The Obsidian Scale

The Obsidian Scale is a clandestine cult dedicated to the revival of the "First Brood"—the ancient, near-godlike dragons who ruled Aethervale before the Age of Ruin. While dragons still exist in the world, the cult believes they have become weak and complacent, having abandoned their rightful place as the world's apex sovereigns.

The Prophecy of the Ash-King

The cult's core belief centers on the return of Ignis-Kaan the Ash-King, a colossal red dragon said to be slumbering beneath the volcanic peaks of the North. They believe that by weakening the Aether-wards that protect the continents, they can awaken the Ash-King and usher in a new "Age of Fire," where the unworthy will be purged and the world reborn.

Structure

• The Wyrm-Speakers: High priests who claim to receive direct telepathic commands from the slumbering First Brood. They are often powerful sorcerers with draconic bloodlines.
• The Claws: The cult's assassins and saboteurs. They utilize poisons derived from dragon-blood and weapons forged in volcanic vents.
• The Scaled: Initiates who undergo painful rituals to graft dragon scales onto their skin, believing it brings them closer to divinity.

Influence

The Obsidian Scale has infiltrated many levels of society, from lowly miners in Steamfort to high-ranking officials in the Grand Arcane Bank. They are particularly active near volcanic regions and ancient draconic ruins. They are currently suspected of being behind the "volcanic activity" that spurred the Giantfolk Incursions in 420 AW.