Topaz Dragon [Gem]

Topaz hatchlings are a drab yellow-orange. Hardening with age, the scales become clear and faceted, and adults glitter in bright sun. Besides their own language they know the shared gem-dragon tongue, and 12% of hatchlings can talk with any thinking creature, plus 5% per age category.

Topazes are self-centered and moody rather than wicked, which makes them miserable company, and they want none. Disliking intruders but reluctant to fight, they often keep talking to cover their psionics or spellcasting. Hostile visitors, or ones the dragon has grown bored with, are attacked psionically first where possible, with spells as needed. Unlike most gem dragons, topazes enjoy a fight with fang and claw and usually hold their breath in reserve until hurt. They may feign surrender to stall, retreat when badly threatened, and like to fake a retreat or two before doubling back for a surprise attack.

Their breath is a 70-foot cone of desiccation, 5 feet across at the snout and 25 at its end. Water caught in it evaporates at a cubic foot per point of damage. Living victims who save vs. breath weapon take half damage and lose 1d6 Strength; those who fail lose 1d6+6 Strength. Only heal or regeneration (nothing weaker) restores it magically, though a patient nursed with care regains a point daily. Strength of zero or less kills instantly. It casts and uses powers at 5th level plus combat modifier.

Hatchlings breathe water and are immune to cold. Later, three times daily each: protection from evil or good (young), blink (juvenile), wall of fog (adult), airy water at 10 feet of radius per age category (mature adult); plus part water once daily when old.

Psionics: psychometabolism is favored (metamorphosis, life draining, energy containment; devotions chemical simulation, cause decay, body equilibrium, biofeedback), with psychokinesis as well (telekinesis; devotions soften, animate object, molecular manipulation, control winds).

Topazes live on the coast, frequently in caves below the tide line that they build or take over and keep bone dry. They enjoy lounging on rocks in the wind and salt spray, yet dislike swimming and enter the water only to hunt or attack. They are careless parents who will leave their young behind to save their own hides. Bronze dragons are hated and attacked whenever seen.

They eat mostly fish and other marine creatures, and giant squid is the favorite.