History on the Rooftop: The Dragon Priests

This lecture is part of the History of the Rooftop Lecture Series.

Year of the Emerald Dolphin, 439 years since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer. It is the 21st day and the 6th andu of Elandu in the 5th month of Uthmor, the Giant. It is now the 4th roisan of the 11th anlas of Revelfae. It is currently summer. (9/18/2021)

Speaker

Lady of Elamiri Ayrell Evyntine-Vershir, Archmagess of Ilithi

You see Lady of Elamiri Ayrell Evyntine-Vershir, Archmagess of Ilithi, an Elf. Ayrell has elegant arched eyebrows, pointed ears and exquisite lashes accentuating lustrous sapphire eyes. Her deep blue-streaked raven hair is hip length and wavy, and is worn in an elegant upswept arrangement threaded with an ornate silversteel chain twined with pale mistglass Elamiri roses. She has fair skin and a svelte figure. She appears to be an adult. She has a tattoo of a white rose encircled by a blood-stained thorny vine on her ankle. She is in good shape.

She is wearing a pair of sparkling earrings cast as climbing Elven ivy with sapphire blossoms, a sheath-cut gown of brilliant icesteel chain overlain by delicate ivory lace, a tri-sectioned silver armband linked by platinum chains dangling tear-shaped sapphires, a gleaming silver signet ring bearing an intricate family seal, a lifesculpted moonsilver wedding band cradling a trillion-cut twilight sapphire, a sleek crescent moon-shaped wedding ring cradling a tempest sapphire, a spiraling lilac moonsilver engagement band crowned by a blue Elamiri sapphire, a braided silver sword belt inset with scintillating swan medallions, a twining ivy anklet of lucent lilac moonsilver with variegated sapphire blooms and a pair of exquisite Elven snowlace slippers adorned with sparkling ice sapphires.

Location & Audience

Shoan a Sidelkuloa, Outdoor Stage

The simple stage consists of a raised platform of wood planks. Lanterns provide light for nighttime performances. You also see a tapered cutlass, an enormous fiery fissure, a stone seat, a stone seat and a door.

Also here: Carnage Darling Dantia, Black Market Trader Ekchuah, Grand Master Moon Mage Meserios who is orbited by a wildling spider composed of starlight, Amicable Ahneya, Langen Esturi Nilme, Frost Princess Nemy who is surrounded by a blue cloud of glitter, Sir Madigan, Apprentice Warrior Mage Anuril who is sitting, Seneschal Rileos, Inquisitor Whiteburn who is emanating a malevolent holy aura, Traim, Esotericist Eyst, Tempest Knight Saragos who has a stony visage, Philomath Miskton, Field Medic Darkewolff, Telo'Getha Tirost, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Paladin Maxilot who is sitting, Alchemy Master Lilustra, Researcher Nsar, Kintryn, Jeruliath who has a stony visage, Depth Preserver Lupdels who is sitting, Dancer Mendira who is sitting, Newswoman Navesi, Heiress Angel, Follower Isaish who is sitting, Kalyndara, Mazrian who has a stony visage, Laxuri who is sitting, Maunderer Aislynn who is sitting, Hodierna's Fist Kaelie, Pokeke Izzu'hhr Elizzibiana who is sitting, Vyg, Lady of Elamiri Ayrell and Apollys.

Introduction

Ayrell says, "Before we get started, I want to make sure I let everyone know that this lecture will focus on the history regarding the Dragon Priests, and not so much the current events. That being said, once the lecture is over and the trivia has completed, we could certainly open the stage for discussion on current events."

Ayrell says, "In order to fully understand the situation in the present, it is important we all understand the history."

Ayrell says, "If everyone is ready, we shall begin."

Ayrell says, "To begin... Good evening, and welcome to the Shoan a Sidelkuloa."

Ayrell says, "As I was explaining earlier, there will be a brief trivia after the lecture, to test everyone's knowledge of what is discussed."

