#sandwings

— WARDENS —

A warden’s uniform consists of light leather armor and a heavy metal collar meant to visibly demonstrate their subordinate status. Collars in general are a common element of official attire.

According to an old tradition, a warden is also chained to their post so that they are not tempted to abandon it and thereby endanger the safety of the palace.

Most wardens are male. They are the children of cooks and servants, as well as dragons who have somehow displeased the Queen and were exiled into service so as not to offend her eyes.

They usually guard the most remote corners of the palace or serve in the dungeons: feeding prisoners and maintaining cleanliness within the palace.

Being a warden is not a respected position. Wardens do not participate in combat, investigations, or arrests. For the most part, they function as general laborers, and when there is a shortage of hands, they can easily be ordered to serve drinks to guests or haul provisions to the storerooms.

Their work is often tedious and physically demanding, but it has a certain predictability to it.

— SOLDIERS —

A soldier’s uniform is already designed for protection, though it remains fairly light compared to that of the Royal Guard. A collar is still present, bearing the dragon’s rank.

Those who become soldiers are better-built children of cooks, servants, and minor aristocracy. The army is also replenished by recruits, the only real exception to the rule of the palace’s closed nature.

The army has roughly equal numbers of males and females.

Despite harsh training, during peacetime soldiers spend a large portion of their time doing nothing. A typical soldier is not particularly bright, but greatly enjoys eating, sleeping, drinking, and gambling. Many find this lifestyle perfectly satisfactory.

For lowborn females and minor aristocrats, the army is a good starting point for building a career, as it offers a chance to rise into the Royal Guard.

For husbands and sons of the aristocracy, the army is almost the only way to obtain a position of real importance—such as general or officer—and to rise above others. Unlike females, males have very limited opportunities at court; by right of birth, an aristocratic male is entitled to little more than a title.

Hazing thrives in the army, born from powerless individuals gaining a small taste of authority. Some baron, for example, takes great pleasure in tormenting subordinates without risking his own head, as the most aggressive and influential females tend to keep their distance from the stuffy and often filthy barracks.

A soldier’s closest friends are the cooks, from whom one can beg an extra ration, flirt, or even take things further—sometimes resulting in yet another dragon hatchling appearing within the castle walls.

Aggression and hot temper are innate traits of the aristocracy. Common dragons are far calmer in this regard, which is why soldiers often find the company of cooks far more pleasant.

— ROYAL GUARD —

The armor of the Royal Guard is distinguished by its great expense, as it is composed almost entirely of chainmail or solid metal plates.

It is extremely heavy and requires significant physical conditioning. Even the wings are armored, which strips the wearer of the ability to fly—though the mantle can be removed if circumstances demand it.

Members of the Royal Guard shave off their entire mane, as it interferes with the armor. Often, an artificial one is attached instead, since a mane is considered a great source of pride among sand dragons, even if it is not real.

A guard’s armor may be fitted with various enhancements, such as spurs on the forelegs or spikes and maces at the end of the tail.

A collar is also present, once again displaying rank.

Only females serve in the Royal Guard—those of large stature, sharp intellect, and exceptional physical training.

One may enter the Royal Guard either by being born into the aristocracy or by rising from the lower ranks as a soldier who has distinguished herself.