The Eternal Suzerain was a reincarnating draconic god, both a minor divinity and the ruler of the Sangiran Empire. Though the last incarnation of the Suzerain died in Y9606* without leaving a clear reincarnation, some in Kea Racha still believe their divine overlord will return once again.
Description
Born for the first time around Y3700*, there were six incarnations of the Eternal Suzerain. All were imperial dragons, though not all were of the same species.
- Naga Pandaran (sovereign dragon) - ~Y3700* to ~Y4800*
- Lahiri Lati (underworld dragon) - ~Y4800* to Y5848*
- Naga Pyanlan (sky dragon) - Y5848* to Y7198*
- Shiko (sea dragon) - Y7198* to Y8000*
- Sekali Viri (sovereign dragon) - Y8000* to Y9002*
- Menjelma (sky dragon) - Y9002* to Y9606*
Though the body of each incarnation of the Eternal Suzerain was a vessel for the same soul, the full memories and personality of the Suzerain did not continue after death. Each incarnation was able to glimpse minor aspects of their past lives, though not in great detail.
As every incarnation was distinct in character, the Eternal Suzerain also adopted a “personal name” for the duration of each life. These were chosen by the Suzerain themself.
Though their appearance varied, every Suzerain has had a distinctive mark somewhere on their scales, visible as soon as they hatched. This infinity sign-shaped symbol was used by the high priests of the Suzerain to find the new incarnation after the Suzerain was reborn.
Divinity
Despite being a singular deity, the exact domains of the Eternal Suzerain varied over time. Each incarnation was concerned with different matters, which was then reflected in the spells granted to their followers.
Role in the Empire
The Eternal Suzerain served as both the religious and political leader of the Sangiran Empire, a philosopher-king responsible for their people's spiritual and physical welfare. From their palace in New Era, they oversaw the construction and establishment of long-lasting infrastructure and institutions, including the agricultural megaprojects of Langkha, the immense shipyards of Lelwani, the dragon-courts of Vua Ran, and the networks of roads and canals that connect the many great cities of Kea Racha. The Suzerain's plans and designs for their Empire were measured in centuries if not millennia, long-term works that would guide the Empire for generations.
Rituals
The reincarnation of the Eternal Suzerain is not immediately guaranteed. Instead, upon death the mortal soul of the Suzerain would enter the cycle of souls, to perhaps eventually make its way back to the Material Plane in another body once again. This is impossible to predict, and the Suzerain could return in any form at any time.
To ensure continuity, every incarnation of the Eternal Suzerain, aside from the last, has performed the ritual of Divine Transmigration instead of allowing the natural movement of the soul to take place. By doing so, the Suzerain and their assistant priests can ensure rebirth will occur nearly immediately and in a specific body. Though not necessarily required, the Suzerain has always chosen to reincarnate in a draconic form, usually by targeting a specific clutch of eggs.
At the passing of an auspicious date, each incarnation has performed the Divine Transmigration in hopes of returning in an even more powerful physical form.
The exact details of Divine Transmigration are known only to the Suzerain and the senior-most of their priests - since Y9606*, this information has continued to be passed down within the church.
After being reincarnated, the Eternal Suzerain was not immediately able to assume their position as ruler of the Sangiran Empire. Until that time, generally a matter of years, the Suzerain’s priests served as regents, continuing to follow the decrees of the previous incarnation. Additionally, the priests assisted the young Suzerain in learning their past history.
The death of one incarnation and the rebirth of the next was cause for great celebration within the Sangiran Empire. In addition to the religious meaning, these events also symbolized the rejuvenation of the Empire and new hopes for the future.
Location of worship
Historically almost all of the Eternal Suzerain's worshipers lived within the territory of the Sangiran Empire, and the majority of those within the Empire worshiped the god. In modern times, followers of the Eternal Suzerain have splintered since the god's most recent death in Y9606*. The faiths of most have been fractured to the degree that they no longer believe in the incarnate divinity of the god, and they have therefore lost the ability to gain divine spells and other boons from their worship. A very small number of those that venerate the Suzerain, however, have retained their faith, and continue to pray and receive divine blessings in return. Others largely view them as worshipers of some hidden false god, as clearly the Suzerain is dead, and they are shunned from Kea Rachan religious life and sometimes society as a result.
Holy text
The Eternal Suzerain's holy text is the Recount of the Ages, a miles long scroll that recounts the entire history of all past incarnations. When the Suzerain is alive, the holy text was a living document, continually added to on a day to day basis by specially trained and selected priests. Housed deep within the vaults of the Divine Palace in New Era, a special mechanism was developed to allow priests to easily read and update the massive document.