Kazarak

“Lies are the plague that poisons the wells of our civilization”

Kazarak is one of the 5 Ancestral Dragons, the direct descendants of Tiamat and Gods of The Ruumush Amat, the predominant faith amongst members of The Draconid Strain. He is most commonly associated with Commerce, Wealth, Craftsmanship, Law, Bureaucracy and Politics.

Depiction:

Kazarak is most commonly depicted as a lengthy, sleek and serpentine, golden dragon, covered from head to tail in immaculate golden scales. He has 4 legs and no wings, capable of keeping his massive body afloat even without them. His Head bears 2 regal, golden antlers and a magnificent golden mane, and his long tail ends in a switch of long golden hair, similar to his mane.
Despite his physical appearance often being described as far less vicious and imposing than some of his siblings, Kazarak is usually depicted in a tall, upright position, looking down upon the world and his worshippers, which lends him an air of authority.

Personality:

Kazarak has many titles, but few of them do The Golden Orator justice. Some sources describe Kazarak as a cruel and greedy, a corrupt money grubber whose allegiance is easily bought. Meanwhile other sources describe him as a paragon of virtue, loyal to a fault, safeguarding the world and stopping it from descending into lawlessness with his watchful gaze.
The truth, as so often, lies probably somewhere between the two extremes.
The stories of The Ruumush Amat describe Kazarak as a mostly emotionless, impartial Judge. One who rarely intervenes on the side of the righteous, but always punishes the wicked, though as the master of commerce, he is inclined to aid those righteous in their cause, who can offer him a big enough reward.
While other Ancestral Dragons often bear some kind of flaw or blemish on their divine being, none of them are characterized by it as much as Kazarak is by his most fatal flaw: Greed. There are numerous stories of Kazarak, the Keeper and Enforcer of Divine Law, overlooking certain transgressions for a tantalizing bribe. It goes without saying that these stories usually end in disaster one way or another.
Some Theologians see this characterization as political commentary, stating that: “The words of the Law may be written in letters gold, but it still is blind to silver”

Relations:

The relationship between Kazarak and Tiamat is rather reserved. He manages the affairs of the Mortal Realm on her behalf and enforces her will, but rarely interacts with her unless he has to.

Kazarak rarely engages with Neneth as he neither requires nor wants oversight or help in performing his duties, in some stories and texts it is additionally stated that he finds Neneth’s sometimes overbearing nature offputting.

The Idealistic and uncompromising Amarosh often calls Kazaraks judgment into question, stating that his gaze is far too easily blinded by the mortal realms riches to be its impartial judge. Meanwhile Kazarak calls Amarosh an overly emotional brute, who’s rash decisions have caused the world far more harm than good.

Ruu avoids interacting with Kazarak if she can help it.

One would expect that Kazarak, who is in charge of righteous law and order, would not get along well with Samaron the Trickster. Trickster that he is however, Samaron has learned that a well-placed bribe is worth more to Kazarak than meaningless words of apology, as such the two get along just fine.

Followers and Worship:

Kazarak by his very nature has few dedicated worshippers, mostly judges, wealthy merchants and mercenaries. He is however often invoked by non-dedicated followers, either for luck in risky business ventures, for forgiveness for minor transgressions against the law or to sanctify a binding agreement, such as a contract.
Kazarak is very particular about the way in which his prayers and offerings are to be conducted. Prayers and sermons must follow a rigid structure, with long uninterrupted rituals and end in an offering, which always consists of precious metals, gemstones, or products of fine craftsmanship. An insufficient offering risks angering the Lawbringer.

Tenets:

Law is Paramount: “Law is what holds our people together and what grants us legitimacy over the lawless barbarians of distant lands. As such, to uphold and to maintain the laws of our people is paramount, and to undermine or circumvent them is the gravest sin one can commit.”
Commerce is Vital: “Trade and coin are the lifeblood of civilization and the driving force of progress. To facilitate it, and punish those that would impede it, must be the goal of any that would call themselves my champion.”
Punish the Wicked: “Under my watchful gaze, no lie shall stay unquestioned, and no crime shall go unpunished.”

Titles and Aliases:

The Lawbringer
The Lord of Commerce
The Golden Orator
The Taskmaster
The Lord of Greed
He who keeps the World afloat