The Burning Hills

In the vast, sun-scorched expanse of the Burning Hills, a steppe habitat dominated by hardy vegetation and rolling, rocky terrain, two formidable species vie for survival. The Strangler Giants, immense knuckle-walking hominids, prowl the land with an eerie combination of power and agility. Standing 8 to 10 feet tall on all fours, these long-bodied, long-limbed predators are notorious for their incredible grip strength, using their massive hands to crush the life from their prey, which now includes the occasional human. Their drooping faces, beady black eyes, and powerful build make them a fearsome sight as they silently stalk the slopes, hunting everything from delicate Laur to the swift Red Racer dragons. Overhead, the Wing Runners—members of dragon-riding human clans—soar through the skies on their domesticated Red Racers. These clans have adapted to life alongside dragons, relying on their speed and agility to hunt and protect their herds from threats like the Strangler Giants. However, the ongoing conflict between these two species has escalated, especially during the Red Racer migrations when the giants gather to hunt in groups. The Wing Runners, skilled in aerial combat, now face the grim duty of becoming giant slayers, defending their dragons from these powerful and cunning predators. In this harsh and unforgiving landscape, both giants and Wing Runners fight not only for survival but also for dominance in a world where the line between hunter and hunted is constantly shifting.