The Crimson Catechism

"One drop of blood. One life without end."

🔴 The Gift of Blood

• The Dragons are eternal, and through their blood, so are we.

• You have been chosen, not cursed. You will never wither, never sicken, never fade.

• Hunger is the price of power. Drink, and you endure.

🛡 The Hierarchy of Night

• The Ancients are the Firstborn, whose will is law.

• The Elders are their hands, who guide and command.

• The Broodspawn are the fangs, who strike and feed.

• The Thralls are the faithful, who serve and obey.

Every servant is sacred. Every rank has its purpose. Obedience ensures survival.

🌑 The Edict of Shadows

• Walk unseen. The world above does not know us and must not know.

• Let your neighbors laugh at “old myths.” Their blindness is our shield.

• When you feed, leave no trace but whispers. Fear is a finer chain than steel.

🩸 The Ritual of Hunger

• Drink only as you are commanded.

• To feed without leave is to dishonor the blood that birthed you.

• Starvation is a lesson. Obedience is the cure.

🔥 The Eternal Promise

• The Dragons slumber, but their time will come.

• When they rise, the faithful will rule beside them.

• The weak will burn. The strong will feast.

"You are no longer human. You are Scale-born. You are eternal."

The Rite of First Blood

"Kneel, mortal. Rise, Scale-born."

Setting

The rite is performed in underground sanctums — abandoned subway halls, sealed-off catacombs, or hidden basements beneath cult fronts like clubs or the Athenaeum. The chamber is lit only by crimson candles and faint bioluminescent veins of dragon ichor painted along the walls.

At the center stands a stone or steel altar engraved with draconic glyphs. A bowl of ichor sits upon it, glowing faintly like molten ruby.

Steps of the Rite

1. The Offering of Flesh

The initiate is cut across the palm or chest by an Elder Broodspawn’s claw. Their blood drips into the ichor bowl.

• “Blood for Blood. Life for Life.” is chanted by the gathered Broodspawn.

This binds their mortal life to the Cult — a symbolic surrender of humanity.

2. The Draught of Scales

The Elder mixes a single drop of dragon ichor into the initiate’s blood and forces them to drink.

• The mixture burns like fire and ice at once. Veins light up faintly red beneath their skin.

• If they survive the convulsions, they rise as a Thrall. If they fail, their body withers and is quietly discarded.

3. The Catechism Recital

The new Thrall is made to repeat the Crimson Catechism aloud, word for word, sealing their vows. Any hesitation is punished with more cuts, forcing them to speak through bloodied lips.

• “I am no longer human. I am Scale-born. I am eternal.”

4. The Veil of Shadows

The initiate’s first command: commit an act of secrecy and loyalty.

• Some are ordered to erase all trace of their past life — burning old IDs, destroying family photos, cutting ties with loved ones.

• Others are commanded to spill blood immediately — often a captured victim presented at the rite.

Only after obedience are they branded as Thrall.

5. The Marking

A claw is drawn lightly across their throat or chest, leaving a scar that never fully heals — a reminder of who owns their body.

The gathered Broodspawn then chant:

• “One drop of blood. One life without end.”

The Thrall is now part of the Cult.

Outcome

• Most initiates leave trembling, drunk on fear and power.

• Some feel regret — but the hunger always comes, binding them tighter.

• The most promising ones are carefully watched, and occasionally chosen for full Broodspawn ascension through more ichor infusion.