Tiamat, Chromatic Empress
She who commands vanity.
Empress Tiamat (a.k.a. Maiden of Many Colors)
My flesh seared in pain from the flames converging on me. No matter how fast I ran the flames just continued to chase me until I could run no more. Then a sinister, hoarse laugh came from behind the pillars of fire. I saw white, then black, then green. The final two heads raised over the towering inferno, piercing my gaze with a stare that could shatter stone. I was given a warning: Take my people and leave Draconia to the dragons. The cloth on my back was cauterized to my flesh, a reminder of who and what we were provoking. There was no winning, all we could do was acquiesce. The world was theirs for the taking.Few names are associated with pure, unadulterated terror so devastating that it makes one shrivel. Even amongst a world like Draconia where walking war crimes known as dragons stride across the ground or coast through the air, the power to force someone into a mind-mandated state of wilting and panic so strong that they lose control of their own functions is something only a lucky number have possessed. One of those fortuitous persons happens to be the Chromatic deity Tiamat, the symbol of all that is vain, greed, pride and lust. Oft remembered for how terrifying she was in battle and appearance, the Queen of Chromatics was more than just that. She was a clever manipulator, strategist and fighter, capable of winning battles in more ways than just sheer force. Outside of her accomplishments in battle, she was also responsible for several key events over the existence of Chromaticos. The Council of Dragons would not exist without her and her brother's collaborations in tandem with their pupils. Today, she is remembered fondly for what she has done in the name of Chromatic-kind, not only for Chromaticos, but across Draconia as a whole.
Creation
Tiamat was created alongside her brother when the the God of Dragons departed the physical world to join the afterlife. When the deity left, parts of it's personality split from it, forming four entities that would serve as its replacement, each one embodying a different aspect of Io. The entities were known as Tiamat, Bahamut, Sardior and Gruaghlothor. Each one governed over a different breed of Dragonkind, rather than a singular entity ruling overall, as had been done before. The War of Creation resulted in an overwhelming victory for Dragonkind, with the opposing Giants being exiled to the deep corners of the world and humans being put under the rule of Dragons. Elvenkind had served the dragons well over the course of the conflict, which led to their sparing in the new world's hierarchy, though there were plenty of dissenting opinions that wanted to subjugate them under the conditions levied onto humanity. While the world was now under the control of these four deities, it had become deformed beyond recognition as a result of the massive battles waged across the land. They each had the responsibility of protecting their new subjects and carving out land for themselves in this new world. The land was ripe with potential for a draconic utopia with little to stand in the way of such a dream besides outlying Giant groups or the occasional monstrosity that needed to be felled. Tiamat was already planning how she would gain control over what she deemed to be hers.
Time Amongst the Living
The first five years of the Era of Dragons were ripe with turbulence, especially on the continent that would become Chromaticos. It started with infighting amongst the Chromatic Dragons that had lived through the War of Creation. Each of them suggested their ideal version of how to govern the continent, each one filled with the stench of self-serving, greedy hubris. The tension continued to grow with the lack of any real development in how territory became divided, as the amount of creatures that filled the land was larger than had been expected. The Giants that chose to remain on the surface also posed a problem, their attacks on any small settlements growing in deadliness started to become too pressing of a matter to ignore. The Giants started to slowly gain territory back, and for a while, it looked like they might reacquire Chromaticos. The dragons were losing territory mile by mile, along with countless settlements consisting of enslaved humans that were overjoyed to have their freedom restored. So, Tiamat took matters into her own hands. After settling that affair for good, she turned her attention to her squabbling subordinates. While she needed dragons who could rule, it didn't need to be them. She converted them into a hellish version of dragons known as Dragvils, hybrids of the scaly species and devils. These Dragvils would serve not only as her Dracoguard, but as the foundations for her church when the time came. After the first five years of her existence among the earth, Tiamat met with her brother to discuss their followers' beliefs. They both acknowledged that something needed to be done to centralize the focus upon each of themselves, otherwise the populace would lose themselves in the worship of other gods that had no business being muttered by any dragon. The two created their own religions that idolized themselves, though each had different opinions on how to incorporate that religion into the governments of their continents. An idea of a special council that comprised of dragonkind also came up during their discussions, something that would help oversee Draconia as a whole and offer guidance and control. This was her final act during her lifetime before she passed into the spiritual world to join her creator. Read the extended accounts of the previous events
Rebuking the Giants
