Sand Dragons

When one thinks of the the Sands, one thinks of sand dragons. The molelike monsters are easily the most iconic creatures of the Waste. This fame is not baseless, either, as sand dragons contribute greatly to both the Waste's economic well-being, and to its death toll.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Sand dragons closely resemble moles, though they are obviously much, much larger, and their bodies are longer and more streamlined. Besides changes in dimensions, the largest difference sand dragons have when compared with moles is a specialized organ connected with their stomach, known as a coalbladder. If a sand dragon every comes across a pocket of white coal undersand, it consumes it, storing the resource in its coalbladder. If it is danger, a sand dragon is capable of reacting the white coal with its stomach acid, causing it to release a powerful burst of magical energy. This energy travels up the sand dragon's esophagus and out of its mouth in a mighty burst of pure force, not unlike a dragon's elemental breath. Sand dragons are often hunted for this coalbladder, as the white coal within can provide untold riches to whoever claims it.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Sand dragons live a predatory lifestyle, feeding primarily on other denizens of the Sands, though they are more than glad to devour anybody foolish enough to venture onto them on the surface. Additionally, while they do not eat it for sustenance, they devour any white coal they come across.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Sand dragons are the most-hunted Wastern creature, not because of their pelts and meat, though both are certainly quite useful and profitable, but for their coalbladder. Sand dragons are the best sources of white coal in the Waste, and so the job of mole hunter is potentially extremely lucrative, albeit extremely dangerous, and is a very common occupation in the Waste.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Sand dragons, like most other native creatures of the Sands, possess a powerful sensitivity to vibrations in the sands, and can pinpoint the origin of these vibrations. As it is impossible to see or even hear through the Sands, the best method of perceiving one's surroundings is via this tremorsense.

Average Height

Adult: 6-8 feet

Average Weight

Adult: 8-10 tons

Average Length

Adult: 15-20 feet

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The average sand dragon's fur ranges from light brown to black, with few markings. However, as a sand dragon ages, and it accumulates more and more white coal, its fur, skin, and eyes begin to turn snow white.

Geographic Distribution