Ayrell says, "I will do my best to speak at a speed that will be easy for everyone to follow."

The World Dragon

Ayrell says, "Tonight's lecture has been designed to focus on a subject that many of you may be familiar with, or have perhaps at least heard mention of at some point in your travels. History is rife with stories about the Dragon Priests, most of which tell of war and bloodshed that paints a rather violent picture of them and the beliefs they have held for so many years. But their origins were not always so dark. And in order to understand how they came to hold the reputation they do, it is important to understand how it all began."

Ayrell says, "To start, we have to go back to a time when the pearlescent, silvery-white light of Grazhir could still be seen in the sky alongside Yavash, Katamba, and Xibar. For it was from within Grazhir that they say the World Dragon hatched, causing the moon to explode and dealing catastrophic damage to the surface of Elanthia."

Ayrell says, "As the story goes, the World Dragon was drawn to Elanthia because of its inner fire, feeding off the very essence that provided warmth to the land. This caused the immortals to fear what the Dragon might do once that source of sustenance was depleted. Truffenyi brought forth the concern that the World Dragon might choose to then feed upon the sun, the thought of which spurred the Immortals into battle against the World Dragon in hopes of preventing the occurrence of such a horrible fate. It is said that Katamba's golden glow was burned to black by the Dragon's fiery breath during this war, leaving behind the charred surface of the moon with which we are all familiar today."

Ayrell says, "Unable to defeat the World Dragon, the Immortals were forced to take a different approach in ending the havoc it wreaked upon the lands. Phelim, the god of sweet dreams, was said to have ambushed the creature, using his sands to set the World Dragon to sleep deep within the heart of Elanthia so as to replenish the heat that it had drained. Peri'el, the goddess of the inner earth, descended to keep watch over the Dragon where she is said to remain, to this day, lulling it with her singing to maintain the depths of its slumber and ensure it would never rise to bring such destruction upon the lands again."

The Dragon Priests

Sh'kial, Founder of the Dragon Priests

Ayrell says, "It was this story that created the foundation of a religious movement formed by the S'Kra Mur male by the name of Sh'kial. Known by history as the first Dragon Priest, Sh'kial began his teachings in the Wyvern Mountains of Ilithi, preaching a theory that, through worship and devotion, the Dragon could be appeased, ceasing its rumblings, and bringing with it a golden age of peace. Under Sh'kial's leadership, the Dragon Priests offered existential sacrifices to the Dragon in the form of goat flesh, roses, pearls, and other valuables. It wasn't until some time later that this began to change."

Dzree

Ayrell says, "To understand how that change came about, we first have to introduce another name to our story with which many of you may be familiar. A young S'Kra Mur woman by the name of Dzree. Young at the time, anyway. For, in the beginning, she wasn't the hag history knows her as now. No, in her youth, she was an aspirant with a dream of joining the Ru'atin Peri'el. An innocent dream, far from the violent path her life inevitably tread."

The Ru'atin Peri'el

Ayrell says, "For those who may not know, the Ru'atin Peri'el are a unique group of female singers devoted to assisting Peri'el in maintaining the Dragon's slumber through song. The literal translation of Ru'atin Peri'el is "Sisters of Peri'el." Unfortunately for Dzree, however, the entrance exam to join the "Sisters" proved too difficult and she was ultimately rejected."

The Transition

Ayrell says, "It was after this rejection that Dzree found a new religious purpose by joining the Dragon Priests, becoming a loyal protege of Sh'kial. Although Sh'kial's beliefs were considered fanatical, they were not evil. It wasn't until Dzree diverted from Sh'kial's teachings that the religion took a darker turn. For, you see Dzree did not desire the peace Sh'kial preached. Dzree desired a different form of sacrifice to the World Dragon, in the form of humans and elves - and even an occasional S'Kra Mur. When Sh'kial learned of Dzree's deviation from his path, he spoke out against her, ordering his deviated followers to cease their actions immediately. In retaliation, Dzree declared Sh'kial a heretic and arranged his assassination, sparking the decline of Sh'kial's teachings and beginning a new sect of Dragon Priests who subscribed to the darkness of Dzree's way."

