Daelyrian Mysticism

Daelyrian Mysticism refers to mystical practices and theory within Draconism and other daelyrian spiritual groups. Mysticism is not so much a doctrine as a method of thought. It has often been connected to mystical theology, especially in various sects, mostly originating from the region of Illeryon but also other places in the daelyrian cultural sphere. The attributes and means by which Daelyrian mysticism is studied and practiced are varied. They range from ecstatic visions of the soul's mystical union with divine spirits and interaction with the gods to simple prayerful contemplation of holy scripture and philosophical principles.

Illeryan Mysticism
The city of Illerya has historically not only been the center of traditional daelyrian and draconist culture, but also united many different cultural movements, daelyrian and foreign, inside its walls. As such many sects and mystic groups have sprung up in this metropolitan area.

Lyndaelosytes - A small enclosed sect of draconist mystics in Illeryon who believe drinking the blood mixed with the ashes of the deceased gives them their power. Some speculate these rituals might be related to vampirism.

Vanorytes - A now presumably extinct sect of illeryan extremist with a prophetic brutal leader that is known to have sacrificed a whole orphanage and several nearby buildings in an attempt to wake a dragon beneath the tower of Shadows. Generally regarded as a heretic cult.

Dracahaenorytes - A controversial sect of radicalist who believe that dragons should be hunted as a way of honouring the gods. Shortly after their founding they were outlawed in Daelyria and soon disappeared into irrelevancy, tho some speculate they were responsible for the deaths of some of the last daelyrian wyverns. It is unknown if they had any success in other countries, but it is unlikely, though there have been accounts of a very similar group in Aurlunor around the same time. They are deemed corrupted heretics by the Church of Draconism and are often seen as an example of how blind zealousness can turn into heresy.

Daelmaegi - A small group of Mages and Mystics whose are said to practive a form of necromany involving "ash zombies". Their existence and more specifically that of their magic is disputed

Aphelytes
The Aphelytes are a controversial sect in Draconism. It is practiced mainly in Elesgate, the town that originated the sect, after the Voidborn invasion in Rathnir. The main focus of the Aphelytes practices is on the exorcism of living beings and places that were corrupted by the Voidborns. The reason that the Aphelytes are a controversial sect is due to them rejecting the divinity of Balerion, the god of death, some even considering him to be a demon with the objective to destroy Rathnir.

Gaelidism
Professional Gaelidism is most commonly practiced to Dragonblooded demigods who are immune to fire and can use pyrochenisis to control fire. The effect can be emulated alchemically using a solution of magma cream and netherwart mixed in water under extreme temperatures. Amateur gaelidists can be found all over Daelyria and often travel to foreign places to work as fire performancers for a living.

Known Gaelidists:
-King Unburnt Blackfyre the first: First King of Daelyria, Aestyria, Arcovel and the Varandoy-Aestyrian Kingdom, Unburnt got his name from his Gaelidist abilities, which he inherited from his parents. He proved his powers at his coronation 15/10/2021.

Lynmaegan
TO BE CHANGED Blood magic is a much more complex system, practices in many parts of Rathnir and Eldham under different names. The practice originated in their ancient capital and with the mythical hero Illyax Ashborn who used the blood of one of his sisters to make the sword Dark Sister. This bound the soul of the donor to the object, and based on the donor's personality and the texture of their soul along with the intent of the Blood Mage can produce many effects. The soul is completely reshaped in some instances to give an impression of speech to the weapon or object.

Terminology
The terminology is:

-Donor: the person's or persons' blood being used to forge the item

-Blood Mage/Binder: the person performing the ritual of the Blood Binding.

-Focus: the object or weapon which blood magic is being performed on, like a sword or key.

-Commandment: the thought or idea given by the Binder onto the Focus.

-Will: the stronger Will of the Binder, the clearer the Commandment will be. A Binder of strong will may be able to use the souls of dozens or even hundreds of Donors on their Focus.

-Binding: the action of creating a Focus.

Examples of Blood Magi in the world:
-Lord Commander Augustino Synderys: leader of the royal guard of Aestyria, Augustino Synderys is said to be one of the greatest Blood Mages in the world, as showcased by his forging of his sword, the Commander's Will, and serving as Vhagar's Rhaes Aeuthu in the Binding of Vhagar's Key during the Ascension of his cousin, Dusk Synderys the Aenyn's key, a high position in Draconism. Read more here.

-In Luthurn blood magic is very prominent.