Day by day the Giants drew ever closer to our little city. The sounds of war closed in upon us, the screams of my people dying filled my ears. Years of discord in my own inner circle has led to this moment. The pointless bickering of bureaucrats whose only interest is lining their own pockets with power and wealth. I see how my own kind is flawed, though that does not change my love for them. No, it only strengthens it. Their dedication to all that I stand for cannot be mistaken as negative, instead I must see it as the highest form of worship: emulating that which one loves. 'I am the Chromatic Queen, the result of Io's evil, wrath and hate bound into existence. Nothing can... nothing will stand in my way'. That's what I thought as I made my way to the Giant's forward outpost. Their leader, the Storm Giant Caius was very adamant about making his presence known. While it struck fear into my generals, all it did was amplify the burning rage I held towards every one of the treasonous scum that dared defy our rightful place. They were the ones who kickstarted the War of Creation and now they were still fighting against us, even after their own defeat. Tonight was the night that I ended that rebellious playfight that they offered me. The outpost was heavily manned, as I had expected. I made my way towards the gate using my humanoid form to pose as a human ally that wanted to parlay an alliance with the giants. All I needed was five feet of space inside. My pillars of hellfire rose from the ground, sundering the earth apart as the infernal flames writhed with freedom to maim my enemies. The screams of the damned now filled my ears, a melancholic melody to it all ringing through while I danced to Caius' quarters. He had heard all the commotion and tried to flee, though I was ready for such a cowardly move. I trapped him within an encirclement of White Flame, the sizzling of his comrades flesh the only thing that he could listen to while I closed in. My form began to unravel, showcasing my true beauty to the unfortunate trash I was about to dispose of. I laughed at his pitiable attempts at pleading for his life. Even as he kissed the soles of my feet, all it did was fill me with greater hatred for the man. I branded him with my mark across his back, a symbol of his defeat and humiliation, something to follow him for the rest of his wretched life. At the time I thought I was foolish, but I realize how lucky I am to have spared him. His return to his kind was met with the opprobrium of defeat that I had desired. The Giants fled into exile that day, fearful of what would happen next time they tested me. -Tiamat's recounting
Constructing Religion and Government
With the threat of losing territory to an enemy force now eliminated, the chief concern of the Chromatic Queen was to ensure that the infighting of her people that had led to that grave situation would never be repeated. Her brother on Metallan had been having a much more successful endeavor of aligning his people to common beliefs, something she wanted to accomplish as well. It couldn't just be because the Metallic dragonkind that followed her brother were more naturally aligned to good ideals, it had to be something else. In 5 EoD, she met with her brother on Quirin Umer, the site of their birth, to discuss what course of action they should take. Both of them brought their pupil with them to the meeting. While engagements between the two deities were often filled with one-upping the other on account of sibling rivalry, this particular discussion was productive in reaching a solution. Both of them agreed that there needed to be a better way of maintaining their power aside from exhibiting it. At some point, another dragon would find some way to achieve a similar level of strength and come for their title. There would also need to be a system of governance that each continent would utilize to relieve some of the strains of leadership that were on the two's shoulders. They both came to the same conclusion on each matter after input from their respective pupils: Religion and unified government. They would create a religion with themselves as the figureheads to create an image of unobtainability. By venerating themselves as creatures above the realm of mortals, it would leave a lasting impression that achieving that same kind of power was impossible. While this statement wasn't entirely false, it was certainly a white lie, as the potential for both gods to be usurped existed, even back then. The matter of governance was where each deity differed. Bahamut believed that dragons would benefit from intertwining their respective religions into their government, while Tiamat believed the opposite. Their views on how the continents should govern themselves were also conflicting. Tiamat desired the freedom for any territories that came to exist within her continent to choose how they govern themselves. Her core argument against the inclusion of religion into the government, as well as the separate forms of governance for each region, was that it would lead to a level of complacency and laziness. Dividing religion and government would instead create desire in both groups for more power, ultimately leading to the increased control of dragons over lesser races as they would strive to keep becoming stronger. While both of them bickered over this notion of separation, they did acquiesce to the other's respective beliefs. They agreed to enforce their own ideals upon their continents, leading to the current situation of the government today. The Council of Dragons and the rank of Dragon Overlord were also conceived by the two. Regardless of how each continent governed itself, there would be times where dragonkind would need unity across the race as a whole. The Overlords would serve as the voice of unity, alongside the council to give the common people of dragonkind a say in how to proceed with governance.Conjuring Hell