Dragon Priests Wage War

Ayrell says, "It didn't take long for Dzree to declare herself the High Priestess of the Dragon Priests, building her following into a small army that began attacking villages in the mountains of Ilithi. The first known attacks were said to have begun approximately two years after the murder of Sh'kial. Dzree spent six years growing her sect into what we know now as the Dragon Priest Empire, sending missionaries to Qi'Reshalia to recruit more S'Kra Mur into their ranks. It was that same year that they began their assault on Shard. An assault that ended a year later when Ferdahl Corik fled."

Ayrell says, "As it is important to note, to express the gruesomeness of this assault, the Dragon Priests attacked Shard in the dead of night. Women and children were slaughtered in their beds. Those who were not killed in their slumber were rounded up into the central square and driven from the city. And those who fought back, unwilling to leave their homes - were branded upon the forehead with the Dragon's Claw. The symbol for those slated to die as sacrifice to the Dragon."

Experimentation and the Dark Hand

Ayrell says, "The need for more sacrifices, among other reasons, drove the Dragon Priests to wage war upon the lands. Following their victory over Shard, they began experimentations on Gor'Togs and S'Kra Mur with the intent of "purification," eventually expanding their sacrifices to races outside the humans and elves. They established an area south of Shard known today as the "Dark Hand" which was used by the Dragon Priests as a breeding ground for the Adan'f and other foul experiments."

The Bards Become Targets

Ayrell says, "This is the point where Dzree's history with the Ru'atin Peri'el becomes important. For, you see - Dzree harbored significant anger and hatred toward the bards after her rejection. So, when the Dragon Priests began their march north from Ilithi to the borders of Crossing, and the bards stood in opposition to Dzree, she saw this as an opportunity to obtain her revenge."

Neithrel Silverfrost, Bard

Ayrell says, "The bards were, however, a force to be reckoned with when it came to defending against Dzree and her Priests. Their leader, an Elf by the name of Neithrel Silverfrost, led the army, though his valiant effort failed to end in victory. Fueled by her hatred for the bards, and considering them her greatest enemies, Dzree set her sights upon them, making them the prime targets for sacrifices to the World Dragon. Their guild houses were destroyed beyond repair and their teachings lost to the destruction, save for what was retained by those bards who survived in hiding. Neithrel was taken captive to serve as Dzree's personal slave and scribe while nearly the entirety of the Ru'atin Peri'el were decimated at the hands of Dzree's wrath."

The Dragon Priest Empire Expands

Ayrell says, "Once the Dragon Priests defeated the Hounds of Rutilor, they quickly moved on to take Riverhaven. House Theren is said to have held the Dragon Priests off for three years before they were forced to flee, at which time the Dragon Priests held areas of Ilithi, Zoluren, and Therengia hostage for five years. The last of the Ru'atin Peri'el fled to a compound in Aesry Surlaenis'a. Around that same time, the Dragon Priests seized Qi'Reshalia and worked for eleven more years to extend their control over most of the Elanthia we know for another hundred and sixty years."

The S'Kra Mur Become Targets

Ayrell says, "At the height of the Dragon Priest Empire, the Dragon Priests began confining S'Kra Mur to prison islands. It is also at this time that they began to refer to Dzree as "The Hag" and "The Nameless One," though it is unsure if this was out of fear, or out of disgust for all she had done. It is said that she lived in such paranoia of her own students, she had many of them killed outright if she developed even the slightest fear that they might be after her throne. In total, the Lorethew accounted for over one hundred thousand deaths from sacrifices alone over the course of Dzree's reign as high Dragon Priestess."

