Quick summary · TL;DR
- In our run 2 (entering east with two companions; our run 1 entry was not recorded), an orange dragon appeared; retreating and lowering eyes allowed survival while one companion fell. our 2 runs · 1 account
- In one reader's two solo runs, they skipped the initial group encounter and dodged a diving brown dragon. Whether entering solo always changes this scene is unverified. 1 reader · 2 runs
- Investigating screams, helping squadmates, and sparing attackers kept the scene moving forward in both our runs. our 2 runs · 1 account
Goal
Weigh your choices before acting.
What you will meet
Entering the valley leads into dense woods where you choose companions and direction. An orange dragon emerges through the trees, testing whether cadets hold ground, approach, or yield.
Further along the path, you hear screams from cadets attacked by peers, prompting quick decisions on whether to intervene and how to resolve the fight.
Seen on screen, Oct 5 ✓ Confirmed
Choices and observed outcomes
| Your choice | Observed outcome | Seen by |
|---|---|---|
| Retreat and lower your eyes when facing the orange dragon | Scene goes on · One companion falls under a claw while the surviving pair separates safely | our 2 runs · 1 account |
| Approach the orange dragon from the left | Unknown · Not tested in our runs; outcome unknown | not tested |
| Enter the valley alone instead of with companions | Scene goes on · In one reader's two solo runs, the initial group encounter was skipped in favor of a diving brown dragon | 1 reader · 2 runs |
| Investigate the scream and help the threatened squadmate | Scene goes on · Reaches the clearing, assesses the situation, and disarms both attackers | our 2 runs · 1 account |
| Leave the disarmed bullies alive rather than taking revenge | Scene goes on · Allows both parties to part ways safely and push deeper into the forest | our 2 runs · 1 account |
What we saw
- Our run 1: Retreated and lowered eyes at the orange dragon, investigated the scream, helped our squadmate, and left the disarmed attackers alive.
- Our run 2: Entered east with two companions, repeated the same choices with the orange dragon and bullies, then continued into the forest.
Counts, not odds. Both runs followed exploratory choices from one account, not an exhaustive branch test.
If it goes wrong
| If your run ended here | What players tried next | Seen by |
|---|---|---|
| Untested options such as holding ground or approaching the orange dragon. | In our run 2, choosing to retreat and lower eyes allowed the cadet to survive while one companion fell. | our run 2 · 1 account |
| Deciding whether to investigate the scream or keep walking. | In our run 2, investigating the scream and disarming attackers kept the scene moving forward; one reader kept walking and also reached the trees safely. | our run 2 · 1 reader |
Players tried these next steps; none guarantees a fix.
Not yet seen
- Approaching the orange dragon directly from the left in the initial encounter.
- Whether executing disarmed bullies alters later dragon encounters or endings.
FAQ
Does entering alone change early scenes?
In one reader's two solo runs, they skipped the initial group encounter and dodged a diving brown dragon. Whether entering solo always changes this scene is unverified. Read the evidence →
Do I have to bleed to bond with a dragon?
Two players report conflicting experiences: one reported blood before bonding, while another bonded with none. A requirement has not been established. Read the evidence →
Support
Community reports · Walkthrough · All dragons
Sources for this page
- Threshing Day Theory Reddit · checked 2026-10-03
- Our run 1: neutral at the two greens, burned Our observation · checked 2026-10-05
- Our run 2: left, then glanced right, burned Our observation · checked 2026-10-05
- One reader: three reported runs Reader report · checked 2026-10-05
Player discussion
Comments are from players and are not verified by this guide.