The Bronze Blood

The Bronze Blood is the prominent faith of the peoples the Aurileme region of the Valdarian Empire, and encouraged in the rest of the empire as well. It was founded after the death of the great dragon Gydhiela, the Brightscale, whose blood was believed to hold her power. To this day her blood is still kept under lock and key, used only during sacred rites.

Gydhiela the Brightscale, the Teacher, Saviour of Aurileme, was an ancient bronze Dragon. Of all bronze dragons in the history of Valdar, Gydhiela is the most powerful and revered. She is described as bring much larger than any other bronze dragon, with a taller crest upon her head, four horns rather than two, glowing green eyes, and shining scales. In historical texts, temple architecture, and art she is often depicted doing mighty and wondrous acts, such as striding atop a storming sea while shielding a ship, battling a kraken beneath the waves, or tearing apart a giant. It is not known if she truly participated in these acts, but they are a cornerstone of the Bronze Blood texts. When not shown as a dragon, Gydhiela is also depicted as a tall human woman with light bronze skin, shining deep bronze hair down to her feet, and glowing emerald green eyes. She usually holds a book or a writing quill, or is telling a story to people eagerly listening at her feet.

The Bronze Blood of Gydhiela, which was harvested after her sacrifice, is sacred and not to be ruined, destroyed, or squandered. All adherents are responible for the protection of the blood and not to allow it to be tampered with. Only Gydhois are permitted to participate in the holy rites that use the Bronze Blood.

All people are forever learning from those more wise and powerful than themselves. One will never know all there is to know, but must commit their life to study and learning to be as close to the Master's knowledge as possible. Even the Sagi in their wisdom are studying to the end of their days.

Those that have learned should share their knowledge, especially of the magical arts, as it was shared to us. Had Gydhiela been selfish, we would have never received her gifts. It is a holy act to share knowledge with those that would seek it, and to bring that knowledge to others.

In the early years in the first era, Gydhois took up the symbol of a bronze scale to signify Gydhiela. It was not until the formation of the faith in 5 DCplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDC

An abbreviation of Diminished Callisae. One of the two time periods tracked by the common Aedelorian calendar. This is a dating method which counts the number of years after the Withering. and the building of the first temple that they added the mirrored blood drop to their sigil. All clergy members of the temples wear the symbol prominently as a large amulet on a long chain about their necks. The Sagi and the Crusator also wear a tiny vial filled with the Bronze Blood. It is not uncommon to see the symbol worn on Gydhois about their regular days on a small pin or piece of jewelry, especially for the devout. The clergy members wear blood-red robes with a waist-long cape of flowing bronze, fastened by a scale clasp. Any details such as a sash would typically be bronze or a deep emerald green. During rites, the member leading it will also wear a bronze dragon mask with glowing green eyes that covers their entire face, with the cape drawn up to drape around the head.

The Heart. The Crusator is the figurehead of the faith, considered the heart of the organization that “pumps the blood” to all others. They attend ceremonies to bless participants, give addresses to the people, and are believed to be able to channel the spirit of Gydhiela. This is someone, regardless of their ancestry, who bears the power of the bronze dragon in their veins. An inherently magical being that can perform arcane arts without the need for text, study, or any great devotion. These people are highly sought after, and very rare. From the first Crusator, Adeleisa Maret in 18 DC, there have been only 9 appointed Crusators, though this does not necessarily reflect the true number that might have been born this way. There is only one appointed Crusator of the Bronze Blood at any time, if any.

There are often gaps in time between Crusators, sometimes years go by between the death of one and the finding of another. Those who are considered blessed of the blood are found when their power begins to manifest in magical ability, usually coupled with some kind of draconic feature such as a scaly patch of skin. They are either brought to the temple by their families, go themselves, or are found by the Bronze Brothers, and are not always willing participants. Once their blood is verified, they would be appointed no matter their age and trained in the ways of the temple. While they may be young when they start, they are believed to be wise beyond their years due to the blessing. They are expected to serve as Crusator for the extent of their lives and are encouraged to take multiple partners and bear as many children as possible, as they believe the blessing is passed along through bloodline. The more children they can produce, the greater the chance of another to be born with bronze blood.

The Crusator is the only one to wear a dark red robe and a glittering bronze cape.

The head. These wise men of the faith serve the Crusator and provide guidance and wisdom to all who seek it. Besides the Crusator, they are of the highest rank within the faith and often the oldest members. They are considered great teachers, benevolent and generous. They live within the temples and are sometimes seen walking through the streets assisting the poor. The Sagi wear bronze robes with red sashes.

The hands. The devoted students of the Blood, who live and serve in the temples. They are the keepers of the temples, those who have dedicated themselves to service, and assist anyone who comes to them for aid or guidance. They wear simpler emerald green robes, with bronze sashes.

The feet. Also known by a more derogatory slang as Blood Heralds, the Bronze Brothers are the missionaries of the faith. They are tasked with going out into the world to both spread the dogma of the Bronze Blood, and to seek out those who may have it running in their veins. They are known to search all across Valdar for those with abilities akin to the Crusator, especially tracing and tracking down any that share a bloodline with a previous Crusator.

