are Eberron's twelve (formerly thirteen) moons. The ring is named after the progenitor Siberys, the Dragon Above.Description
- The ring is made up of magical crystals known as dragonshards and is infused with a great deal of magical power.
- From the planet of Eberron, the ring appears in the sky as a glowing band of golden dust circling the equator. While it is faintly visible in day time, it is best viewed at night. The width of the ring and the intensity of the light changes over time. At the winter solstice it tends to be a narrow band shining brightly, before subtly becoming wider and dimmer as the days pass. The dragons believe that the changes in shape of the ring can predict the future or reveal elements of the Draconic Prophecy.
Origins
- In the creation myth of Eberron, the ring is said to be the remains of the progenitor dragon Siberys after being murdered by his fellow progenitor dragon Khyber. According to this legend, the Ring of Siberys is the source of all magic in Eberron.
Uses
Dragonshards- Siberys dragonshards striking Eberron
- Siberys dragonshards originate from the ring, but have fallen to Eberron in events known as Siberys showers. They can only be found in regions along the equator like Xen'drik or Aerenal, and hypothetically Argonnessen. These dragonshards are associated with dragonmarks, as they're used in the creation of dragonmark-specific magic items, and the most powerful of dragonmarks are called Siberys marks.
- The movements of the Ring of Siberys, as well as the moons beyond it are studied by a number of cultures, most notably the dragons of Argonnessen, who believe that the movements can be used to interpret the future and the Draconic Prophecy. The dragons have built large observatories to further observe and study the ring and moons, such as the observatory of Tyrass. These observatories house large magic orreries, like the orrery of the planes to track the ring's movements.
- Other cultures besides the dragons also study the shifting of the ring. The Gatekeepers were taught to study the patterns of the Ring of Siberys through druidic observatories by the dragon Vvaraak. Some of the Undying of Shae Mordai in Aerenal also track the ring's movements.
The Shadow
“The Sovereign of Magic and Mayhem,”
Chaotic Evil
If Dol Arrah represents the light of the mortal soul, the Shadow is the darkness within. The literal shadow of Aureon, it acquired both sentience and godhood as the cosmic price paid by its creator for arcane knowledge. It is a god of ambition, corruption, and dark magic, and evil spellcasters the world over conduct foul rituals in its name. The Shadow is the progenitor of the medusas, and patron to a great many other monster races, especially in Droaam, where its worship is most popular.Legends say that were Aureon and his shadow to be once again united, the age of civilized peoples would come to an end.
- Portfolio: Arcane magic, consequence, corruption, darkness, duality.
- Domains: Chaos, Darkness‡, Evil, Magic, Mind‡, Shadow*.
- Priest Training: The Shadow’s priests must have some knowledge of both magic and the natural world, and many are equally proficient with both arcane and divine magic.
- Quests: Followers quest to unearth ancient and forbidden lore, lead good people into temptation, or twist things of the natural world to suit selfi sh ends.
- Prayers and Rites: The Shadow is invoked in the name of ambition or discovery, especially arcane insight. The god prefers offerings of great value, whether it be personal bloodletting or destroying a precious gem or magic item.
- Shrines: The Shadow’s favored stone is obsidian, and it forms his highest temples. Though the glassy mineral is diffi cult to work, the priesthood’s facility with arcane magic makes the task of construction easier.
- Favored Weapon: Quarterstaff.
- Holy Symbol: A block of obsidian in the shape of a tower.
Aureon
“The Sovereign of Law and Lore,”
Lawful Neutral
Aureon is lord of all knowledge, and the scriber of laws without which civilization could not exist. He is also the god of magic as a tool of mortals (as opposed to the Shadow, who represents magic in its uncontrolled, primal state). He is the patron of teachers and scholars, judges and sages, lawyers and wizards. While scripture does not place any of the gods above the others, myth has it that Aureon often directs the actions of the Host—not due to any authority he might wield, but because the others trust his judgment and ability to foresee consequences.- Portfolio: Law, knowledge, learning, logic, magic.
- Domains: Force‡, Knowledge, Law, Magic, Mind‡, Oracle‡, Spell‡.
- Priest Training: Aureon’s priests must be educated or at least knowledgeable, capable of rational thought, and able to place the needs of the law above their own emotions. Many serve as magistrates or government officials, and a significant number have some arcane skill.
- Quests: Aureon encourages his followers to seek out lost lore, to make new discoveries, and to hunt down lawbreakers and dangerous creatures of wild magic.
- Prayers and Rites: Aureon’s rites are formal, with specific methods of offering thanks or requesting favors. Sacrifices can be almost anything, so long as they have value to the petitioner and represent a willingness to place material acquisition below the desire for understanding. Oaths to tell the truth, such as before a magistrate, are often taken in Aureon’s name.
- Shrines: Shrines to Aureon are normally stone and contain many carvings that support the acquisition of knowledge, such as historical murals. All contain a library of some sort, even if the community can manage no more than a table strewn with a handful of books or parchments.
- Favored Weapon: Quarterstaff.
- Holy Symbol: An open tome, or the Octogram in shades of black and white, representing both ink on paper and the sharp division between knowledge and ignorance.
