Bahamut
| Bahamut | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Basic Information | |
| Title | The Platinum Dragon, The Dragonheart, The Luminous Gale, The Gallant Knight |
| Symbol | A dragon holding a bright sphere |
| Level | Greater |
| Alignment | Lawful Good |
| Allowed Alignments | LG, NG, LN |
| Primary Portfolio | Glory, Good, Good Dragons, Nobility, Sky, Unity |
| Secondary Portfolio | Air, Honor, Knighthood, Law, Leadership, Order, Victory, Wind |
| Favored Weapon | Bastard sword |
Bahamut, the deity of all that is good, stands as a beacon of hope and righteousness, of virtue and moral grandeur. His essence, embodying the pinnacle of benevolence, casts a protective and nurturing influence over all living beings. This compassionate guardian, unseen yet ever-present, fosters a world where kindness, justice and goodness flourish under his silent watch.
As the undisputed leader of the celestial pantheon, Bahamut commands reverence and respect. His presence is a harmonious blend of power and wisdom, admired by those who champion good and feared by the emissaries of evil. This reverence transcends the mortal realm, influencing even the deities themselves, who acknowledge his supreme authority and moral compass.
True to his nature, Bahamut is the embodiment of justice. With a heart unyielding in the face of wickedness, he is a relentless adversary to those who would sow seeds of evil. Yet, in his pursuit of justice, he remains calm and composed, embodying the noblest virtues of a just ruler. His wrath, though rarely invoked, is a sight to behold, a tempest of righteous fury protecting the innocent and vanquishing the malevolent.
Despite his immense power, Bahamut believes in the virtue of influence over action. He seeks to inspire and guide, rather than dictate. His ultimate aspiration is the proliferation of goodness, a dream he nurtures by kindling the light of virtue in the hearts of others. In every whisper of the wind, in the courage of knights, in the unity of peoples, his influence gently guides the world towards a brighter, nobler future.
Bahamut, in his chosen guise, exudes the nobility of a mature man, with auburn hair flowing long and eyes of a deep, serene blue. His countenance, marked by a short, well-kept beard, reflects the valor and dignity of a true warrior. Adorned in heavy platinum armor, etched with intricate draconic designs, he carries the aura of unassailable strength. This armor is complemented by a white robe, sometimes graced with a blue cross, symbolizing his commitment to righteousness and chivalry. Ever present in his grasp is his sword Vaelen, a testament to his readiness to defend the good.
In contrast, his true form is that of the majestic Platinum Dragon, an embodiment of the pure goodness he champions. His scales, resplendent like mithril, glimmer with an ethereal light. His deep blue eyes, mirrors of his soul, glow softly in tranquility. This appearance can quickly transform into a form of terror is someone dares to incur his wrath, as his smooth scales turn into rough platinum spikes and the glow in his eyes turn into thundering fury, a shape that can instill fear in the heart of most, including even deities. This awe-inspiring form captures the essence of his divine nature, both in beauty and in power.
Symbol
Bahamut's symbol is a dragon holding a deep blue sphere. This symbol represents the essence of good, and so the symbol represents the protective nature of Bahamut over everything that is good.
Relations With Other Deities
Bahamut is the revered leader of the Celestial Pantheon. His dominion is not solely a testament to his boundless nobility and compassion, his relentless pursuit of good and justice, and his influence on others, but also a tribute to his formidable prowess and might in battle, a might that has shaped the very annals of history. Forged in the crucible of ancient conflicts, his leadership is a harmonious blend of unyielding strength and benevolent guidance. thanks to this, Bahamut has sculpted a legacy that is revered by many as the paragon of celestial virtue.
With Gaidos, deity of knowledge, and Leviathar, deity of the sea, by his side, Bahamut forms a powerful alliance, the "Three Pillars of Good" whose unity is as enduring as the stars themselves. Their bond is more than allegiance; it is the kinship of souls, a brotherhood born from the eternal flames of virtue and the shared vision of a cosmos shielded from darkness.