Historically, they have been the more militant part of the faith, and often travel in groups bearing arms. They wear bronze-coloured armour or clothing with green and red capes and outwardly wear shields with the sigil of the faith. Some have been known to have magical talent of their own and bring healing to remote areas where it is needed. During their travels, they preach the ways of the Bronze Blood.

Gydhois consider the temples to be the ideal place of worship, though one is never discouraged to honour Gydhiela wherever they are. Acts of worship can be quiet meditation, the act of studying or writing especially regarding the arcane arts or copies of old texts, or the participation in temple ceremonies. It is especially expected of Gydhois to attend the Ceremony of Sacrifice to honour the anniversary of Gydhiela's death. Adherents often wear the symbol of the Bronze Blood and grasp it while the utter a prayer. Appealing to Gydhiela for a clear and sharp mind, a generous and compassionate heart, and a strong and loyal spirit.

“By the Bronze Blood”, “By the Blood”, or “Bronze Blood save me” are common idioms heard all over Aurileme, even by those not adherent to the faith. It is used to emphasize something you are saying in either an angry, surprised, or exasperated way.

Bronze blood save me, Peter, when will you learn?
By the blood, I thought my heart would jump out of my chest from the fright

When there is a Crusator, ceremonies will be occassionally be held privately within the church where it is believed the spirit of Gydhiela is channeled into the Crusator after a blood rite is performed. There is little known about the actual workings of the rite, as it is never held in public view.

A Channelling is usually held in times of need where greater guidance is needed. After a Channeling, there is usually an address by either the Crusator or a Sagi to the people telling them of what was learned.

The Ceremony of Sacrifice is held once a year on the date presumed to be Gydhiela's death in 43 BDC, which is the 11th of Solbrume, a week after summer solstice. Gyhois attend the ceremony at their local temple, and it is presdied over by the Sagi. Multiple services get held throughout the day in Mil Pont due to the sheer number of people who come to attend. This ceremony honours the ultimate sacrific that Gydhiela made during the war, giving her life and her blood to the people.

During this ceremony each attendant is expected to bring something with them to give up, that would be considered a sacrifice. I can be something that has value to you either personally, culturally, or monetarily. The wealthy may bring a high priced piece of jewelry to sacrifice, or a less wealthy person may carve a likeness of Gydhiela in wood or stone, pieces of clothing, or valuable materials/products from their own trades. During this ceremony it is made clear that your personal sacrifices are little next to what Gydhiela has given, and no worldly treasure could have enough value to compare. The sacrifices are given to the temple, and either kept as offerings to the expenses of the temple, or distributed to the less fortunate in the city.

During this ceremony, a Sagi will sweep a drop of the Bronze Blood across the lips of any person that brings a sacrifice. This is considered a priceless gift in return.

As the primary faith in Aurileme, it is very prevalent, especially in the large cities with a temple. Any Aurilemian that cares to be respected by their peers would at least call themself a Gydois, even if it was not especially important to them. All Aurilemians are taught that they owe their success and all magical ability to Gydhiela the Brightscale and learn the history. The faith had a fervent following in the early days, as when Aurileme and the Magi Council was founded there were still some who remembered Gydhiela and the dragon kin, and had met and learned from them.

Over hundreds of years the fervor may have died down amongst the main population, but ceremonies are still attended by large amounts of native Aurilemian humans and half-elves. Levels of devotion range from extreme to tepid, but the faith in general society is respected, upheld, and promoted by the Valdarian Empire and Magi Council, who consider the Sagi their more religiously inclined brothers.

The reach beyond Aurileme is much smaller, but over time since the founding of temples in other cities and mingling of peoples, there is a following found almost anywhere in the Empire. Zameria would see almost no following, as they were conquered only in 515 DC and it has not been considered peaceful enough to build a temple. Bronze Brothers certainly have a presence in Zameria, attempting to convert a mostly resistant population.

You would find little knowledge of the Bronze Blood outside of the Empire, except from small pockets of those who have moved away from the Empire but are still practicing Gydois, or Bronze Brothers who have successfully converted any during their travels.

Temples of the Bronze Blood exist in nearly all the large cities of the Valdarian Empire, being spread to all provinces except for Zameria by 525 DC. Smaller towns may have a small temple or shrine where folk can gather to worship and observe ceremonies.

The holiest of all sites is the temple in Mil Pont, which was built on the place of Gydhiela's sacrifice. It is considered hallowed ground, and many adherents of the faith will travel there at least once in their lifetimes to attend a Ceremony of Sacrifice.

The temples are typically built of white stone, with gold and bronze being the primary colour of any moulding or decoration. Emerald green and red are used in draperies, clothing, and art. A reception hall will lead into a much larger sanctuary. In larger temples in the cities, the sanctuary will be adorned with a bronze statue of Gydhiela at the front of the hall, looking out at the worshippers. A red silk cloth is draped about her neck, pooling on the floor on either side to signify her blood.

