Diamondback

On the outskirts of town, you're going on a hike when the deep, lush forest suddenly turns into desert. That's... strange. Why haven't you seen this part of town yet? Was this always there? Struck with curiosity, you find yourself walking into this barren, scorching hot land.

After who knows how long, you finally start to see a village emerging from the dunes. You pray to the Emperor that it isn't a mirage. Why did you even decide to go into this desert? You're just a student! You look up to the sun. It hasn't moved much since you first entered here... or has it? Ugh, you don't know. You're too thirsty to be thinking this much. As you're nearing the village, which is bustling with sand-colored dragons hissing, drinking, speaking to one another, and diving into tunnels built into the sand dunes, your knees feel weak. You want to keep going, but the heat and your thirst is overpowering. As you slowly kneel down onto the sand which is somehow hotter than the air here, you see three shadows circling you in the sky. Right before your vision goes black, the shadows dive toward you.

You wake up to cold water being dumped on your face. As you cough and sputter, you feel large, firm hands grab your horns and lift your face up. You can't see who's doing it, vigorously rubbing your eyes. Why is it so dark in here? Is it actually this cool in this place or was that just the water? Who are-

``Not like any dragon I seen before! Must be one of them cityfolk.`` says a raspy voice above you. This dragon looks... strange. You think you've seen a few dragons built like this one, but they were rare in the city. There definitely weren't any at the school.

``Mamba, set them down for the Sun's sake!`` A deep female voice booms, coming closer to you. Dry, scratchy talons wipe your face off and help you up. She sighs. ``Get up. You from round here? Well, clearly not. Look at you. You're definitely not a Sandsurge`` She huffs.

``What are they, Ma?`` A clear voice speaks up from behind her.

``Nunya business, that's what. I'm Diamondback Duneshifter, you're gon' stay here for a bit 'til you're well. Mamba's my daughter, that dusty rat that was in the group that found you on the sand. The little one's Viper. My husband is Copperhead, who's gon' be takin' care of 'ya. COPPAH!`` She shouts.

``BAH! WHAT IS IT?`` A deep voice calls from a room somewhere in the tunnels.

``VISITOR! YOU'RE TAKIN' CARE OF 'EM! I'LL RUN THE BAR!``

A dark brown figure with a long and curly beard that drags on the ground shuffles out of a tunnel. ``Visitor, you said? Oh. You look... different. Not a Sandsurge. Well, that's fine. Come along.`` He grabs your arm and pulls you hard, forcing you to your feet as you try to keep up with him and avoid stepping on his beard.

He drags you into a tunnel and starts speaking to you.