Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 EnderXenocide0 Sep 12, 2012 9:54:31	So one of my players is a Seren barbarian, named Vesh, who managed to kill a dragon that was corrupted by Tiamat. The dragons take note of this and decide to use Vesh as both an experiment and a tool. Using newly-developed magic, they transform him into the first Dragonborn (I'm playing 3.5) and task him with tracking down an individual, new breed of Spawn of Tiamat (this one is essentially an evil Dragonborn), that escaped Argonessen. Now, Vesh feels as though he's been commanded by his gods to perform a holy mission. Over the course of the campaign, I'd like to try to get Vesh to realize that dragons aren't gods... but I don't know how to go about this. He encountered Vyssilthar in the Lhazaar Principalities. I used her to insinuate that she knew dragons weren't gods, but was in no position to upset the Chamber by outright telling Vesh this. Nor do I believe that would have been enough. Instead, she tried to stress the importance of the Draconic Prophecy as something that is of higher importance than even dragons themselves. So, what events do you think should occur in the campaign to facilitate this train of thought?
#2 areleth Sep 12, 2012 20:40:36	Maybe you should explore why he thinks of the Dragons as gods in the first place, and work to deconstruct the image from there. Giving examples of individual dragons being overpowered (Sora Maenya wrestling and then devouring a dragon comes to mind) to show him that they aren't so powerful (individually) as the legends of his people describe. You could possibly set him against rogue dragons who are working against the Chamber. Proving himself stronger or superior to these 'Gods' might help overcome the awe that the legends of the Seren have likely left in him. Maybe focus on the idea that his picture of dragons came from legends his people pass along, and not actual interaction. Maybe you could even flesh out certain stories that he heard and tries to live up to, and show that they were exaggerated or outright fabricated. Using the Prophecy is a good way to undercut their status as Gods in the first place of course, because it is the literal source of their power in the first place. Or their ability to understand and use their power, at least. Using the Prophecy himself could lessen his image of the dragons as Gods because he'll understand them more.
#3 EnderXenocide0 Sep 12, 2012 21:39:28	The main issue I have is that it's not merely legends that give the dragons a god-like status in Seren culture. Each tribe has its patron dragon, which has interacted with the tribe. They see dragons. The Dragonspeakers meet with dragons from time to time. They have a tangible presence and enough powerful magic that can't be replicated by the rest of Eberron to back up their claims. I think the Prophecy is likely the best route to take, since it will become a focus of this campaign in time.