Leth Deriel

Ayrell says, "It was when Dzree turned her sights on Leth Deriel in hopes of taking it for herself that Dzree acquired the most devastating of enemies to her reign. In an effort to acquire her goal, ten thousand of her soldiers were sent to march on the city. To her surprise, only one returned. And that one, babbling like a madman, spoke of the army walking the road to the city and encountering a darkling forest along the way. As they passed through it, he described a mist rising up from the ground to choke some of the men while ravens flew down from trees to blind or distract others. In his madness, he described dark figures appearing, Fae of some sort, though hideously twisted, wiping the soldiers out and leaving him alone to return as a messenger."

Ayrell says, "This, of course, enraged Dzree. In her anger, she began sending army after army to march on the city, increasing the number of soldiers with each attempt. But, like the first, each army was defeated, the enemy leaving only one to return so as to recount the tale of their fellow soldiers' demise."

The Raven Appears

Ayrell says, "It is important to note that Dzree was now truly of an age to fit the descriptive of hag bestowed upon her by so many, her life extended by means of dark enchantments to prolong her bloodthirsty existence. Stewing over the defeat she suffered, over and over again, at the hands of this unknown enemy, she was seated upon her throne the night the amber-eyed raven appeared, larger than any black bird was known to be, with a wingspan Neithrel, himself, described in his writings to stretch nearly seven feet."

Ayrell says, "When the raven landed at Dzree's feet, it transformed into the figure of a woman, standing approximately five feet in height, with hair the color of silver, long in length, and eyes the same amber as that of the black bird. Her clothing was described as having been fine at one time, though now appeared tattered and bloody, ground in dust and the ravages of time."

Sithsia, Mage of the Forest, Curses Dzree

Ayrell says, "The woman bowed to Dzree, introducing herself as Sithsia, Mage of the Forest, and declaring Leth Deriel to be under her protection. Dzree didn't require an explanation for who the woman was, as the name Sithsia was- is- legendary. Still, Dzree called for her guards to seize the woman. In response, Sithsia merely laughed, turning the charging guards to ash without even a sword or shield to mark their previous existence."

Ayrell says, "Without sign of faltering, Sithsia smiled. It was from Neithrel's writing that her words were transcribed, quoted as follows: I prophesy this, fool priest. In a year's time, a warrior shall come who shall smite you where you stand and destroy you and your empire. All you have done will be as your former guards there - ashes to the wind. This I promise, and this I say to be. I, the mage Sithsia."

Ayrell says, "Upon speaking these words, Sithsia returned to her raven form, departing Dzree on a sweep of air that carried her back through the window and out into the night. Dzree ordered her men to hunt the magess, but they met the same fate as the previous armies Dzree lost to Sithsia's power. Fearing the prophecy, Dzree ordered what was left of her soldiers to remain within her citadel, closing the gates, and remained there, waiting, in a prison of her own making."

Dzree's Demise

Ayrell says, "Though Dzree could never be described as sane, the prophecy led her to absolute madness, slaughtering anyone she suspected to be the killer Sithsia described, her sermons becoming more twisted, speaking not of a golden age of peace, but of a time of terrible war in which the World Dragon awoke and consumed all of Elanthia."

Ayrell says, "It is said that it was one year to the day of Sithsia's prophecy that Dzree's end came to pass. Pacing within her chambers, a guard knocked to tell her of an arriving message. Paranoid and crazed, Dzree drew her knife and stabbed the guard before drawing the man's own blade to chop off his head - convinced that he was the assassin come to bring about her demise. In the wake of the exertion, her old heart could no longer bear the strain, giving out to leave Dzree collapsed over the corpse of her guard. Beyond the aid of any empath who came to attend her, there was no bringing her back, ending her bloody reign as the result of a self-fulfilling prophecy."

