| “ | A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead. -Article 1, Section 1, The Dragon Rider's Codex | ” |
–Fourth Wing, Chapter 1 | ||
Dragons, also referred to as dragonkind, are one of the species able to bond with humans and share their magical powers with them.
General Information[]
There is little known about the ways of dragons, or how they govern themselves. There is a clear hierarchy among the most powerful, and deference is paid to elders. A dragon only answers to the eldest of their den and the empyrean. A dragon's lifespan is estimated to be around 200 years. Professor Kaori stated that 100 years is roughly considered middle-age for dragons.[1] It's mentioned that dragons do not typically bond their riders until they are full grown, therefore not much is known about feathertails. A group of dragons is called a riot, and ten dragons make up a full riot.[2] Dragons bond with humans who develop signet abilities channeling their magic, some of this magic was previously used to create the wardstones that weave the protective wards around Navarre. This protects Navarre from gryphons, wyvern, and venin.
Physical Description[]
Dragons have four legs and two wings, which is one of the main differentiations from wyvern. Full grown dragons average twenty-five feet tall.[3] There are several different colors and breeds in dragonkind and, between all of them, various combinations are possible. However all dragons have semitranslucent wings and the tip of the wing joint is crowned by a single fierce talon. Each leg ends in razor-sharp talons and they have horns coming out the tops of their heads.[4] Violet notes that their teeth are almost as big as she is, while their talons are almost half her size. They have golden eyes. They smell like sulfur.
Dragon scales are larger and thicker than a hand, and they are layered into the scales above them in an intricate pattern. This pattern does not leave handholds or paths for a rider to climb.[5] The chest scales ripple with movement.[4] Dragons have a part of the back called the seat. This is a smooth, scaly divot, just in front of their wings. In front of the seat is a pommel, which is a thick ridge of scales where their neck meets their massive, muscled shoulders.[5] One of the biggest dangers with their scales is that if a small object gets stuck under their scales and they're unable to remove it, it could cause an infection.[6]
Locations[]
The Vale[]
Their sacred hatching grounds were originally at the Vale but more hatching grounds were established in Aretia when the first dragon hatched after around 100 rider cadets and over 100 dragons relocated to Aretia to aid the Revolution.
Aretia[]
After the dragons that wanted to join the Revolution relocated to Aretia, a few eggs hatched in the valley above Aretia thus transforming the area and reintroducing natural dragon-magic to the area.
Life Stages[]
Eggs[]
Dragons hatch from eggs. Dragon eggs are kept safe in their line's den within their hatching ground, most commonly in the Vale. From Andarna, we learn that dragons can stay in their eggs for up to 650 years. These embryos have the ability to hear their surroundings and have some level of choice in when they decide to hatch.[7] The egg shells are metal and hold magic long after the dragon has hatched. The shells can be used as an ingredient to create alloy, which can kill venin.[8]
Hatchlings[]
Infant dragons are commonly referred to as hatchlings before they become feathertails. During this stage, they develop the ability to fly. When a hatchling hatches from their egg, their birth transforms the immediate area around them if they are not located within the vale.
Feathertails[]
Feathertails, also known as juveniles, are kept in the Vale, far from humans. This had led to the common false assumption that Feathertails are their own breed and that they don't bond riders because they abhor violence.[9] All Feathertails are gold dragons and they change colors when they reach adolescence to match their den. They are only a few feet taller than Violet. Their tails are made up of feathers, hence the name, rather than a weapon-like tail that mature dragons have. Their only form of defense is their teeth. They do not have the ability to breathe fire, do not have claws, and are unable to carry a rider. Feathertails don't have the ability to give their bonded human a signet or bear them as a rider. If bonded, they have the unique ability to gift their powers to their human. However, since they're so young, they can accidentally gift all their powers to their human and drain themselves. This is the reason dragonkind fiercely protect Feathertails, hiding them from view, and when possible prevent them from bonding. Most Feathertail gifts disappear with maturity when they begin to channel.