Tiamat's faith in her advisors during the Giants hostilities crumbled from the combination of their infighting, mistrust and vanity. She still loved each of them dearly, regardless of their stupidity, as they were displaying the qualities of a true member of Chromatic-kind. For all the love she could muster, it didn't placate the fact that she would need a more competent group of counsel in order for her children to succeed. She hatched a plan to immortalize her beloved advisory group while allowing them to revel in the qualities that made them who they were. For years Tiamat had studied the divine planes of the afterlife, searching for a way to join Io when the time came. During those studies, she came across inquiries on the nature of the evil afterlives, where the souls of the damned would make their way upon death. One such example was the Rings of Hell, the universal realm for evil humankind, ruled by devils. Dragonkind already had its own version of Heaven known as Dracos Naan, the realm where Io made residence. There was no equivalent for Hell, however. So she set about making one. With all of her being, Tiamat cast divine rite after divine rite, utilizing every ounce of godly power she could muster. She found herself within the realm of the cosmos, nothing but blank space before her, with all she could hear being the temptation to use the five dragon breath weapons she possessed. Temptation won, and she took a deep breath followed by the most destructive exhale she had ever released. The five elemental breaths scattered into the corners of her vision, forming an outline that matched the diagrams she had seen in the religious texts. The stars and empty space began to converge upon the outline her breaths had created, the black void changing into a polychromatic visage. Her eyes strained from the rapid flashing that assailed her vision. Images of fire, brimstone, ocean water, rampant winds and even the destruction of the world besieged her mind, filling her with dread at the thought of what she had attempted to do. The sound of her screams echoed in her mind, but even those became drowned out by a screeching voice that grew closer and closer. "My, my. Attempting to form your own little playground based off of mine, are we?" It spoke. "You're lucky I'm so generous to a charming girl like yourself. Enjoy your own little piece of Hell, my darling. I'll be sure to send my own vessel your way when you return~" All that had happened seemed to vacate her mind in a flash, disappearing without any recollection in the immediate aftermath. What was now around her was a plane of hellish fire and death that she called Dracos Infernum. The spirits of damned dragonkind had been thrust from Hell into this new afterlife, forged in Tiamat's visions. Her advisors had somehow found their way here, albeit in a confused daze. As Tiamat looked at them with a smirk on her face, love in her heart, she merged their souls with the souls of the damned. Their screams warmed her heart, for their pain would soon turn to joy and adoration at their new fate. A new breed of devil and dragonkind was born that day; the Dragvils.
Departure to Dracos Naan
After setting her affairs in order to make certain that her continent would not fail, Tiamat determined she had nothing left to do in the world. She assured the continued safety of her people from the Giants, created her own afterlife, religion and led to the unification of Chromaticos. The Overlords of Chromaticos, including her husband Ajax, were capable of governing her beloved masterpiece. She returned to Quirin Umer, complacent with what she had accomplished. Io greeted her warmly, asking if she was truly ready to enter the afterlife despite only being in the physical world for ten years. The first genuine smile of happiness, not contempt or malice, crept across her face when she nodded. In 10 EoD, Tiamat joined Io in Dracos Naan.Divine Domains
War
Tiamat values the wartime potential in any good dragon soldier. Whether they are efficient fighters, cunning assassins, powerful mages or brilliant strategists, no talent is wasted under her guidance. She utilizes war to maintain dragonkind's status quo against any resistance that may rise to challenge it. She channels fractions of her power into her followers of this domain, increasing their own to destructive levels. Soldiers of this domain were one of the few to become Dragvil's before death, should they choose to as a reward for their service.Death
The infernal afterlife for dragons was created by Tiamat and she seeks to swell her numbers of Dragvils at any chance she gets. No chance to embrace the death of an enemy is wasted, as their soul will either join with the evil afterlife or ascend to a peaceful existence in heaven. The unlucky damned had their souls mangled into abominations by her Dragvils, forever tormented until they joined her army. Soldiers of Tiamat invested in this domain were often horrifying in appearance, a gift of terror bestowed by the Queen's graces. They'd often possess the power of death via touch, capable of sending any foe to meet their maker.Tempest
Chromatics were capable of conjuring various elemental displays: Firestorms, blizzards, lightning strikes and alike. Tiamat's own powers in regard to these displays was exponentially greater than her children's, though it flowed into her followers. Those blessed with the destructive powers of the Chromatics could channel slivers of her power, conjuring barrages of the elements on those who dared speak ill of the Queen. Any devout follower that embarked on the path of the tempest was also a candidate to become a Dragvil before death, much like the followers of War.Arcana
Not every worshipper of Tiamat is a ruthless, violent thug. Some are brilliant scholars with the most inquisitive minds amongst all intellectuals. Much like Tiamat, these followers desired the knowledge of what lies beyond the realm of the living, as well as the capabilities of what can be accomplished in the mortal realm. While not often used in physical confrontation, Tiamat would instead task these devotees with the study of the cosmos. In the vast area of space, there had to be more than just their little physical plane. She wanted to know what else could be out there, as did her followers.Artifacts
As one of the two main deities of modern dragonkind, a number of artifacts are attributed to Tiamat. A majority of these artifacts have been lost to the ages after millennia of contested ownership between the dragons of those times. There are rumors that they were destroyed by Giants who managed to acquire them after centuries of hiding in the shadows, though this has never been confirmed. Modern draconians believe that they are still in existence, biding their time for a worthy possessor to show themselves.
