The Cult of the Dragon

Lore & Background

The Cult of the Dragon is a fictional organization from the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, not The Riftwar Saga. In that setting, they are rooted in the deep history of Malaz Island, believing that dragons were gods whose fall was a tragedy that must be undone. Their theology drives them to commit atrocities, including human sacrifice and desecration of sacred sites, in service of summoning their sleeping masters. However, within the world of Midkemia—the setting of The Riftwar Saga—no such cult exists, and references to Malaz Island or the Malazan Empire are entirely out of place.

Reader's Guide

The Cult operates under a hierarchical structure led by High Priests who interpret the will of the dragons. These leaders often possess significant magical abilities or deep knowledge of ancient draconic lore. Their military capabilities rely less on traditional formations and more on shock tactics, using fanatical zealots and summoned creatures to overwhelm opponents. Politically, their goal during the Riftwar was to destabilize human kingdoms to create chaos favorable for dragon resurrection.

They frequently clashed with internal factions that disagreed on methods, leading to purges within their own ranks. Some members sought direct confrontation, while others preferred subtle manipulation of political figures. By the saga's end, the Cult suffered significant losses due to the failure of key rituals and the intervention of heroes like Dujek Onearm and his allies. While not entirely destroyed, their influence waned as the dragons remained dormant, leaving them a scattered but dangerous remnant.

Did You Know?

• In the Malazan series, the Cult believes dragons are gods unjustly defeated by mortals and uses human sacrifice to fuel rituals.
• No such cult or location like Malaz Island appears in the works of Raymond E. Feist.