Blood of the Ancients

The Blood of the Ancients is a religion very much unique to Draconid culture. The religion is founded in philosophy rather than in service to a god. In many ways, the philosophy does teach service to a higher power, but not to a deity. The religion goes back as far as accurate records do, early in the 1st Epoch, to the times when the Draconid people were servants of the dragons.
The name of the religion is drawn from its original practices, though those practices have changed over the Epochs. Dragonsblood is rich with magical power, and in the 1st Epoch dragons would use their blood as reward to their most faithful servants. Drinking of it granted power, though this power was only temporary. Because of this, those who were granted Dragonsblood would hoard it, saving it to be used when needed. Those with large stores of dragonsblood could use it more consistently, and would find themselves in positions of power within Draconid society. Having a hoard of dragonsblood holds with it an implication of power, and wealth.
As would be expected, this practice died out when the Dragons were hunted near extinction by the Logicmasters. The Logicmasters labeled dragonsblood illegal, destroying it wherever it was found. Tales of fabled dragonsblood vaults still circulate to the day, and are coveted by many who seek power, or to make a fortune. As a result of this, the religion adopted the spirit of this system. In place of dragonsblood, those in power would give a Blood Token to whoever they wished to reward. The physical token was also a figurative token of power, marked by a drop of blood from whoever gave the token. At a later time, the holder of the token could present it to the giver of the token, and ask for it to be fulfilled, requiring the giver of the token to grant some favor, reward, or power.
To a believer of the faith, a token was to be honored above all else, even your own life. Furthermore, Blood Tokens didn't die with the one who gave it. When they died, their next of kin inherited the responsibility. A token is eternal, until an entire family lineage fails. Blood Tokens are significant things, and having a Blood Token from a powerful family can elevate your station in society just by the implication of the power you could call upon.
Some Draconid lineages have amassed so many Blood Tokens that their family has remained nobility for generations purely due to the power they can demand from others. The Bankers Guild officially recognized Blood Tokens as a legally binding contract early in the 5th Epoch, giving worldwide legitimacy to the tokens. Guild Banks began accepting Blood Tokens as payment, either collateral for a loan, or a way to pay off that loan. When needed, they leverage their Blood Tokens to force free service out of the recipient when it is convenient for them. Banks also trade and sell Blood Tokens to other banks, or even to citizens.
The significance of the Tokens, and why they exist within the religion, is to engrain the idea of generational burden into its believers. Those who follow the Blood of the Ancients have great respect for their ancestors, and their elders. There is an underlying philosophy that focuses on being responsible for the sins of your ancestors, and the well being of the generations that will follow you. To disrespect the past, or the future, is the greatest sin. To a follower of this religion, the present is the least important point in time. All followers must work to rectify the sins of their past generations, and create a better future for the coming generations. The self is a vessel for this change, and no pleasure/comfort should be sought for yourself unless it gives some benefit for the future.

Fundamental Tenants of the Faith:

• The present is the least important point in time. You walk the path your ancestors laid for you, and you set the course for future generations. In all that you do, you must keep in mind what has come before, and how things may unfold.
• The sins of the past must be paid for by you, not your ancestors, and the burden of the future must be carried by you, not your children.
• Blood is power, it is life. Blood is the legacy we inherited, and the legacy we will give our children. Any ritual or contract sealed in blood becomes binding beyond death. A Blood Token can be given as payment instead of coin or favor. A Blood Token must be honored when it is called upon to be fulfilled.