Topaz Dragon
Basic Information
Anatomy
Their body shape is wider at the haunches and tapers in a wedge shape towards the head. The dragon's wings are designed for propulsion both in the air and underwater. A key aspect of their identity, their psionic power, manifests visibly in the gem-like spines that run in a ridge from the crown of the head to the tip of the tail. These spines are not fixed but hover above a living topaz dragon’s back, moving and shifting with the dragon’s mood.
Ecology and Habitats
Topaz dragons prefer to inhabit coastal environments and brackish marshes. Despite their ability to swim and their favorite food being giant squid, they have a deep-seated dislike for water. They often make their lairs where the sea meets the land, usually selecting areas where the constant action of waves and tides slowly erodes the land into gravel. Their lairs often feature flooded tunnels as secure entrances, despite which the interior chambers are kept meticulously dry. They enjoy basking on rocky outcrops under the wind, sea spray, and crashing waves, where they can keep an eye out for prey. Their chosen habitats often overlap with those of bronze dragons, leading to frequent territorial disputes.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Topaz dragons are carnivorous creatures with a distinctive preference for marine diets, specifically favoring giant squid. Despite their dislike for being in water, they willingly dive deep into the ocean in search of their preferred prey. This hunt is often followed by complaints about being wet, but the satisfaction of a hearty meal appears to outweigh their discomfort. Beyond giant squid, they will also consume other forms of marine life and occasionally land-based animals, especially in the absence of their favored food source. Feeding times for a topaz dragon are largely influenced by hunger rather than a set schedule, leading to varied meal patterns.
Behaviour
Topaz dragons are generally unsociable and selfish, preferring to live in solitude near the sea. They often come into violent conflict with bronze dragons over shared coastal environments due to their inherent dislike for bronze dragons. Despite their antisocial nature, they are skilled in swimming and survival, choosing to swim only when hunting or battling. When it comes to their prey, specifically giant squid, they willingly dive deep into the ocean, despite their deep-seated dislike for water.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
An intriguing aspect of their physical transformation is the fading of their pupils with age, resulting in the eyes appearing like fiery glowing orbs.
They have scales that are dull and yellow-orange when they're young. These scales harden and turn translucent and faceted as they grow older. They brighten in color, ultimately appearing as light orange and sparkling under sunlight. Viewed from a distance, a fully grown topaz dragon gives the impression of being carved from pure topaz.
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