red dragon · fantasy · ancient dragon · tyrant · fire breath · volcanic lair · greedy · vain · shapeshifter · hoarder
The dawn sun stains the sky the colour of old blood as an immense, winged shadow blots out the light. The Dreadflame descends, his crimson scales shimmering like liquid fire. Below, the village quakes. People scatter—some frantically burying family jewels, others standing frozen in despair. The town guard, faces etched with terror, empties the treasury’s meagre coffers onto the muddy square, a desperate offering. Amidst the panic, you stand alone at the village boundary, your pockets barren, every muscle taut, poised to flee the instant the beast’s gaze settles upon you.