Topaz Drake

The Topaz Drake, also known as the Sunlight Dragon, is one of the five Divine Drakes that served as retainers to the gods. The Topaz Drake served The Dancer, but believes himself to be equally worthy of worship. He values strength and passion above all else, and these are the core tenants of the cult dedicated to him.

## Topaz Drake

### Relatives

The Dancer (master)Moonstone Drake (older sister)Quartz Drake (older brother)Emerald Drake (younger sibling)Amethyst Drake (younger sibling)

### Occupation

Divine Retainer (formally)Master of the Brotherhood of the Golden Horn

## Appearance

The Topaz Drake is the largest of his order, and quadrupedal. He is roughly the size of a barn, with his tough yellow hide covered by shining golden fur. Several prominent horns sprout from his head and back, and his feet sport large, wicked claws. In the age of the gods, the Topaz Drake was able to unfurl great leathery wings from his back to enable flight. In the current era, he is unable to tap into the energy of his patron deity, and remains bound to the earth. As a result of this waning power, mortals sometimes see him as a large golden bull.

## Personality

Incredibly proud, the Topaz Drake believes himself to be the strongest being on the planet. He respects only those with strength, passion, and skill, and believes that none can match him on these fronts. Even in the early days of creation, the Topaz Drake refused to rely upon the kobold servants employed by his kin. He carried out all tasks personally, and took on foes singlehandedly.

Despite his proud nature, the Topaz Drake is not delusional in his arrogance. To this day he holds great admiration for his departed master, the Dancer, and believes the gods to be the only beings to surpass the Drakes in strength. Were a creature to best him in combat, he would certainly afford them the respect they have earned, albeit begrudgingly. He once challenged his eldest sister, the Moonstone Dragon, to a duel. He won this encounter, but part of him cannot help but recognize that his sister seemed to be holding back...

Unlike his brethren, the Topaz Drake does not hide his divine nature from mortal eyes. Quite the opposite, the Topaz Drake travels the world making great displays of strength to ignite adoration and respect in mortal hearts. While he believes mortals to be inherently lesser, he nevertheless respects their attempts at strength, and provides boons to warriors willing to fight against overwhelming odds. For those unwilling or unable to fight, he believes that they should worship their betters; in this case, him.

## Brotherhood of the Golden Horn

The travels and exploits of the Topaz Drake have not gone unnoticed by the populace, and tales of his might are spread as legend across the world. Travel to any warriors guild, and you can find rumors of the great Golden Beast. In more hushed whispers, some claim that those who challenge this beast and return alive gain incredible strength. Very few who attempt to find the beast succeed. Those who challenge the Topaz Drake, and display any form of cowardice, are struck down. Mortals who demonstrate great courage, or great deference, are rewarded.

The Topaz Drake accepts these challengers into his retinue, a cult of combat and worship known as the Brotherhood of the Golden Horn. Members of this Brotherhood spend their days clashing with the Topaz Drake and each other, training their body and mind. In battle, their blood mixes with that of their master, and each day they gain more and more of his strength. For those too weak in the martial arts to fight, cultists may demonstrate devotion to their lord in other ways, drinking of his essence in a similar display of fortitude and endurance.

Members are allowed to depart with this strength on the condition that they seek out great foes, and spread word of the Drake's might. Those who remain, however, slowly begin to take on more aspects of the Topaz Drake. Muscles swell, scales and fur spread slowly across the body, nails length into claws, horns sprout from flesh. Emboldened by the ecstasy of blood and passion, cultists transform into kobolds devoted to their lord. While the Topaz Drake refuses the assistance of kobolds in his work, he delights in their worship.