Buthenth, Lady of the Red

Buthenth, known as the Lady of the Red, is an ancient and powerful Great Wyrm Red Dragon revered by the orcs of the Cholgrud Basin in Tornok. Dwelling beneath the Orcish Temple of Drurgodh Dhu, she is both a fearsome deity and a cunning manipulator. Her scales, a deep crimson reminiscent of molten lava, glisten with an inner fire, while her eyes burn with intense, penetrating heat. Known for her fierce intelligence, Buthenth weaves intricate schemes and demands absolute loyalty, rewarding devotion with power and punishing defiance with swift retribution. She embodies the essence of fire, her presence inspiring both awe and dread.
== Backstory ==
Buthenth, known as the Lady of the Red, is an ancient and powerful Great Wyrm Red Dragon. Her legend stretches back millennia, with origins steeped in both awe and terror. Born in the heart of a volcanic mountain range, Buthenth quickly grew in power and influence, amassing a vast hoard of treasures from fallen kingdoms and defeated adversaries. Her fiery breath laid waste to armies and her cunning mind outwitted even the most strategic of foes.
Centuries ago, Buthenth formed a symbiotic relationship with the orcs of the Cholgrud Basin, who revered her as a deity. Recognizing their fierce loyalty and martial prowess, she allowed them to construct the Temple of Drurgodh Dhu over her subterranean lair. In return for their worship and tributes of gold, gems, and sacrifices, Buthenth provided them with protection, power, and occasional assistance in their battles. The temple became a central hub of Orcish culture and spirituality, with Buthenth at its heart as both a god and a guardian.
== Appearance ==
Buthenth is a sight of terrifying magnificence. Her scales are a deep, iridescent crimson, resembling molten lava cooled into hardened rock, yet glimmering with an inner fire. Her massive wings, spanning over a hundred feet, are bat-like and translucent, glowing faintly with a fiery hue. Long, curved horns of ebony crown her head, and her eyes are burning coals, radiating an intense and penetrating gaze.
Her muscular body is adorned with spiked ridges along her spine, and her talons are as sharp as obsidian blades. The air around her shimmers with heat, distorting her form and creating an aura of dread. Despite her size and fearsome appearance, Buthenth moves with a grace and fluidity that belie her bulk, a testament to her immense power and agility.
== Personality ==
Buthenth embodies the very essence of fire: she is fierce, passionate, and utterly relentless. Her intelligence is matched only by her cruelty; she delights in the suffering of her enemies and revels in the destruction she causes. However, Buthenth is not without a sense of honor and loyalty. To the orcs of the Cholgrud Basin, she is a revered protector and a symbol of ultimate power.
She is cunning and manipulative, often using her vast knowledge and experience to influence events to her advantage. Buthenth enjoys playing the long game, weaving intricate plots and schemes that span decades or even centuries. Her temper is legendary; to invoke her wrath is to court certain death. However, she is also capable of great patience, waiting for the perfect moment to strike or reveal her plans.
In her interactions with the orcs, Buthenth is both a stern ruler and a benevolent goddess. She demands absolute loyalty and respect, rewarding those who serve her well with power and favor, while punishing those who defy her with swift and merciless retribution. Despite her fearsome nature, she holds a deep respect for strength and courage, often testing her followers to ensure they are worthy of her protection.
== The Temple of Drurgodh Dhu ==
The Temple of Drurgodh Dhu, nestled within the dense tropical rainforests of the Cholgrud Basin, is a grand and imposing structure. Built directly over Buthenth's subterranean lair, it is a place of reverence and mystery. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and statues depicting the dragon in all her glory, with vast halls illuminated by the flickering light of eternal flames.
The orcs of the temple serve as both warriors and priests, dedicating their lives to the worship and service of Buthenth. The temple holds many secrets, guarded fiercely by its inhabitants, and is said to contain hidden chambers filled with ancient relics and powerful artifacts bestowed upon the orcs by Buthenth herself.
In the heart of the temple, a grand altar stands as the focal point of their worship, where rituals and sacrifices are performed in honor of the Lady of the Red. It is here that Buthenth's influence is most strongly felt, a palpable presence that inspires both awe and fear in all who enter.