In regards of Aios, deity of balance and neutrality, ancient and wise among the dragon deities, Bahamut's sentiments are complex. Aios's deep wisdom and venerable age have earned Bahamut's respect, even if his enigmatic nature often puzzles and, sometimes, even annoys him. The elder dragon is more often than not an ally, albeit one that requires careful deliberation, a dance of respect between one of the oldest of dragons. Among the other deities of the Pantheon of Equilibrium, Chronos, deity of time, is the one with whom he shares a strong friendship, tested with the hardships of history.
Yet, where light shines brightest, shadows loom. Bahamut's nemesis, Tiamat, deity of evil, lurks ever in opposition. To Bahamut, she is the antithesis of his very being, a blight upon the canvas of creation. His resolve to vanquish her is as unyielding as the mountains, a war not of territories but of ideologies, a clash of titanic forces that ripples across realms.
Beyond Tiamat, the deities of the Pantheon of Dread find no quarter in Bahamut's heart. His disdain for their wicked ways is as sharp as his claws, and his determination to thwart their corrupting influence is unwavering. Bahamut's presence is both a shield against the encroaching darkness and a sword to cut through the malefic threads woven by those who would see creation undone.
What The Legends Say
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Dogma
Bahamut's dogma reflects his nature and his expectations for his followers:
- Uphold and Promote Good: Actively engage in deeds that manifest and spread goodness, using both actions and influence to encourage others to do the same. Bahamut emphasizes that influencing others towards good is crucial for maintaining a just and benevolent world.
- Champion Justice and Fairness: Stand firm for justice and fairness, ensuring that righteousness and ethical principles guide all actions and decisions.
- Embrace the Virtues of Knighthood: Honor, nobility, valor, and integrity are the pillars of a true knight. Followers should embody these virtues, reflecting Bahamut's noble spirit and courageous heart.
- Lead with Loyalty and Unity: Leadership should foster strong bonds and unity among followers. Your guidance should inspire loyalty and create a cohesive community that stands together against challenges.
- Destroy Evil Where It Exists: Actively seek out and oppose evil in all its forms. Followers are called to confront and eradicate malevolence, ensuring that goodness prevails in the face of darkness and corruption.
Clergy and Temples
Bahamut's clergy is a gamut of diversity and unity woven with utmost care. This sacred gathering is not limited by the boundaries of class or profession; it encompasses a broad spectrum of devoted individuals. Clerics, paladins, fighters, wizards, and monks stand shoulder to shoulder, each bringing their unique strengths and backgrounds to the forefront. The common thread that binds them is a deep-seated commitment to the principles of order, law, and, above all, the pursuit of good.
The organizational structure of Bahamut's clergy is a marvel of precision and clarity. Like a well-orchestrated symphony, each member plays their part, fully aware of their roles and responsibilities. The hierarchy, complex in its design, is imbued with a sense of order that resonates deeply with Bahamut's teachings. Despite the rigid structure, a warm bond of unity pulsates through the ranks, as members form close, almost familiar connections with one another.
Education and training are the bedrock of this divine institution. Rigorous and wide-ranging, the learning never ceases, spanning a lifetime. Subjects are diverse, ensuring that each member is well-rounded and highly capable. This continuous pursuit of knowledge fosters an environment of mutual trust and reliance, essential for a group dedicated to influencing the world towards a path of good and justice.
When it comes to aiding others, Bahamut's clergy often opts for guidance over direct intervention. They believe in empowering individuals, teaching them to stand against injustice and evil. However, this should not be mistaken for passivity or fear. When the situation demands, they are swift and decisive in action, embodying the valor and courage of their deity in the face of adversity.
The mission of Bahamut's clergy extends beyond guidance; they are ever-vigilant, seeking out and eradicating sources of evil. They wear their allegiance like a badge of honor, never shying away from displaying their symbols, nor do they falter in their loyalty to their comrades.