Chromatic Talons of Tiamat
Much like her brother needed an assistant to aid him in his endeavors across Metallen, Tiamat also required some a partner. Her natural choice was Amai Nevayat, the pupil that had accompanied her over the course of five years. She underwent a ritual of self-sacrifice, permanently relinquishing a portion of her power to transfer it into a near exact replica of her prized claws. The replica began to radiate the five colors of Chromatic-kind once it was powered. Now, as her brother had created his Platinum Wings, she had created her Chromatic Talons.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
The only symbol that is accepted amongst Tiamat and her followers is a miniature five-taloned dragon claw composed of one talon from each colored dragon. Any attempt to enter a religious site of Tiamat (besides the introductory Tiamacle) as a devotee to the Queen is viewed as heresy. Acquiring such a symbol is not a hard task, as the talons required to craft the symbol are frequently given out by aging dragons that lose them on a regular basis.
Tenets of Faith
Heed these words, my loyal children. For today, you have a new Queen to dedicate yourselves to. Io is gone from this world, much like the pantheons of man, elf, giant and any other inferior creature! Now is the time of my brother and I to ascend to our rightful place as Gods of dragonkind! My beloved Chromatics, you will worship me and follow in my steps! Go forth and wage war against those who seek to take what rightfully belongs to us! Chromaticos is our rightful territory, earned in our victory over our enemies in the War of Creation, so protect it with your lives! Bring death and destruction wherever you go; I want to hear the screams of the damned as they leave this world to enter the Infernum! Holy men, channel my touch of death to wrack those who would slander me. Those of magical origins, accept my power and use it to channel cataclysmic events upon any who dare usurp you from your rightful place of power! And to my beloved intellects, those of bright minds and genius, study the world for what it is. Research the possibilities of what you are capable of while you inhabit this mortal husk of a body. Prove that your gifts are not misplaced, bring me the power to unfold our reality!
- No person of dragon or humankind may ever encroach the divine power of Tiamat. It is a gift to be used to carry out her will, not something to be used as a blasphemous act.
- Dragonkind is inherently superior to any race of human, elf or other humanoid. This is the natural design of the world via the Three Rights to Rule
- Humankind and other lesser races may worship the Queen and dedicate themselves to her. Faithful service will result in your reincarnation into a Dragvil.
- Conflict amongst dragonkind is to be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Enlightenment cannot be achieved in chaos and those situations should be avoided at all costs in order to preserve the ideal version of dragonkind.
- The process of becoming a Dracolich or Shadow Dragon is strictly forbidden knowledge, reserved only for the most dire of circumstances, and only then given to a Dragon Overlord that is unanimously viewed as worthy among the clergy of the Tiamacle.
Tiamat's insignia most commonly seen on the Draconic Pantheon
Divine Classification
Draconic Deity
Religions
Current Status
Spiritual rest within Dracos Naan
Date of Birth
1st of Blanc, 1 EoD
Year of Birth
1 EoD
3045 Years old
Circumstances of Birth
Created as a result of Io leaving to the afterlife.
Birthplace
Draconia
Children
Current Residence
Dracos Naan
Pronouns
She/Her
Sex
Female
Eyes
Multiple sets mirroring the chromatic color range. Necrotic sclera, red iris in dragonborn form
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Polychromatic, various ranges of red/white/blue/black and green
Height
17m (Dragon form), 6'6" (Dragonborn form)
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