Adolescents[]
At this stage, if bonded, dragons lose the ability to gift their power to their bonded human. They now take on the color of their den. Tairn notes that they are known for their inability to be rational.
The Dreamless Sleep[]
To progress between being juveniles and adolescents, dragons enter a long period of slumber called the Dreamless Sleep. This is necessary to ensure that they not only age correctly, but that their body develops properly to allow them to bear a rider. Only four facts about this time period are known:
- It is a critical time of rapid growth and development.
- The duration varies from breed to breed.
- As the name suggests, they do not dream.
- They wake up very hungry.
After waking up from the Dreamless Sleep, they developed their new tail type and color, losing their feathertail and golden color.
Fully Matured[]
It typically takes 2-4 years for a dragon to fully mature once hatched, but it may take longer depending on the dragon.
Mates[]
Colonel Kaori's Field Guide to Dragonkind notes that there is no stronger bond than that between two mated dragons. It goes beyond the depth of human love or adoration to a primal, undeniable requirement for proximity. One cannot survive without the other. Once mated, dragons mate for life and they cannot be separated for long or their health diminishes. Mated dragons usually bond to cadets in the same year so they can graduate in the same year and be assigned to a post together. Tairn and Sgaeyl are the strongest mated pair in centuries.
The Empyrean[]
The details of the way dragons govern themselves is unknown. There is, however, a clear hierarchy among the most powerful, and deference is paid to elders, but the way that they make laws for themselves is indiscernible to humans. The Empyrean is the name for their government or leadership. During a meeting of the Empyrean, dragons do not communicate with their bonded riders because humans are not permitted to know what is said within the Empyrean.
Powers & Abilities[]
Powers[]
Feathertail Gifts[]
Dragons possess a certain gift when they are still a feathertail and can give their gift to a rider if bonded. When they grow older, they will lose their gifts and gain magical power to use for signets and lesser magic.
Magic[]
Every dragon has a certain level of inner power, which they channel through their riders in the form of lesser magic, and to create an individual signet. Less magic abilities that dragons can channel include; opening doors without touching them, preternatural speed, manipulating mage lights, and powering ink pens. Lesser magic also allows riders to place runes.
Signet[]
After a dragon bonds with a rider, when the dragon thinks they are ready, they will start channeling their power through the rider, which gives them the ability to produce a signet. "Signets are the result of the unique chemistry between rider and dragon and usually say more about the rider than the dragon. The stronger the bond and the more powerful the dragon, the stronger the signet." [1] According to Andarna, signets manifest according to the person wielding them. [10] Having a second signet from one dragon only occurs when a dragon bonds a rider in the direct familial line as it's previous rider, however there's an equal chance that the rider is driven mad instead.[10]
Dragon Relic[]
A dragon uses its magic to mark the skin of their bonded rider, symbolizing honor and power. The relic generally appears in the shape of the dragon who gifted them.
Abilities[]
Flight[]
All dragons have the ability to fly. The older they get, the faster and further they can fly. Hatchlngs, Feathertails, and adolescents cannot fly longer distances, but fully-matured dragons can.
Dragonfire[]
The ability to utilize dragonfire appears during the adolescent stages of a dragons life, after the dreamless sleep.
Telepathy[]
With each other as well as their bonded rider; in the case of mated pairs, dragons can communicate with the mate's rider as well. They are also capable of communicating with gryphons (dragons refer to gryphons as "feathered ones").[11]
Sensing[]
Dragons can only sense each other mind-to-mind when they allow themselves to be sensed. That makes it occasionally difficult to gauge how many dragons, and exactly which ones, are present especially if a riot stays downwind. [12] It is also possible for a dragon, Chradh specifically, to have a keen sense for nearby runes.
Bonding[]
| “ | They choose for reasons they don't see fit to share with us. | ” |
–Professor Kaori, Fourth Wing, Chapter 8 | ||
Historically not much is know about why dragons began to bond with humans, however their main motivator is so that they can protect the Vale from Venin.