During the Thousand Year Wars, the human peoples who would eventually become the Aurilemians were battered and poor, unable to defend themselves amongst the constant battles of dragons and giants about them. The bronze dragons that called the coastline of the Dragonsea their home were numerous at that time and were difficult for the giants to root out as they made lairs beneath the waves or in the sheer cliffsides. Among the bronze dragons was Gydhiela, who was the first to see the humans' plight and take pity upon them. She saw that they were weak and small, but good of heart and resilient. Her kin had watched them as they valiantly fought for their survival on the land, and it was she who first approached the humans in peace. The human leader, who was Bertrand the Fisher at this time, made an alliance from that day forward with the bronze dragons. They would teach them to defend themselves and survive and asked little in return.

Fifty years passed as Gydhiela and her dragon kin walked among them in a human form and taught them. She was described appearing to them as a woman over 6 feet tall, light bronze skin that looked metallic in the light, and deep bronze hair that flowed well past her waist. Her eyes were a bright emerald green that many wrote would glow in the darkness. She was commanding but compassionate, and took great interest in their daily lives and their development. Some of her kin, curious of the humans, also walked among them to teach, though it was Gydhiela the Brightscale they looked to as their saviour in the darkest of times. Other dragons recorded at this time were Nyllyss the Warmheart, Raghysden the Greatfisher, and Aisoadar the Swiftwing. They taught the humans tactics to better fight and defend themselves from giant and dragon alike. They learned to build spiked barricades behind deep trenches to ward away giants and sturdy homes built from the cliff rocks to resist the firey breath of the green dragons. They learned to carve spears and javelins to hurl at their foes, and make antidotes for green dragons' poison.

More than this, Gydhiela started to teach them of arcane things, of creating their own fire, healing their own wounded, and shielding themselves from attacks. How to learn to manipulate the magical weave about them, and call upon it to do their bidding. While not all had an affinity for this arcane knowledge, some among them became strong and learned enough to help defend their settlements. They called themselves Gydhiela's Apprentices, and are considered the first magi. Their writings on Gydhiela's teachings and their spells are kept to this day as secred texts to the Sagi and Magi alike, creating the foundation for the arcane traditions of Aurileme. Some of their accounts detail that Gyhiela gave them drops of her blood to drink, which increased their power and gave them magical boons.

On 11 Solbrume, 43 BDC, there was a great battle between the bronze dragons of the coast, the giants from the mountains, and the green dragons from the forests. Gydhiela was slain while helping to defend the people. She fell upon the land bridge between the Wilds and Southern plains, where Mil Pont now sits upon a hill overlooking the sea to each side. Her death was long mourned by her dragon kin and her human kin alike, and they gathered in that place to honour her. With the help of her kin, the humans extracted Gyhiela's blood and stored it securely in a stone hollow whose entrance was covered by a massive stone slab. Upon it, they built a shrine and began to revere the blood of their great teacher and name themselves the Gydhois, the followers of Gydhiela.

As the years passed after her death, the battles grew more fierce even as the humans grew in their power. Because of the Magi, they survived to the end of the Thousand Year Wars, though many of their dragon allies did not. The calissaeplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigCalissae

kæl.ɪ.saɪ - A collective exonym for all giants and dragons. Having both draconic and giant linguistic roots, the word means doom of the world. had fallen upon the Withered Waste, marking the end of the era of warring, but also the end of the alliances between dragon and human. While the first magi were largely gone by this time, the power of their descendants was even greater and the humans now without dragon allies looked to them as their new leaders.

And so the country of Aurileme was founded in the year 2 DC, the capital at this time was Orroux, and the Magi Council of Aurileme was formed to govern them. In 5 DC the Gyhois began to build a great temple at the site of Gydhiela's Sacrifice, and the blood was moved from its storage place near Orroux to the temple. Around this time the Gyhois appointed clergy to manage the temple and teach patrons eager to learn. The tenets of the faith were long described the the people but now were made sacred. Some of the Magi who were particularly devout became the first Sagi, or wisemen of the temple. People from all over Aurileme would come to the temple to worship, and to learn from them. Around this temple gradually grew a village to house the travellers and to feed the clergy, then a town, to became what is now modern day Mil Pont. Over time more temples were built across Aurileme, with the sparing stores of Bronze Blood sent to those locations for rites. The temple in Mil Pont remains the largest store of the blood to this day.

In 18 DC, a 16-year-old girl who had been born just after the temple had been constructed was discovered to have a patch of bronze scales upon her neck, and an ability to perform arcane arts without the need for written text. She was hailed as blessed by Gydhiela, with draconic blood running in her veins. Though this was a mystery to them and they had no one to appeal to for insight, they took it as a sign that Gydhiela was still with them and honoured them. The girl was named Adeleisa Maret and was taken in by the temple to become the first Crusator, the Blessed of the Blood.