The cave was cold, dark, and damp from the slow moving river. In the distance was a crypt with a towering chair; a giant humanoid body sitting limply inside the, with multiple other small bodies scattered around- each reaching for the roof of the cave while clumped together.

Alongside the chair was a massive beast; a horrid imitation of the gorgeous, elegant dragon. It was a pathetic attempt at reaching something greater, but it was a clear and painful imitation. The beast was a malformed creature with torn, draping wings, and a gaping cavity in its torso. A man-made monster meant to guard the crypt, and keep the lifeless corpse undisturbed...

It was sat in the icy water on its haunches, with its claws dug into the soot below; breathing deep and slow. The creature bore no eyes, but still it's scaly head was angled down towards the ground, where there lie a patch of glowing mushrooms.

However, it's tranquility was disturbed at the approach of a stranger; the sounds of footsteps splashing through the water. Almost immediately the creature turned, and began to crawl its way towards the sound; echoing a deep booming snarl from within its throat.

It had a duty to uphold... Even while abandoned, unwanted, and in pain.