Who is Oriel from the D&D Secret Level Episode?

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The new Amazon Prime animated series Secret Level has become a bonafide hit with both mainstream audiences and Dungeons & Dragons fans alike, with the episode entitled “The Queen’s Cradle” earning overwhelmingly positive reviews.

One of the most talked about characters in the episode is Oriel, a powerful and benevolent gold dragon who plays a pivotal role in the story, in addition to showcasing some of the show’s most jaw dropping animation and facing down one of D&D’s most iconic villains.

So just who is Oriel and where does he fit into the larger lore of D&D? Below, we shine a golden light on all the details.

Who is Oriel in D&D Lore?

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While “The Queen’s Cradle” episode of Secret Level features some familiar aspects of Dungeons & Dragons, including classes, spells, gods and the popular Forgotten Realms campaign setting, many fans may be surprised to learn that Oriel is a completely new character. In fact, the ancient gold dragon has not appeared in any previous D&D materials and was created specifically for the show by Oscar nominated screenwriters KD Davila and Levin Menekse, based on a short story from fantasy author Brooke Bolander. Notably, Oriel is voiced by British character actor Paul Ridley

While the episode is quite short (coming in at just under 13 minutes in length, excluding the opening and closing credits), what we do know about Oriel is that he is an ancient gold dragon who dwells within a sacred temple that appears to be dedicated to Torm, the Faerûnian god of courage, self-sacrifice, duty and loyalty, who is also known as “The Loyal Fury.”

We also know that Oriel serve as a guardian of the lands around the temple as noted when the character of Mora (a goliath Paladin of Torm) states: “These are hallowed lands of the Loyal Fury. Protected by the great Oriel.”

He also appears to work closely with a powerful party of adventurers that includes the aforementioned Mora, as well as Tally, a gnome wizard, Luzum, a dwarven monk and Ahokal, an orc druid. Like all gold dragons, he also possesses incredible magical abilities, which he demonstrates in the episode by attempting to remove a powerful “curse” placed on the human boy Solon.

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What are Gold Dragons?

Gold dragons are one of the most revered and powerful creatures in D&D lore, representing the pinnacle of lawfully-good aligned chromatic dragons. Known for their wisdom, strength and dedication to protecting the weak, gold dragons often serve as guardians of justice and champions against evil. They have a majestic appearance, with shimmering golden scales and a radiant aura that reflects their benevolent nature. In combat, they wield both powerful magical spells and can breathe a combination of deadly fire and poison gas.

While the gold dragon has existed in D&D for decades, the Wizards of the Coast design team recently revealed an updated look for the gold dragon for use in the upcoming 2025 Monster Manual. The redesign blends many of the creature’s classic elements with a more stylized and fluid appearance, complete with an almost eel-like body. Notably, in “The Queen’s Cradel” episode of Secret Level, Oriel uses the older, more traditional design of the D&D gold dragon.

Who is Tiamat in D&D lore?

— SPOILERS AHEAD —

Tiamat is a five-headed dragon goddess and one of the most iconic and fearsome deities in D&D lore. She embodies the essence of evil dragonkind and is a symbol of greed, tyranny and destruction. Each of her heads represents a different chromatic dragon—red, blue, green, black, and white—and her presence in the lore is synonymous with apocalyptic danger.

While over the decades she has appeared in countless D&D adventures, novels, and video games, the most recent incarnation of Tiamat finds her trapped in the Nine Hells. She is later worshipped by the Cult of the Dragon who has dedicated themselves to freeing her from her infernal prison (a narrative that was explored in the Tyranny of Dragons campaign for D&D fitfh edition, which was re-released in 2023).

In “The Queen’s Cradle” episode, Tiamat’s shadow looms large over the story. The Cult of the Dragon seemingly wants to sacrifice the human boy Solon to facilitate her return to the Forgotten Realms. Oriel plays a pivotal role in thwarting their plans—or so it seems. In a shocking twist, we learn that Solon is in fact a vessel holding the spirit of Tiamat (the “Queen’s Cradle” from the title). Oriel draws the spirit of Tiamat out of Solon, only to be consumed by it. Tiamat then uses Oriel’s body as a vessel to manifest her own power, setting the stage for her potential full-scale return and leaving the adventurers with a nearly insurmountable challenge.

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Final Thoughts

Oriel’s introduction in the D&D episode of Secret Level has already made a significant impact, and his tragic fate raises compelling questions about his future in the series. Will we see Oriel again in Secret Level or in other D&D content is this golden oldie gone for good?

While there are still plenty of questions unanswered, fans may be happy to know that Secret Level has been renewed by Amazon for a second season (although it’s not clear if we’ll see another Dungeons & Dragons episode). Whether or not Oriel’s story continues, however, his presence in “The Queen’s Cradle” marks yet another chapter in the epic saga of D&D lore.

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