Bahamut
Bahamut, God of Justice and Nobility and greater deity of the Light Pantheon, is a revered dragon deity embodying honor, courage, and the protection of the innocent. Known as The Platinum Dragon, The Noble Guardian, and The Righteous Flame, Bahamut inspires his followers to uphold justice, act with nobility, and protect those unable to protect themselves. Bahamut’s rise to godhood is intertwined with sacrifice, valor, and his unwavering commitment to righteousness.
Statues and depictions of Bahamut often show him sitting in a protective stance, wings outstretched, with a dignified yet kind expression on his face. He is frequently depicted alongside a blazing shield or a sword, symbolizing his commitment to justice and his role as the protector of the weak.
As time passed, Bahamut’s belief in justice and his noble nature grew stronger. When the War of the Divine began, tensions grew among mortals, gods, and even divine beings themselves. In this war, Io sacrificed himself in battle against an Elder Evil to protect his kin. Upon Io’s death, his divine essence, or Divine Spark, split between Bahamut and Tiamat, elevating them both to godhood. Bahamut inherited Io’s ideals of honor and protection, becoming the God of Justice and Nobility, while Tiamat embodied wealth and ferocity, rising as the Goddess of Wealth and Ferocity.
This divine transformation further intensified Bahamut’s dedication to justice. As a god, he sought to protect the innocent, establish noble virtues among mortals, and act as a shining example of honor and courage for all.
Act with Honor and Integrity: Integrity is sacred, and Bahamut’s faithful are expected to act with the highest moral standards. They must keep their word and stand by their principles, even when it is difficult.
Protect the Helpless: Those who cannot protect themselves deserve defenders. Bahamut’s followers are guardians, always seeking to shield the vulnerable and uplift the oppressed.
Pursue Nobility of Spirit: Nobility is more than a title; it is a way of life. Bahamut’s followers strive to inspire others through courage, generosity, and kindness.
These tenets are meant to create a culture of mutual respect, fairness, and compassion. Bahamut’s followers believe that by embodying these values, they can build a just and noble society, in honor of the Platinum Dragon.
Rulers and Nobles of Integrity: Some of Bahamut’s followers are noble leaders and rulers who seek to govern justly, making decisions for the betterment of their people. These individuals rule with wisdom, fairness, and generosity.
Defenders of the Innocent: Bahamut’s influence extends to those who work to defend the vulnerable in their communities, whether as guards, protectors, or just people with a strong moral compass.
Seekers of Redemption: Bahamut also draws those who wish to redeem themselves for past wrongs. He believes in second chances, and many of his followers are people who have turned their lives around to serve justice and nobility.
Bahamut’s followers are known for their dedication, often seen as bastions of hope and defenders of the helpless. They act with humility, kindness, and strength, living lives that serve as examples of Bahamut’s teachings.
Through his guidance, Bahamut inspires his followers to strive for justice and nobility, aiming to create a world where honor, fairness, and protection for the innocent prevail. As the Platinum Dragon, Bahamut embodies the ideals of the righteous protector, encouraging mortals to bring light into the darkest corners of the world.
Acts of Protection: Followers are encouraged to take up arms in defense of the innocent and to seek out injustices to correct.
Dragon Blessings: In areas where dragons are revered, special rites are performed to honor Bahamut and the Metallic Dragons who follow him.
The Platinum Vigil: A solemn observance where followers reflect on their actions and renew their vows to protect and serve others.
Physical Description
Bahamut appears as a majestic, colossal dragon with shimmering platinum scales that glow with an ethereal radiance. His body is elegant yet powerful, each scale resembling polished silver and radiating a light that seems to pierce darkness. His eyes are a deep, serene blue, full of wisdom and kindness, yet capable of fierce judgment. Bahamut’s wings are vast and sweeping, almost celestial in appearance, with silver light spilling from the edges as he moves. When he speaks, his voice is a resonant, calming presence, yet it carries the force of unbreakable conviction.Statues and depictions of Bahamut often show him sitting in a protective stance, wings outstretched, with a dignified yet kind expression on his face. He is frequently depicted alongside a blazing shield or a sword, symbolizing his commitment to justice and his role as the protector of the weak.
History
During the Ruination era, Bahamut was born as one of the first twin children of Io, the great titanium dragon who led the dragon race in the war against the Elder Evils. Bahamut and his twin sister, Tiamat, fought alongside their father, bringing their unique strengths to the battle. Bahamut's valor and dedication to honor and justice marked him as an Icon among the dragons, while Tiamat became renowned for her ferocity and ambition. Together, they contributed greatly to driving back the corrupting influence of the Elder Evils.As time passed, Bahamut’s belief in justice and his noble nature grew stronger. When the War of the Divine began, tensions grew among mortals, gods, and even divine beings themselves. In this war, Io sacrificed himself in battle against an Elder Evil to protect his kin. Upon Io’s death, his divine essence, or Divine Spark, split between Bahamut and Tiamat, elevating them both to godhood. Bahamut inherited Io’s ideals of honor and protection, becoming the God of Justice and Nobility, while Tiamat embodied wealth and ferocity, rising as the Goddess of Wealth and Ferocity.
This divine transformation further intensified Bahamut’s dedication to justice. As a god, he sought to protect the innocent, establish noble virtues among mortals, and act as a shining example of honor and courage for all.
Beliefs
Bahamut’s teachings center on honor, justice, and the selfless protection of others. His followers are encouraged to be examples of integrity, courage, and compassion, standing against evil and cruelty wherever it arises. Bahamut believes that true strength lies in protecting the weak, and he instills in his followers a strong sense of duty toward others.Core Tenets of Bahamut’s Faith:
Justice Above All: Bahamut’s followers are sworn to uphold justice, defend the innocent, and ensure that the guilty face appropriate consequences.Act with Honor and Integrity: Integrity is sacred, and Bahamut’s faithful are expected to act with the highest moral standards. They must keep their word and stand by their principles, even when it is difficult.
