Purple Dragons
Culture
The culture of the Purple Dragons is defined by unwavering loyalty, discipline, and a profound sense of duty to Cormyr and its Crown. Their core belief is that the stability and prosperity of the kingdom rest upon their ability to protect its people, uphold its laws, and maintain its borders. As such, every member of the Purple Dragons is instilled with a deep respect for order, hierarchy, and tradition, viewing their service as both an honour and a sacred responsibility.
Courage and self-sacrifice are highly prized virtues within their ranks, with individuals expected to prioritise the greater good of the realm over personal ambition. They value professionalism and competence, with rigorous training fostering both martial prowess and strategic thinking. Their interactions with the public and the nobility are conducted with a sense of decorum, reflecting their role as representatives of the Crown’s authority.
Customs within the Purple Dragons include ceremonial oaths of service to the Crown, the celebration of heroic deeds, and the fostering of camaraderie through shared challenges and victories. Their culture also promotes collaboration with allied organisations, such as the War Wizards, whose magical expertise complements the martial strength of the Dragons. Ultimately, the Purple Dragons perceive themselves as the shield of Cormyr, steadfast in the face of any threat to the kingdom’s safety and sovereignty.
Public Agenda
The Purple Dragons publicly present themselves as the unwavering protectors of Cormyr, dedicated to ensuring the kingdom’s security, stability, and prosperity. Their official mandate is to defend the realm against external threats, maintain order within its borders, and uphold the authority of the Crown. They are committed to serving the people of Cormyr, promoting justice, and safeguarding the kingdom’s traditions and way of life.
Through their discipline and valor, the Purple Dragons aim to be a symbol of unity and strength, fostering trust and loyalty among Cormyrean citizens. They actively recruit from all classes of society, reinforcing the idea that service to the Crown is both a privilege and a shared responsibility. By maintaining a visible presence in cities, on borders, and in the field of battle, the Purple Dragons seek to project an image of vigilance and dedication, ensuring that all in Cormyr know they are under the protection of a disciplined and honourable force.
History
Founding and Early History
- Pre-432 DR: The name "Purple Dragons" originates from the legendary purple-hued dragon Thauglor, whose defeat by Cormyreans symbolised the kingdom’s rise and inspired its heraldry and cultural identity.
- 432 DR: The Purple Dragons are formally established as Cormyr’s royal army after the loyalist adventuring company of the same name aids King Duar "Longyears" Obarskyr in reclaiming the kingdom from Magrath the Minotaur and rebellious noble factions during a three-year conflict.
Expansion and Institutionalisation
- Mid-400s DR: The Purple Dragons expand their ranks, adopting rigorous training regimens and establishing a formal hierarchy. They become the Crown’s enforcers, protecting borders, maintaining order, and defending the realm from threats.
- 700s DR: The integration of the War Wizards into Cormyr’s military structure creates a strategic alliance between arcane and martial forces, greatly enhancing the Purple Dragons' battlefield capabilities.
Golden Age of Military Prowess
- 1200s–1300s DR: The Purple Dragons become one of the most respected armies in Faerûn, known for their discipline and effectiveness. Their elite units, such as the Purple Dragon Knights, achieve fame for their heroism and battlefield leadership.
Challenges and Adaptation
- 1370s DR: The army faces immense challenges, including invasions, internal conflicts, and political upheaval. During this time, Lord Dauneth Marliir serves as Lord High Marshal, reinforcing the Purple Dragons' importance in maintaining Cormyr’s stability.
- 1384 DR: The Spellplague creates chaos throughout Faerûn, destabilising the kingdom and forcing the Purple Dragons to adapt their strategies to new threats and magical anomalies.
Modern Era
- 1480s DR: Cormyr enters a period of renewed prosperity and rebuilding after a series of wars and calamities. The Purple Dragons remain a central pillar of the kingdom, maintaining their reputation as one of the most disciplined and effective military forces in the Realms.
- 1489 DR: The Purple Dragons continue to operate under the Crown’s guidance, collaborating closely with the War Wizards to address threats both external and internal, solidifying their role as Cormyr’s protectors and enforcers.
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