“ In the six centuries of recorded history of dragon and rider, there have been hundreds of known cases where a dragon simply cannot emotionally recover from the loss of their bonded rider. This happens when the bond is particularly strong and, in three documented cases, has even caused the untimely death of the dragon. ” –Navarerre, An Unedited History by Colonel Lewis Markham
Dragons must obtain their Right of Benefaction before they are permitted to bond with humans. When a dragon requests the Right of Benefaction, the head of their den must approve the request. It is extremely rare for a feathertail to bond to a human; however, it is possible to obtain this right before they reach maturity, while still being a feathertail.[7]
Dens (Color)[]
Dragon dens are distinguished by color. The six known den colors are; black, blue, green, orange, red, and brown. The seventh den's color is still currently unknown. Each den, or color, has a distinctive personality.
Black Dragons[]
Known for:[]
- Is considered to be the rarest type of dragonkind.[1]
- They are the smartest, the most discerning, and the most cunning which makes it impossible to outsmart them.[1]
- They are good planners. They are "killing machines" and considered to be one of the deadliest dragons. (uncited)
- According to Violet, there hasn't been one born in the last century.[1] However, Tairn later confirms that two hatchlings have been born in Aretia during the events of Iron Flame.
- Their original hatching grounds were in the valley above Riorson House.
Descend from:[]
the cunning Dubhmadinn line.
Blue Dragons[]
Known for:[]
- Shades of blue dragons can include sapphire and navy.
- They are known for their formidable size.[4]
- They are the most ruthless, especially in the case of the Blue Daggertail, the rarest of the blues, whose knifelike spikes at the tip of their tail can disembowel an enemy with one flick.[4]
- The Blue Daggertail doesn't comply with the law. (uncited)
- It is advised to not approach any blue dragons, and instead to run. [1]
- All known Blue Dragons have an intimidating reputation.[1]
- There are a handful of other Blue Dragons, aside from Sgaeyl, in active service. They are typically stationed along the Esben Mountains in the east where the fighting is most intense.[1]
Descend from:[]
The extraordinary Gormfaileas line.
Green Dragons[]
Known for:[]
- Their keen intellect and rational countenance make them the perfect siege weapons, especially in the case of clubtails.[9]
- To approach a green dragon, lower your eyes in supplication and wait for their approval.[3]
- It is advised to never back down from a green.[3]
Descend from:[]
- The honorable Uaineloidsig line offered their ancestral hatching grounds in the Steelridge Mountain Range for the good of dragonkind at what is now Basgiath War College.[13]
- The Cruaidhuaine line has an especially stable connection with magic, thought to be a result of their more reasonable, defensive nature.[14]
Brown Dragons[]
Known for:[]
- It is advised to never show trepidation to a brown.[3]
Descended from:[]
Unknown
Orange Dragons[]
Known for:[]
- They come in various shades from apricot to carrot.[9]
- Known to be the most unpredictable of dragonkind and therefore are always a risk.[9]
- The Northern Esbens are believed to have been the hatching grounds of the orange dragon before unification, though true to their unpredictable nature, they often choose new valleys in the same range.[15]
Descend from:[]
the Fhaicorain line.
Red Dragons[]
Known for:[]
- Shades of red can include strawberry.
- It is advised to never look a red in the eye.[3]
- Red Scorpiontails, specifically, are the quickest to temper. If you offend them, you're dead.[1]
- All Red Swordtails are nasty pieces of work when they get riled.[16]
- They prefer to be approached from the left and the front, if possible.[1]
Descended from:[]
Unknown
The Seventh Den[]
Known for:[]
- The scales are described as shiny, and can reflect various colors from their surrounding.[17]
Descended from:[]
Unknown
Breeds (Tail type)[]
Breeds are distinguished by their tail. Though tails are considered the breed of the dragon, they are a matter of choice and need according to Tairn. [18]
Clubtail[]
- The tail ends in a solid mass, known for their bludgeoning power.[1]
Daggertail[]
- They are observed to have knifelike spikes at the tip of their tail that can disembowel an enemy with one flick.[4]
Morningstartail[]
- Considered one of the deadliest breeds. They have the same bludgeoning power of a clubtail, as well as spikes that will eviscerate a person just as well as a daggertail.[1]
Scorpiontail[]
- Their tails are tipped with poisonous barbs.[15]
Swordtail[]
- Their tails are long and sharpened on the edges, allowing them to be used like swords.