In appearance, the clergy of Bahamut are a sight to behold. Adorned in white clothing, symbolizing purity and righteousness, they drape themselves in deep blue capes, a nod to their unwavering loyalty. Always prepared, they don medium or heavy armor and carry swords, ready to defend their cause. Their appearance is meticulously maintained, a reflection of the discipline and dignity that Bahamut's followers hold dear.
This is the clergy of Bahamut: diverse yet unified, disciplined yet compassionate, educators and warriors, ever loyal to their cause and their deity.
The temples of Bahamut stand as grand edifices of hope and resilience, nestled at the very heart of communities. These elaborate structures are more than mere places of worship; they are hubs of diverse activity and sanctuary. Within their hallowed walls, spaces are dedicated to a myriad of purposes. Some areas serve as safe havens for those in need, offering shelter and care. Others function as garrisons, preparing and equipping those who march against the forces of darkness.
The temples are also centers of learning, where knowledge in martial arts, magic, and various disciplines is imparted. This education serves a dual purpose: aiding the community in their daily lives and preparing them for the times when evil rears its head. The temples are not just about combating evil; they are about empowering the community to stand strong and resilient.
Furthermore, these temples are welcoming havens for members of other good-aligned faiths and organizations. Knightly orders, circles of magic, and other groups with benevolent intentions find rest, organization, and camaraderie within these sacred walls. Bahamut's temples are not exclusive; they are inclusive hubs for all who wish to do good.
Strategically, Bahamut's temples are often established near or within areas plagued by darkness. By positioning themselves in such locales, they act as forward posts in the relentless battle against evil forces. These temples are beacons of light in the darkest of places, providing hope and strength to those surrounded by malevolence.
In larger cities, Bahamut's temples take on additional roles. They become centers of influence and counsel, with clerics often serving as advisors to nobility and royalty. Their presence in these urban landscapes is a testament to their commitment to guiding the powerful towards the path of righteousness and good governance.
Initiation
The path to becoming a follower of Bahamut is marked by simplicity and accessibility, distinct from the rigorous journey to join his clergy, which is one of the most difficult apprenticeships among the deities. Bahamut's call reaches out to those of good heart, regardless of their potential to serve in the clergy.
The journey begins a year before the initiate's coming of age. With a heart filled with purpose, the initiate approaches a temple of Bahamut and humbly requests to start their path. A cleric, embodying the grace and wisdom of Bahamut, presents the initiate with a precious gift—a parchment inscribed with the deity's dogma. This parchment becomes the initiate's guide and companion for the year that follows.
Each day, for an entire year, the initiate dedicates at least one hour to studying and reflecting upon the dogma. This daily ritual is not just an act of learning; it is a process of internalization, of finding ways to weave the tenets of Bahamut into the fabric of everyday life. The words on the parchment slowly transform from mere text to a living doctrine, shaping thoughts and actions.
As the year draws to a close, the initiate enters a day of deep contemplation. This is a time of introspection and preparation, where the initiate crafts personal vows—a solemn promise on how they will embody Bahamut's teachings in their life.
On the following day, the initiate presents themselves before a cleric. They stand clean and well-groomed, a reflection of the respect they hold for this sacred moment. The cleric, serving as a conduit of Bahamut's will, asks if the initiate freely accepts Bahamut as their patron deity. In response, the initiate recites their vows, a heartfelt declaration of commitment and faith.
The cleric then performs the initiation spell, a sacred rite that marks the completion of the initiate's journey to followership. In the wake of this ritual, an offer is often extended to the new follower—a chance to embark on the daunting and revered path to join the clergy. This offer is a testament to the initiate's dedication and potential, though not all choose to accept it.
It is said that during their year of contemplation, the true call of Bahamut whispers to the initiate, guiding those destined for the church. Regardless of their choice, the new followers are expected to return to their communities, carrying with them the teachings of Bahamut, ready to apply his dogma in their daily lives, spreading his light and wisdom wherever they go.