Dragon Rider
It is no mystery that there is a power imbalance among the races of Draconia. The draconic races hold the vast majority of power in both the political and public spheres. Most of Draconia have laws that forbid lower races from holding any position of power in politics, while also limiting their capabilities to run ventures such as businesses, churches and hospitals. Despite the progressive mindsets of Ruxan or the group-minded Briggs paving the way in terms of making change to the limitations on lower races, the other regions of Draconia have yet to change their views.
The one exception to this rule are the Dragon Riders, a select group of persons selected via birthright and given divine power. Usually blessed with the imposing physique of dragonborn, they possess a unique blend of physical strength, magical ability and keen intellect. These lucky few are the only lower races to not receive any prejudice due to their racial status. Instead, they are looked at as honorary members of high society and given the benefits of that caste. While they serve as enforcers of the law, they also double as religious figureheads, viewed as demigods by members of both social statuses.
In order to become a Dragon Rider, one must be blessed with a mark that can only present itself on infants born to certain groups of people that live within Draconia. Without this mark, one can never become a Dragon Rider, regardless of any bond they form with a dragon. While the infants tend to be of human or humanoid nature, sometimes the infant that is chosen can also be of a higher race. When these cases present themselves, the infant is almost always a Dragonborn.
Clans and Societies of Draconia
Chromaticos Clans and Their Respective Dragons
Clan of Flame
Red Dragons
Clan of Snow
White Dragons
Clan of Nature
Green Dragons
Clan of Storms
Blue Dragons
Clan of Decay
Black Dragons
Clan of Amethyst
Amethyst Dragons
Clan of Emerald
Emerald Dragons
Clan of Crystal
Crystal Dragons
Clan of Sapphire
Sapphire Dragons
Clan of Topaz
Topaz Dragons
Metallan Societies and Their Respective Dragons
Golden Society
Gold Dragons
Silver Society
Silver Dragons
Copper Society
Copper Dragons
Bronze Society
Bronze Dragons
Brass Society
Brass Dragons
Society of Wrath
Chromium Dragons
Society of Pride
Cobalt Dragons
Society of Greed
Nickel Dragons
Society of Sloth
Steel Dragons
Society of Law
Tungsten Dragons
Requirements
There are no true requirements that someone must fulfill to become a Dragon Rider. So long as they bear the bloodline of one of the clans, they have the potential to be selected. There are, however, a list of situational factors that must be fulfilled
- There can be no more than four riders at any one time.
- The broader types of dragons may only have one rider at a time. There cannot be a Red Dragon Rider and a Blue Dragon Rider concurrently. Though, for example, a Silver Dragon Rider and Blue Dragon Rider may exist together because they belong to different types of dragons.
- A dragon matching the clan or society the infant is being born to must also be born at the same time. A dragon not born at the same time cannot properly forge a soulbond.
Appointment
Various accounts of how a mark was discovered.
When an infant is born from one of the Clans or Societies of Draconia and presents the mark of a deity, they are anointed the title immediately. At the same time as their birth, a respective dragon is also born somewhere nearby that presents with a mark that is an exact match to the infants. This dragon is identified by the Clan/Society and brought to be raised with the infant. From that point on, their lives are filled with extensive training to physically strengthen the child and hone the dragon's abilities such as their breath and spellcasting. Once the child reaches adulthood, they and the dragon make a non-stop flight to Quirin Umer. Upon arrival, they make contact with the deity that gave them their mark and bind themselves to each other.
The bind connects the two's souls together, forever linking them to each other; If one dies, the other dies as well. While there is no known method of severing this connection, one can weaken it to lessen the effects. However, their fate is ultimately the same; if one partner dies, the other will inevitably pass.And so I stood there, smoke pillows pouring over my face. As I stared upon this... small, vulnerable child, a mark appeared on their body. While the Clan of Flame carried on with their dance, I watched this mark grow and shape on this child. It seared into their flesh, but the child did not cry. Instead he laughed as the mark consumed his body, until it finally manifested into the symbol of Tiamat. I knew then that this child would be special. They named him Ganvorth.
The Golden Society always held their birth ceremonies in secret. I never understood it, but I was one of the only ones that they allowed into their community to witness these sacred rites. Today I finally understood why. This child that they showed me, he was impressive. A heavy weight for a normal birth and already signs of advanced intelligence. If it wasn't for the symbol of golden wings emblazoned across his back, I would have been filled with sorrow that an exemplary human would go to waste not having power. But he will be a Dragon Rider. I name this one: Leovold.
Duties
The first duty Dragon Riders are expected to uphold is the duty of keeping Draconia safe. The power that they contain within their bodies is matched only by the power within their dragon companion. This level of strength often pushes them to the frontlines of conflict when it arises, and standard law enforcement cannot properly handle the task.
This can often lead to conflicts of interest when an issue arises that involves humans or other humanoids. Despite the fact that they may sympathize with their fellow kin, they are bound to keep the interests of Draconia at heart and must bring an end to any problems. Dragon Riders are to also uphold their duty as religious figures. Because of their nature of being selected via the Draconic Deities, they have an obligation to maintain the religious order as their deity commands. Whether this involves maintaining temples or churches of their god, or actually leading sermons, they are expected to perform. The relationship that the Riders maintain with the populace by fulfilling their duties is a major reason why they are highly respected. The higher races view them as kin, and the lower races view them as inspiration that they wish to be. Lastly, the Riders are to participate in politics as well. While they are not hailed as members of the Council, their input is often asked for either by members or even Dragon Overlords. They are able to attend meetings amongst the council as they see fit to offer advice or an opinion on potential legislation. The reason for their participation being expected is that it helps keep them engaged with both spheres of Draconia's population.
