Nelashra, the Sunfire Sovereign

Demigod, Dragon Ascendant of Flame and Restoration

Domains: Life, Light

Nelashra is one of the Five Dragon Ascendants. She is associated with healing flame, protection, and rebuilding after loss.

Her followers tend the injured and aid communities recovering from war, disaster, or other destruction, particularly where people have been left without shelter or support.

Symbol

Nelashra's symbol is a dragon claw cradling an upright flame.

The claw marks her as one of the Five Ascendants. The flame represents the restorative fire for which she is known.

Red and gold are most closely associated with her.

Depictions

Nelashra is depicted as a red dragon with broad wings and horns sweeping back from her skull. Gold bands decorate her horns and forelimbs, sometimes set with violet stones.

Her fire is usually shown in shades of gold and orange. In religious art, it may pass over the wounded without harming them.

She is also commonly depicted sheltering others beneath her wings.

Origin and Ascension

Nelashra was among the dragons who fought in the final battle of the Dawn War.

Following the defeat of the Primordial Titans, portions of their immense power were bestowed upon Nelashra and four other dragons, transforming them into the Five Dragon Ascendants. The three giant Jarls received portions of that power as well.

Traditions surrounding Nelashra after the war increasingly emphasize the restorative qualities of her flame, particularly its use in tending wounds and protecting survivors.

Worship and Practice

Nelashra is worshipped primarily among Dragonborn, especially throughout the Aldramar Isles. Dragons and others with draconic ancestry also honor her.

Io and Ao, remembered as the first dragons, hold an older place in Dragonborn religious tradition. Some prayers acknowledge the twins before turning to Nelashra.

Her name is commonly invoked when treating serious injuries or helping people recover after disaster. Offerings often take the form of direct aid, including medicine, food, shelter, or labor given to someone who has lost their home or livelihood.

Protective vows are also common. Those who make them accept responsibility for another person's safety or care until that duty has been fulfilled.

The Five Great Clans

Clan Arkheon invokes Nelashra in oaths concerning the safety of others, while Aegeron maintains traditions around the care of the wounded.

Rhogadan often connects her teachings with repair and restoration. Astranax includes her in rites concerning severe injury, while Kaelenvex invokes her when restitution is required after a dispute has caused lasting harm.

Nelashra and the Dragonborn

Nelashra later joined the other Ascendants in the creation of the Dragonborn.

Stories of her healing flame remain common among them. Accounts disagree on the severity of the wounds it could mend, but consistently describe the fire passing harmlessly over those she intended to heal.

The present whereabouts of the Five Ascendants are unknown. Many Dragonborn believe they still travel Eldareth in Dragonborn guise, concealing their identities and power.

Tenets

• Do not leave the wounded behind while they can still be saved.

• Treat the injured before celebrating victory.

• Protect those placed in your care.

• Repair what can still be used.

• Give shelter and food to those who have lost theirs.

• Stay until those depending on you are safe.

• Use fire to warm, heal, and defend as readily as you use it to fight.