View source for Eskerith/Presentations/Bardic Dississons 06 22 2026

I have been asked to speak, though I do not know what more I can offer that isn't already found in texts at various libraries.

I am a Dragon Priest. I am a follower of the traditional path of worship that was laid out before us in the beginning.

I can offer no insight into the Dragon Priest Empire or the methods of their followers, sometimes known as "Servants of the Dragon" as opposed to the formal title of "Dragon Priest.

I have nothing to do with those people, and their path is not the path that I walk.

Though, I have heard a tale that they now follow an actual dragon these days and have raised the creature to the position of Emperor. So, I doubt that even they worship the World Dragon anymore. But, again, I have no insight on them and may be wrong about that.

Likewise, I have nothing to do with the practices by the creatures known as the S'Kra Kor and their attempt at faith. Those creatures are not "of" my people. Also, many Mur refuse to even recognize them as a people. Thinking of them as more akin to beasts.

To be truthful, I've not visited many of the islands and am admittedly ignorant of what goes on over in the east.

a youth growing up in Muspar'i, religion was always a constant in my life. There are beautiful temples in the city, such as those to the immortals Hav'roth and Be'ort, and one other temple just happens to be a temple to the World Dragon.

My family has attended that temple for many generations of our line, and I follow the footsteps of my ancestors in that way. My family home carries many of the ritual staffs of our blood, or forefathers and foremothers, adorning the wall.

So, it's safe to say that the path of the Dragon Priest has been a constant throughout my entire life.

Though the shrine in Shard and the temple in the Wyvern Mountains, which I have visited many times, are both older and were built by Sh'kial himself. The temple in the Black Spire, though, I have stayed clear of.

It is my opinion that the temple up north is far more beautiful.  

Though I may be a bit biased.

It also has several well-made tapestries that teach of the history of the Sun's Egg and the efforts of First Queen Shorka in its construction. Something which, as a Musparan, I am quite proud of.

For those who don't know, Queen Shorka served alongside Lanival in the Resistance War. Also, Queen Shorka was a dragon worshipper. Something that is not uncommon for many S'Kra Mur through the ages in one form or another.

It was around the time of Lanival and Queen Shorka that Sh'kial began his teachings and preachings, uniting what were once fragments of simple dragon worship into a formal church.  

One can actually draw many similarities between the first Dragon Priests and Ru'atin Peri'el, another ancient form of S'Kra worship which focuses on keeping the World Dragon in its slumber.

It is important to note that the sacrificing of other mortal beings was not in the original teachings of Sh'kial. He taught that the World Dragon could be placated by praise, worship, and existential offerings.  

It was his belief that if the World Dragon could be appeased, then its sleep would remain strong and its rumblings would stop. Bringing about a "golden age" to the lands of Elanthia.

This faith was founded on the practice of rituals and offerings of wealth. At most, the blood or flesh of animals was sometimes given. Something which is done for the Immortals as well. So, it should not be so surprising or off-putting.

The practice of offering up sacrifices from the intelligent races was never in the teachings of Sh'Kial.

This is the origin of the true faith of Dragon Priests; anything that deviates from this is a corruption and does not honor the traditional teachings which started the faith in the first place.

The goal was always to keep the World Dragon in its slumber, for the good of all and the continuation of this wonderful world we are all in together.

Now, much of what I have said here today is shared in several books, which I encourage you to read if you want to have a little more in-depth knowledge of the history.  

Isth'hhtaw'hhs Shh'oiyvh-ur, The Ways of the S'Kra Mur, Legend of the World Dragon, and Religions of Elanthia can be found at a few different libraries. They contain great knowledge of what I have spoken on.

Likewise, Lady of Elamiri Ayrell Evyntine-Vershir also gave a very detailed account of things in one of her lectures. Which, I will be happy to provide you with the official transcripts.

Her telling of things was quite concise and incorporates much of what you will find in the books I've mentioned. Including more about the former and current Dragon Priest Empire, of which I refused to speak.

I will conclude things by saying it has truly been an honor to be here to speak to you all. There is understandably much tension between the Bard's Guild and anyone claiming to be a Dragon Priest.

I assure you that those in my home of Muspar'i have love and respect for Bards. There is an amazing guildhall there and even a portion of the city named after the famous S'Kra Mur Bard, S'zella.

As some of you may know, S'zella was a former follower of the Dragon who had deviated from Sh'kial's path of peace and thus was removed from their number.

She later joined the Bard's Guild and was killed at the command of the cowardly traitor Dzree.

One of her many victims.

Anyways...

I hope with all my heart that  I was able to clarify and explain that not all of us should be viewed as enemies.

Thank you for this opportunity and your time today.