Libris Draconis - The Book of the Dragon  


the Draconic Creed

 

The Draconic Creed sums up the essence of the Order of the Dragon and the Draconic Knights - unending service to the Dragon, always striving, and finding rest only in death.


Duty to the Dragon


- always and forever


Valor in Life


- surrender none


Honor in Death


- the Dragon eternal


the Book of the Dragon

 

The Libris Draconis - the Book of the Dragon - is the primary holy scripture of the Fraternicus Draconis (and by extension the Draconic Knights). It was revealed to the Order by Agelmore a few years after Draco's ascension. The very first copy was most likely written by the Lady Drake herself, acting as a proxy for the true author - the Celestial Dragon.

The Book of the Dragon is divided into five parts.

Part I - History section: The first part of the Book tells the tale of how Haelyn descended to Aebrynis in the guise of a golden dragon, and how a son was born by a mortal woman as the result of this manifestation of divinity. The history section then relates the tale of Draco and his long journey through life. It is not a cronological listing of events, but rather a collection of stories and anecdotes, connecting together to present an image of the man who became a god.

Part II - Military section: This section deals with military doctrine, and expands upon the many military anecdotes of the first part. The Order's military doctrine is closely tied to that of the Book, which in turn is based upon the experiences of Draco during the war against the Gorgon. The Order relies on elite medium shock cavalry that is also equipped and trained to act as archers, horse archers, or infantry. Mobility, morale and leadership are all stressed, but so is logistics, intelligence, and the use of subterfuge and surprise - in short, anything that helps win battles and wars. Auxiliaries do have a place in Order doctrine - as the masses that pin the enemy while the Fraternicus shatters his will and ability to wage war.

Part III - Law section: This section deals with the laws laid down by the Dragon. They are essentially Anuirean Imperial and Temple laws, combined with some military laws, but also incorporates elements that are clearly Khinasi in origin. The laws of the Dragon focuses on proper conduct for the Fraternicus and the way Anuireans should behave towards the Order - it boils down to the following; the Order fights and dies, while the Anuireans pay it tribute and accept the laws of the Order as their own. The laws are fairly draconian (no pun intended), often calling for very harsh punishments even for small transgressions. Treason, heresy, or trafficking with the Shadow are the most heinous crimes - even unwittingly being involved in such crimes can lead to the death penalty.

Part IV - Divine section: This part of the Book is dedicated to describing the divine and the mysteries of the world. By and large it follows Haelynic dogma as laid down in the Book of Laws, but there are a few major differences. One of the most important ones is that the Dragon recognizes the existence of the Old Gods as divine entities. Another important issue is the enmity between Draco and Laerme, who is named as an enemy along with gods like Kriesha and Belinik. Yet the most important difference is that Draco is divine - at the time to Book was written Draco was recognized as a saint by the Conclave, not a god. Draco also does not recognize any superior - he is allied with Haelyn, but does not serve him. Indeed, the Book actually claims that in matters of conflict with the Shadow Haelyn has relinquished command to Draco. These last parts have cause no end of quarrels with the temples of the Conclave.

Part V - Revelations: The last part of the Book speaks of the future and the divine purpose of the Order. The Revelations reveal that the world is the site of the unending struggle between Light and Shadow, and that the Order has been created to act as the champions of light. More specifically the Order is the Shield that wards Anuire against the Shadow, vaguely referring to a time where only a thin line of heroic defenders will stand between the Shadow and the world of men.

It should be noted that the Revelations part is very brief compared to the many revelations and musings made by later contributors. In particular the Lady Drake expanded upon the Revelations in later years, as the Order's knowledge of the Shadow and the future conflict deepened. The biggest contributor, however, is none other than Shaedan Draco. While still a member of the Fraternicus he compiled his work on the life of Draco (creating a expanded chronology for the Dragon) and the history of House Draco (listing the many children and other descendants of the Dragon). Shaedan's later revelations were all made after he left the Order - the Anuirean Fraternicus is still concerned mainly with the protection of Anuire, while the Knight's see the whole world (and beyond) as their scene.

Revelations


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