Protect the Helpless: Those who cannot protect themselves deserve defenders. Bahamut’s followers are guardians, always seeking to shield the vulnerable and uplift the oppressed.
Pursue Nobility of Spirit: Nobility is more than a title; it is a way of life. Bahamut’s followers strive to inspire others through courage, generosity, and kindness.
These tenets are meant to create a culture of mutual respect, fairness, and compassion. Bahamut’s followers believe that by embodying these values, they can build a just and noble society, in honor of the Platinum Dragon.
Followers
Followers of Bahamut, often referred to as Knights of the Platinum Dragon or Noble Guardians, include paladins, knights, rulers, and defenders of the weak who are drawn to his virtues. They are bound by a strong sense of duty and are deeply committed to principles of justice and honor. Many of Bahamut’s followers undertake oaths to serve as protectors and judges, defending the innocent and pursuing villains who defy the law and harm others.Types of Followers:
Knights and Paladins of Justice: These are martial followers who devote their lives to upholding Bahamut’s ideals, often defending the helpless and acting as paragons of honor and valor. They are frequently found patrolling dangerous regions or assisting the oppressed.Rulers and Nobles of Integrity: Some of Bahamut’s followers are noble leaders and rulers who seek to govern justly, making decisions for the betterment of their people. These individuals rule with wisdom, fairness, and generosity.
Defenders of the Innocent: Bahamut’s influence extends to those who work to defend the vulnerable in their communities, whether as guards, protectors, or just people with a strong moral compass.
Seekers of Redemption: Bahamut also draws those who wish to redeem themselves for past wrongs. He believes in second chances, and many of his followers are people who have turned their lives around to serve justice and nobility.
Bahamut’s followers are known for their dedication, often seen as bastions of hope and defenders of the helpless. They act with humility, kindness, and strength, living lives that serve as examples of Bahamut’s teachings.
Through his guidance, Bahamut inspires his followers to strive for justice and nobility, aiming to create a world where honor, fairness, and protection for the innocent prevail. As the Platinum Dragon, Bahamut embodies the ideals of the righteous protector, encouraging mortals to bring light into the darkest corners of the world.
Temples and Worship
Temples to Bahamut are grand and often built in the form of dragon roosts or citadels. They serve as both places of worship and training grounds for those who dedicate their lives to justice. These temples are adorned with statues of dragons and knights, emphasizing the ideals of protection and honor.Worship Practices:
Oaths of Justice: Devotees often swear solemn oaths in Bahamut’s name before embarking on quests or delivering judgments.Acts of Protection: Followers are encouraged to take up arms in defense of the innocent and to seek out injustices to correct.
Dragon Blessings: In areas where dragons are revered, special rites are performed to honor Bahamut and the Metallic Dragons who follow him.
Holy Days:
Day of Scales: Celebrated annually, this day honors Bahamut’s role as the arbiter of justice and protector of balance, with rituals focusing on fairness and equality.The Platinum Vigil: A solemn observance where followers reflect on their actions and renew their vows to protect and serve others.
Type
Greater DeityTitle(s)
The Platinum DragonThe Noble Guardian
The Righteous Flame
Alignment
Lawful GoodSymbol
a gleaming shield emblazoned with a radiant dragonEdicts
act with honor, courage, and integrity in all matters; protect the innocent and uphold justice; offer mercy to the deserving but never to those who prey on the weak.Anathema
commit or condone acts of cruelty or tyranny; stand idle in the face of injustice; betray your word or act in a dishonorable mannerAreas of Concern
justice, honor, protection, nobilityD&D Domains
Life, Order, WarP2 DEVOTEE BENEFITS
Divine Ability
Strength or CharismaDivine Font
healDivine Sanctification
must choose holyDivine Skill
DiplomacyFavored Weapon
longspearDomains
duty, healing, might, protection, wyrmkinAlternate Domains
confidence, truthCleric Spells
1st: runic weapon, 4th: mountain resilience, 6th: dragon form (metallic dragons only)Divine Intercession
Bahamut blesses those who protect others, uphold justice, and act with honor, while he withdraws his favor from those who fail to act in noble or just ways.Minor Boon: Noble Bearing
Once per day, you can cast heroism as an innate divine spell on yourself or an ally, allowing them to act with valor and confidence. This spell grants a +1 status bonus to saves against fear effects if cast on someone defending another in need.Moderate Boon: Platinum Shield
Once per day, you can cast shield other as an innate divine spell. While under this effect, you gain a +1 bonus to saving throws against spells and attacks from dishonorable or evil creatures.Major Boon: Righteous Justice
Once per day, you can cast divine wrath as an innate divine spell against a chosen foe who has harmed the innocent or acted dishonorably. This spell is heightened to one level above your highest spell level and gains a +1 bonus to its DC.Minor Curse: Honor’s Burden
If you commit or condone acts of cruelty or fail to act with honor, Bahamut marks you with a sense of guilt and duty. You take a -1 penalty on all Charisma-based skill checks until you rectify your actions by upholding justice.Moderate Curse: Burdened with Guilt
Bahamut makes your dishonor physically weigh upon you. You take a -5-foot penalty to your Speed and a -1 penalty on saving throws until you defend an innocent or act to restore justice.Major Curse: Scorned by Nobility
Bahamut marks you as untrustworthy, leaving you visibly tarnished by your dishonor. Any creature with an Intelligence of 10 or more that values honor and integrity automatically senses this, taking a Dislike or Hostile attitude toward you. Additionally, you suffer a -2 penalty on Diplomacy checks when speaking on matters of justice or protection.
Children
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