The Dragon Priest Empire is Defeated

Ayrell says, "Fractured and crumbling in the wake of Dzree's death, the Dragon Priest Empire fell into chaos as various factions splintered off, each one choosing to follow their own leader with their own varying interpretations of the old beliefs. Open warfare erupted between these factions in Qi'Reshalia and over the next twenty to twenty-five years, they managed to destroy themselves from the inside. Several groups of wealthy merchants were able to quell the factions that remained until the Empire was officially considered conquered in the year 22 AV. It is said that Neithrel and a young Elven warrior named Savrin led an uprising that wiped out the remnants of the Empire, seeking out the former royal houses of the realms and restoring leadership across the lands."

Tenebraus, The High Priest

Ayrell says, "Despite their rather sound defeat, this was not the end of the Dragon Priests. The remnants of their Empire remained a scourge in the southern lands for hundreds of years when in the year 349 AV, the first "revival" was noted. The High Priest of their people at the time, Tenebraus, attacked during the re-founding of the [[Restoration_of_the_Bard's_Guild_in_Our_Time_(book)|Crossing Bards' Guild."

Ayrell says, "Tenebraus personally killed the Bard Siryn who worked so hard to restore the Bards to their former strength after the guild's destruction at the hands of [[Dzree|Dzree's} Empire. During this fight, Tenebraus's followers also injured the Bard Silvyrfrost, a student of Siryn's, who assumed leadership over the guild upon Siryn's death. The battle ended in victory, however, as the bards banded together and used their song to slowly sing Tenebraus to his demise."

Hhrsaraa, Dragon Priest Empress and Daughter of Dzree

Ayrell says, "Another rise of the Dragon Priests occurred in the year 389 AV under the Dragon Priest Empress, Hhrsaraa, who claimed to be the daughter of Dzree and led a massive force across the lands with the help of her Grand Arbiter Serzyn and her General, Shaarl. Several adan'f were also among Hhrsaraa's ranks, supporting the Dragon Priests as their creators. Hhrsaraa led this war for approximately eleven years until the time of her death, upon which history again repeated itself as her Empire fell into chaos, much the same as it had done in the wake of Dzree's end."

The Dragon, Ael'tharaxus, Emperor of the Dragon Priests

Ayrell says, "It was the year 401 AV when a literal dragon by the name of Ael'tharaxus appeared to the people of Ilithi and declared himself Emperor of the Dragon Priests. Diplomatic talks were held between him and Her Grace, Ferdahl Aemmin, during which it was agreed that there was not enough trust between both sides to broker an official treaty of peace, however, both sides desired peace and would strive to maintain it. This change in leadership within the Dragon Priest ranks brought about significant changes as the lingering followers of [Dzree|Dzree's]] teachings began to disappear in the area."

The Ru'atin Peri'el and the Black Spire

Ayrell says, "In more recent times, however, it has become apparent that the Sect of Dzree may be diminished, but they are not gone. In 436 AV, a group of Dragon Priests believed to follow the beliefs once preached by Dzree attacked several adventurers who were attempting to meet with the Ru'atin Peri'el in Aesry. The Dragon Priests were eventually beaten back by the adventurers, and a raid on the Black Spire was led shortly thereafter in an effort to seek revenge for the attack on the Sisters."

Ayrell says, "During this raid, those involved were said to have heard the sound of stone grinding and metal screeching with a distant rumble of gears and chains spinning. The voice of an ancient crone echoed through the area, declaring "Your blood will feed the stones," after which a loud thud was heard and a number of stones in the floor and walls receded. Stones shifted with a rumble and a series of clicks emanated from behind the masonry, and then there was silence. Investigation into these findings remain ongoing."

Conclusion

Ayrell says, "This is the point where I shall conclude the history portion of our lecture, as the findings from our last visit to the Black Spire sits more as current events than history. We will play a few short rounds of trivia to test everyone's knowledge on the information provided this evening and then we can have discussion on the current events, should anyone desire to do so."