Desert Vipers

The Desert Vipers are an illegally operating mercenary company in the Sand Kingdom led by Brutus. They fought in the late War of Sandwing Succession under various employers, some of the most notable being Burn and Blister, though they were hired by proxy due to their criminal nature. After the war ended, the company was mostly hired by criminal groups in need of fighters and wealthy dragons desiring guards. They are notorious for their cruelty and effectiveness in combat. 
As of 5,012 A.S., there are only around fifty members remaining, but their numbers were as high as 150 at some points in the war. They are forcibly disbanded by Queen Thorn's royal guard sometime in 5,017 A.S.
Their base of operations is in a refurbished, formerly-abandoned SandWing fort, a day's walk south of the Scorpion Den. When the Vipers are disbanded, the fort is reclaimed by the SandWings.
== Hierarchy ==
Much like an army, the Desert Vipers follow a hierarchy and chain of command. The ranks, from highest to lowest, are as follows:
* Commander (Brutus)
* Lieutenant
* Captain
* Soldier
* Recruit
There is only one commander at any given time. The commander's responsibilities include management of the company's training, assets, jobs, and troops. As the name suggests, they are in command of the company as a whole.
The lieutenants (of which there are only two) are the commander's second-in-commands and assist in commanding lower ranks and carrying out the commander's duties. They also serve as advisors to the commander.
Captains are experienced soldiers who can lead squads or contingents of soldiers and recruits. They have some power over lower ranks in addition to privileges (like nicer bedding accommodations), but most of this power only extends to battles and combat situations. They are also in charge of training troops, though this is on occasion overseen by higher ranks in order to ensure that the training is appropriate and up to standard.
Soldiers make up the brunt of the company. They are dragons who have gone through training to be a Desert Viper. 
Recruits are new dragons who are still in training.
== Background ==
The Desert Vipers were formed in 4,987 A.S. by Brutus, an exile of the Ice Kingdom, Dun, an unsib MudWing, and Fennec, a SandWing caravan guard. Originally, they were a small criminal gang, but as the three recruited more members, Brutus morphed the Vipers from a disorganized band of ragtag fighters to a militia, using his military knowledge from serving in the IceWing army.
The company would go on to serve in the War of Sandwing Succession as a complement to various banners, usually participating in more covert and questionable operations that were either too dangerous for most forces, or too damaging in terms of reputation and diplomacy.
== Known Members ==
* Brutus - Commander
* Dun - Lieutenant
* Fearless - Lieutenant 
== Known Former Members ==
* Fennec
Category:Groups