Finn's sudden mention of the Cult of the Dragon sparked a new line of thought in Lynn's mind. Indeed, who said that a religion must have a deity? In a place like Faerûn, anything is possible.
If one were to set aside the notions of good and evil, the religions of Faerûn can be divided into three distinct types. The first category comprises the most established religions: those that worship genuine deities, regardless of how peculiar their doctrines may be. This is the most common form, with both Bane and Lathander, despite their opposing natures, fitting into this classification as legitimate faiths.
The second category, represented by Lynn's own belief system, worships not a recognized deity but rather powerful entities such as demons, devils, or elemental lords. These religions are predominantly malevolent, and their objects of worship are seldom true gods. However, due to the considerable power of these entities, they are able to bestow divine spells; thus, while they may lack official standing, their effectiveness remains largely consistent—provided one overlooks the fact that their adherents are often embroiled in chaos and constantly hunted.
The final category is particularly distinctive: these religions not only lack a god but also have no entity willing to respond to their prayers. In Faerûn, one might find worshippers of entropy, certain magical creatures, or even magical weapons, all falling into this classification. Such groups can hardly be considered cults, as they cannot bestow divine magic—what value do they hold?
Notably, the widely known Cult of the Dragon belongs to this category. Despite possessing a sophisticated theoretical framework, a formidable leader, and the unique ability to create powerful dracoliches, they lack an actual god. They believe in the dominion of dragons over the world after death, revering a concept they themselves invented. Yet, this belief stems from Samaster's interpretation of prophecy, rather than any reality, resembling the ravings of a mad wizard—lacking any semblance of legitimacy.
Nevertheless, such a religion has inexplicably gained popularity in Faerûn. After all, the Cult of the Dragon, while devoid of a god, can indeed produce potent dracoliches. Armed with sufficient power, what significance does the absence of a true deity hold?
"If the Cult of the Dragon is involved, that would certainly create a profound enmity with the Church of the Dawnbringer. But how did you come to suspect them? I cannot recall any legends linking the Cult of the Dragon with vampires."
While the enmity between the Cult and Lathander is well-documented, Lynn was perplexed as to why Finn had suddenly thought of them.
"I have never heard such a legend, either, but from the beginning, I have found the actions of the vampires perplexing. They are seeking an artifact here, but why pursue an artifact associated with the Dawnbringer? Moreover, the Church of the Dawnbringer does not possess any particularly valuable artifacts—the few they do have are akin to mere daylight bulbs, costing only 150 gold pieces. Why would they spend a century in pursuit of something so trivial?"
Finn's perspective was somewhat colored by personal grievances; the disdain that Bane's priests have for the Church of Lathander had become habitual. Yet, there was an underlying truth to his words: most of Lathander's artifacts are tied to light, rendering them nearly useless to vampires. If, by chance, they did acquire one, they might consider experimenting with its use, but dedicating a century to its pursuit seems rather excessive.
"Let us say, for the sake of argument, that they are indeed searching for Lathander's artifact. However, the vampires would certainly be at a disadvantage against a priest of Lathander. Would they truly risk everything for an artifact of questionable utility that they have not yet found? Their actions seem extreme, suggesting that the artifact must be of great importance, which only raises my suspicions."
Finn, being a priest, possessed a keen mind and a deep focus on matters of faith and divinity, which led him to identify the inconsistencies.
"I pondered the situation and suspect we might both be making a small mistake. The Church of the Dawnbringer claims to seek an artifact, and the vampires assert they have been here for a hundred years in pursuit of it. However, while the Dawnbringer seeks an artifact lost during the Time of Tethyamar, might the vampires be searching for something entirely different? Have you considered that they could be after a completely different artifact?"
"Is Dagger Valley so affluent that it boasts a second artifact?"
"Quite possibly," Finn responded, his demeanor earnest. "I attempted to set aside the influence of the Lathander party and consider what the vampires truly seek. The events of the Time of Tethyamar are mere legend, which is why the Church of Lathander has come to find the artifact. So, what other related legends might exist here? It did not take long for me to think of the Cult of the Dragon—more specifically, Samaster."
"Samaster has been dead for many years."
"Indeed, but upon his death, Samaster made meticulous arrangements. He ordered his loyal followers to carry his phylactery to the Mountains of Desolation to assist in his resurrection. This information is highly reliable, as during his lifetime, the Cult of the Dragon was effectively managed by priests of the Dark Lord, and these details were gleaned from within the Cult itself."
Finn did not shy away from revealing how Bane's church had infiltrated the Cult of the Dragon to manipulate events. To them, such subterfuge was a mark of success; usurping another's power was an achievement in their eyes.
"But where did this plan go awry?"
"On their journey to the Mountains of Desolation, his loyal followers encountered members of the Zhentarim. The Zhentarim ambushed his followers, resulting in significant casualties, and that lone follower fled, never to be heard from again. Yet, the belief persisted that Samaster's phylactery lay hidden within the mountains; whoever found it could resurrect him and reap great rewards."
While the Church of Bane had supported the Cult of the Dragon, their ambition to resurrect Samaster was thwarted by the interference of the Zhentarim… It must be said that the infighting within Castle Santeel had far-reaching consequences.
With this understanding, Lynn saw the matter more clearly: the vampires might not be searching for an artifact of Lathander at all, but rather for Samaster's phylactery. Upon learning that the Lathander party had also come to seek an artifact, they likely assumed that these newcomers were also in pursuit of the phylactery, which ignited their wrath: Lathander had already slain Samaster, and now they sought to destroy his phylactery! Such relentless pursuit would undoubtedly provoke the ire of the vampires.
Thus, they felt compelled to fight for it, as they could not relinquish Samaster's phylactery without a struggle.
"So, the vampires are not after the Dawnbringer's artifact, but rather seeking Samaster's phylactery… Are they truly referring to the phylactery as an artifact? Can that even be considered an artifact?"
"No, the phylactery may not count, but the items associated with it certainly do. Samaster's loyal follower not only bore the phylactery but also took with him something that Samaster valued above all else: the Tome of Dragons—its worth even surpasses that of the phylactery itself."