Dragon Rider

A dragon rider is, as the name implies, a rider of dragons in service to the Dragon Rider Conclave.

Purpose

A dragon rider has many responsibilities related to the Dragon Rider Conclave based on the agreements made within the Draconic Accords as well as the tenets of the Conclave itself. When being trained, riders are instructed to follow the basics of the three P's.

Preserve

Preservation of the various draconic species holds great importance to the Conclave. Prior to the War of Dragons there were nearly 200 species of dragon. After the war there are less than 30 confirmed surviving species. They protect the areas around mating and nesting grounds, seek out areas where dragons used to live in order to locate lost species or dormant eggs, and rearing and training of dragons. They also keep the secrets of various tidbits of dragon care.

Promote

With the heavy usage of dragons during the Dragon War much of the opinion toward dragons turned toward fear and anger. A lot of the responsibility of a dragon rider when interacting with those outside of the Conclave is reassurance and education. Reassurance that the dragons can be gentle and useful outside of war. Education that they were not bloodthirsty monsters.

Protect

With the agreements made within the Draconic Accords the dragon riders also hold the responsibility to protect the immediate area around where their Aeyries which tend to be located in the more wild areas or near reserves or habitats of dragons.

Their activities range along various fronts;

• Enforcement and patrols against specific criminal elements; poachers, murderers, polluters, etc.
• Search and rescue; over water and high up in mountains.
• Environmental response; flood patrol, fire watch, monster infestation, etc.
• Collect samples for research data, potion brewing, item creation, etc.
• Eradication of threats related to monsters, dungeons, bandits, etc.

Qualifications

There are many who seek to become a dragon rider, but the Conclave maintains strict qualification regimen. To be a dragon rider there is an intense concern of choosing the wrong person. The Conclave does not want people who might be neglectful to their dragon, who might feel too much power with a dragon, and those who are simply irresponsible.

Edicts:

• Never neglect your dragon.
• Protect your dragon and fellow riders.
• Keep the honour of the dragon rider.
• Choose your side with purpose and thought.
• A dragon must never be used for war.

Anathema:

• Neglect your dragon or rider.
• Dishonour the order.
• Betray your flight.
• Harm the innocent.

Toolkit

• Dragonhide Jacket: Despite what the name might imply the dragonhide is not harvested from a living dragon. Dragons that have fallen or those who have died of old age are taken with the permission of the rider if possible. The jacket itself, however, is designed to keep the rider warm during flight by providing a heavy duty coat with high, wraparound collars, wind flaps, snug cuffs and waists. Some are even lined or fringed with fur.
• Dragonhide Saddle: A specialized saddle had to be developed for a dragon due to the wings and height at which a rider may be worried about falling from. Bound around the neck, chest, wings, and tail base. Where possible, dragonhide is used to be more comfortable against the dragon's hide. Cloth or leather is often used in replacement, especially around metal buckles.
• Flares: Alchemical flares are a mainstay for riders to identity and direct others within their flight which is useful with any search and rescue efforts.
• Goggles: Specially prepared goggles are made that prevent the blinding light of the sun, whipping wind, and debris within the air.
• Monocular. A condensed version of a spyglass, designed to be held and adjusted with one hand.