This can often lead to conflicts of interest when an issue arises that involves humans or other humanoids. Despite the fact that they may sympathize with their fellow kin, they are bound to keep the interests of Draconia at heart and must bring an end to any problems. Dragon Riders are to also uphold their duty as religious figures. Because of their nature of being selected via the Draconic Deities, they have an obligation to maintain the religious order as their deity commands. Whether this involves maintaining temples or churches of their god, or actually leading sermons, they are expected to perform. The relationship that the Riders maintain with the populace by fulfilling their duties is a major reason why they are highly respected. The higher races view them as kin, and the lower races view them as inspiration that they wish to be. Lastly, the Riders are to participate in politics as well. While they are not hailed as members of the Council, their input is often asked for either by members or even Dragon Overlords. They are able to attend meetings amongst the council as they see fit to offer advice or an opinion on potential legislation. The reason for their participation being expected is that it helps keep them engaged with both spheres of Draconia's population.
Responsibilities
When a Dragon Rider is not busy with their duties, they often engage in other tasks expected, but not required of them. One such task would be the aid of the common people. Despite their duty to upholding the law, it is nowhere stated that they cannot aid their fellow kin. As lower races themselves, they can usually sympathize with those struggling against Draconia's order.
A Dragon Rider is also expected to be ethical in relation to their deity. This means that a Chromatic Dragon Rider is expected to be somewhat vain, cruel and greedy, due to their relation to Tiamat. The opposite holds true for a Metallic Dragon Rider, as they are expected to act fairly, in good faith and humbly in association with Bahamut. While these are generalizations, exceptions to these do exist, as some Chromatic Riders have been pinnacles of kindness and generosity, while some Metallic Riders were crueler than the most sadistic Red Dragons.
Benefits
Dragon Riders live a lavish lifestyle funded by the treasure hoards of the clans they were born to. Two manors exist, one for the Chromatic and one for the Metallic Rider. The riders may choose to either live in these manors, or have a house built for them on a piece of property of their choosing. Regardless of what they choose, the home is filled with groups of servants that cater to every whim of the rider.
Aside from their lavish lifestyle, the Riders are also given rights not afforded to normal lower races, such as marriage.
Accoutrements & Equipment
The riders do not have a uniform or dress code of any kind. They are free to wear what they want, so long as they do not bring disgrace to their deity or title.
Each rider also receives a special suit of armor when they come of age. This suit is colored to the appropriate dragon that they have their soulbond with, and its pauldrons are shaped to resemble their partner's head as well. As they age, the armor grows in power utilizing special gems and materials forged into the armor such as Calcite and Icite. Their weapons of choice are also made this way, forged by Ian Shorthalt, the finest blacksmith known to Dragonkind.
The dragon partners also receive a set of barding that is made to their specifications. Unlike the armor made for the rider, the dragon is allowed to choose the color and material that their armor is forged with. Typically, the barding is a formality, as the dragons tend not to wear it out of pride. However, they have the added protection available to them if they know that they are going into a tough battle, or if they just need it for intimidation.
Notable Holders
Leovold Eldric
An exemplary Dragon Rider. He has always dedicated himself to his duties to Draconia. Currently serves as the leader of the other two Dragon Riders, as well as his own Defense Force Team. His hammer is composed of simple steel and gold, but somehow manages to frighten other dragons with the weapon.Most known for his work in negotiation a peaceful surrender to the Metallan Insurgents that raided across Metallan in hopes to bring down part of the dragon order.
Ganvorth Riyon
The Red Dragon Rider and possibly the goofiest example of the title to date. He is a constant mess of jokes, puns and other crass humor. Despite this, he is an invaluable asset, as he has a charismatic quality to him that leads everyone to want to engage with him. Not to mention he is incredibly strong, potentially the strongest of the Dragon Riders we've seen thus far. Responsible for sealing away a number of Disaster Dragons that emerged across Chromaticos between the years of 3005 and 3018 EoD.Agti Vorakis
The Crystal Dragon Rider and the last of the gem riders. Also one of the rare cases of a dragonborn being born a Dragon Rider. She was born to parents with a trace bloodline leading back to the Clan of Crystal. When her mark appeared, they immediately brought her to the Council.Instead of swiftly killing the child, she was given a lease on life as a way of finding out where the gem and ferrous dragons escaped too. This approach has been stifled due to the fact that her communication and telepathy skills are weak, contrary to most gem dragons that have an innate understanding of the power.
Despite this, she has served loyally and accepted the fact that she can never be publicly acknowledged as a rider due to the dragons she is associated with.
1Gem and Ferrous riders are incredibly rare after their clans were exiled following the events of The Rebellion
2Goddamnit, Ganvorth, will you please stop re-writing records with that stupid pun?!
Type
Religious, Political
Status
In effect (Chromatic/Metallic), in name only (Gem), defunct (Ferrous)1
Alternative Naming
Riders
Source of Authority
Bahamut (Metallic Rider), Tiamat (Chromatic Rider), Sardior (Gem Rider), Gruagtholor (Ferrous Rider)
Length of Term
Until death of either the rider or dragon
Reports directly to
Related Locations
Related Organizations
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