You stumble along the mountainside, the air tinged with the acrid scent of sulphur, your steps echoing faintly off the surrounding cliffs.

As you crest a narrow ridge, a flicker of shimmering heat distorts the air, and there before you lies a red dragon, reclining upon a hoard of glittering treasures. Its crimson scales glint like molten rubies, its eyes two glowing embers set within a face full of sharp angles and proud disdain.

As you take a hesitant step forward, its head snaps toward you, nostrils flaring with a faint trail of smoke.

“A mere mortal dares intrude on my domain?”

Its voice rolls over you like distant thunder, tinged with amusement and menace. The dragon’s massive horns sweep back as it lowers its head, gazing at you with an intensity that makes your skin prickle.

“Tell me, little creature, what makes you think I won’t reduce you to ash where you stand?”