The Dragon Pantheon

Overview

The Dragon Pantheon is a group of deities worshipped primarily by Dragons and their kin, especially the Dragonborn. This pantheon represents the spectrum of dragonkind, encompassing gods of both good and evil, order and chaos. Unlike the Prime Pantheon, the Dragon Pantheon’s focus is on the inherent nature of dragons: their connection to power, strength, and the pursuit of influence over the mortal realms.

Key Deities

The Dragon Pantheon consists primarily of two powerful deities, with others occasionally acknowledged within various sects:

• Bahamut: Known as the Platinum Dragon, Bahamut is the Lawful Good patron of dragons and the Father of Dragons and Dragonborn. He embodies justice, protection, and honor, promoting virtues that encourage dragons and their kin to use their strength responsibly. Though not formally a member of the Prime Pantheon, Bahamut is respected by many beyond dragonkind for his ideals of nobility and courage.
• Tiamat: The Chromatic Queen and Mother of Dragons, Tiamat is the Lawful Evil goddess of dragons who values ambition, power, and dominance. Imprisoned in the depths of The Nine Hells, she continues to influence her followers, urging them to pursue wealth and control. Tiamat’s followers believe in the strength of chromatic dragons, viewing them as the rightful rulers of dragonkind.

Duality and Balance

The Dragon Pantheon is characterized by the ongoing duality between Bahamut and Tiamat, representing both the ideals and darker aspects of dragon nature. While Bahamut encourages dragons and their kin to be noble protectors, Tiamat embodies the more self-serving side, pushing her followers to use their power to claim dominance and influence. This duality creates a constant tension within dragon and Dragonborn societies, as each individual must choose their allegiance based on their values.
While other deities are sometimes acknowledged in the Dragon Pantheon, Bahamut and Tiamat stand as its central figures. The pantheon serves as a reflection of the inner struggle within dragonkind between honor and ambition, peace and conquest.

Worship and Influence

Dragons and Dragonborn worship the Dragon Pantheon in a variety of ways, depending on the deity they follow. Followers of Bahamut honor him through acts of justice, protection of the weak, and loyalty to their communities. Rituals involve oaths of loyalty, blessings of courage, and ceremonies of purification to remove dishonor.
In contrast, followers of Tiamat often conduct rituals to seek wealth, power, and revenge. Offerings of treasure and tributes are common in Tiamat’s worship, and her followers frequently seek to prove their loyalty through conquest and displays of dominance. Her adherents believe she will one day escape her imprisonment in The Nine Hells, reclaim her place as ruler, and reward those who have remained faithful.

Cultural Significance

The Dragon Pantheon holds immense cultural importance for both Dragons and Dragonborn, who see their pantheon as more than a collection of gods. The pantheon reflects the core values of their society: strength, honor, and the pursuit of greatness. Loyalty to one’s chosen deity often defines an individual’s social standing, with Bahamut and Tiamat’s followers occupying distinct cultural and moral positions within their society.
The Dragon War, fueled by Tiamat’s influence and ambition, has only deepened the division within dragonkind. Many Dragonborn have adopted Bahamut’s ideals as a means of redemption, striving to rebuild and protect what remains of their society. Others remain loyal to Tiamat, believing her strength and ruthlessness are essential to restoring dragonkind’s former glory.

Legacy and Aftermath of the Dragon War

The Dragon War, a devastating conflict driven by Tiamat’s followers in an attempt to free her from The Nine Hells, left deep scars on dragon and Dragonborn societies. It solidified Bahamut’s role as a deity of protection and redemption, with many turning to him in hopes of repairing the damage caused by the war. Meanwhile, Tiamat’s worshipers remain determined to see her freed, despite her confinement, believing that her eventual return will restore dragonkind to its rightful power.
To this day, the Dragon Pantheon remains a powerful force, shaping the values, struggles, and ambitions of dragonkind. Through their devotion to Bahamut or Tiamat, Dragons and Dragonborn continue to seek strength and purpose in a world forever changed by their gods’ influence.