![[Ajidaardin Baldari.png|300]] > [!quote] Motto > From scale to flame, we rise as one. ### Overview The **Twelve Dragon Monastery**, also known as the **Ajidaardin Baldari** (Draconic for _Sacred Dragon Keepers_), is a reclusive yet influential order devoted to the reverence of dragonkind as the creators of the First World. The Monastery is named after the twelve dragons they believe shaped existence: the five chromatic dragons, the five metallic dragons, Bahamut, and Tiamat. Their teachings promote balance through the acceptance of both order and chaos, believing that the interplay between the metallic and chromatic forces is what forged reality itself. ### Doctrine and Beliefs The Twelve Dragon Monastery teaches that: - Bahamut represents justice, wisdom, and righteous strength. - Tiamat embodies power, ambition, and primal instinct. - The five metallic dragons symbolize virtue and discipline in its many forms (valor, mercy, patience, etc.). - The five chromatic dragons represent passion and raw emotion as forces of creation. By embracing all twelve, they seek to maintain a cosmic balance, arguing that neither pure virtue nor unrestrained ambition can sustain the world alone. ### Exclusion of the Gem Dragons The Monastery refuses to recognize **Gem Dragons** as part of their sacred pantheon. Their doctrine holds that the Gem Dragons are manipulative, selfish entities born _after_ the First World’s creation — opportunists who sought to claim power and influence rather than contribute to creation itself. Some legends suggest that the Gem Dragons were meant to serve as mediators between the metallic and chromatic dragons but betrayed this role for personal gain. Because of this perceived corruption, the Monastery excludes them from their teachings and considers Gem Dragons to be false emissaries of balance. ### Ranks and Structure The Monastery’s structure mirrors the dragons they worship, with members dedicating themselves to one of the twelve revered dragons. Each path emphasizes distinct virtues and disciplines: - **Scales** – Initiates who begin their training. - **Talons** – Devoted members who focus on martial prowess or spiritual study. - **Wings** – Experienced monks entrusted with guiding others and representing the Monastery. - **Hearts** – The leaders of the Monastery’s twelve branches, each representing one of the revered dragons. - **The First Fang** – The highest rank, a singular master who is believed to channel the wisdom and will of all twelve dragons. ### Symbols and Practices ![[Assets/Pictures/Players/Ajidaardin_Baldari_emblem.png|right|150]] The Monastery’s emblem depicts **twelve interwoven dragon heads**, each breathing flame into a central spiral — a symbol of creation and balance. Monks commonly wear robes with scales embroidered in metallic or chromatic colors based on their chosen path. Rituals at the Monastery often involve flame-based meditation, symbolic of the dragons’ breath forging the world anew. The most devoted practitioners undergo **The Dragon’s Trial**, an intense pilgrimage to places believed to be touched by the First World’s power, seeking visions or enlightenment. ### Reputation and Influence The Twelve Dragon Monastery maintains a neutral stance in political and worldly matters, believing their sacred duty transcends mortal conflict. However, their presence often draws attention, as their members are known for both their wisdom and their formidable combat abilities. While revered by some as protectors of balance, others view them with suspicion, particularly for their reverence of Tiamat’s destructive power alongside Bahamut’s virtue. ### Orulgon An **Orulgon** is a revered armband worn by dedicated members of the **Twelve Dragon Monastery** to symbolize their chosen draconic path. Each Orulgon is crafted with distinct materials, colors, and engravings that reflect the nature of the dragon the wearer has sworn to emulate. Beyond mere symbolism, Orulgons are considered sacred relics, believed to carry the essence of the dragons they represent. ##### Design and Symbolism Orulgons are constructed from a blend of metals, scales, and enchanted threads to reflect the traits of their associated dragon. Each armband is meticulously crafted by the Monastery's artisans, with the design reflecting both the wearer's path and their personal journey. **Metallic Orulgons:** - **Gold Dragon** – Forged from polished gold with radiant sunburst patterns. Symbolizes **wisdom** and **mercy**. - **Silver Dragon** – Made of silver with wave-like etchings. Symbolizes **compassion** and **selflessness**. - **Bronze Dragon** – Crafted from bronze with lightning-bolt engravings. Symbolizes **tenacity** and **justice**. - **Copper Dragon** – Fashioned from copper with swirling, playful designs. Symbolizes **humor** and **wit**. - **Brass Dragon** – Formed from brass with flame-like carvings. Symbolizes **charisma** and **diplomacy**. **Chromatic Orulgons:** - **Red Dragon** – Crafted from crimson-streaked iron with jagged flame engravings. Symbolizes **power** and **dominance**. - **Blue Dragon** – Fashioned from lapis-infused steel with lightning motifs. Symbolizes **control** and **strategy**. - **Green Dragon** – Made from verdant jade set in dark metal bands. Symbolizes **deception** and **influence**. - **Black Dragon** – Forged from blackened iron with acid-pitted markings. Symbolizes **resilience** and **ruthlessness**. - **White Dragon** – Fashioned from bone-white steel with frost-rimed edges. Symbolizes **instinct** and **survival**. ##### Significance and Purpose An Orulgon is not merely decorative — it serves as a mark of honor and a sign of the wearer's dedication to their chosen dragon's ideals. Only those who have completed the rigorous **Dragon’s Trial** are permitted to receive one. In addition to its spiritual significance, Orulgons are often enchanted with minor protective magics, believed to shield the wearer from harm or strengthen their resolve in battle. Some whisper that Orulgons hum faintly when near draconic power, reacting to the presence of their ancient patrons. Wearing an Orulgon carries a deep responsibility; to lose it is seen as a disgrace, while bearing one falsely is considered sacrilege.