Ancestral Lines[]
Dubhmadinn Line[]
Known for being the most cunning line in dragonkind.[5] Ancestral hatching ground: Aretia, the valley above Riorson House[18]
Gormfaileas Line[]
Blue dragons descend from the extraordinary Gormfaileas line. Known for their formidable size, they are the most ruthless. A Blue Daggertail is especially rare.[4] Ancestral hatching ground: Unknown
Unknown Line (The Seventh Den)[]
This line is the seventh den that only the dragon elders, Andarna, and Violet know about at the end of Iron Flame. To current knowledge, Andarna is the head of this den. She was left behind to eventually breathe fire on the wardstone.[7] Ancestral hatching ground: Unknown
Uaineloidsig Line[]
Green dragons descend from the honorable Uaineloidsig line, and continue to be the most rational of dragonkind. These dragons, especially the clubtails, make the perfect siege weapons.[9] This line is known for their intellect and rational countenance. They offered their ancestral hatching grounds for the good of dragonkind during the Great War, so that the First Six could weave the Basgiath wardstone and protect Navarre.[13] Ancestral hatching ground: Steelridge range, the Vale[13]
Cruaidhuaine Line[]
Green dragons descend from the Cruaidhuaine line. Green dragons from this line have an especially stable connection to magic, which some believe is a result of their more reasonable, defensive nature.[19] Ancestral hatching ground: Unknown
Fhaicorain Line[]
Orange dragons descend from the Fhaicorain line are the most unpredictable of dragonkind.[9] The Northern Esbens are believed to have been the hatching grounds of the orange dragon before unification, though true to their unpredictable nature, they often choose new valleys in the same range.[15] Ancestral hatching ground: Northern Esbens, various valleys[15]
Hatching Grounds[]
Steelridge Range, The Vale[]
The Vale is the valley behind Basgiath that is the dragons' home and they protect it from gryphons. Dragons eggs are laid at the Vale and it is their sacred hatching ground. Hatchlings and Feathertails are protected at the Vale until they are old enough to protect themselves.
This is the ancestral hatching ground of the Uaineloidsig line. They offered their ancestral hatching grounds for the good of dragonkind during the Great War, so that the First Six could weave the Basgiath wardstone and protect Navarre.[13]
Aretia Thermal Valley[]
Aretia's hatching grounds, historically of the Dubhmadinn line, are located in the valley above Riorson House. It's heated by natural thermal energy, which is its greatest asset.[18] During the events of Iron Flame, the dragons who ally with the Revolution use this valley as a hatching ground, seeing the birth of two new black dragons.
Northern Esben Range[]
The Northern Esbens are believed to have been the hatching grounds of the orange dragon before unification, though true to their unpredictable nature, they often choose new valleys in the same range.[15]
Known Dragons[]
| Name | Den | Breed | Rider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aimsir | Brown | Unknown | Lilith Sorrengail |
| Andarnaurram (Andarna) | Seventh Den | Scorpiontail | Violet Sorrengail (first rider) |
| Aotrom | Brown | Swordtail | Ridoc Gamlyn |
| Baide | Orange | Scorpiontail | Jack Barlowe |
| Bruegan | Orange | Daggertail | Professor Carr |
| Cath | Red | Swordtail | Dain Aetos |
| Chradh | Brown | Scorpiontail | Garrick Tavis |
| Claidh | Orange | Daggertail | Amber Mavis |
| Cuir | Green | Unknown | Bodhi Durran |
| Cruth | Green | Scorpiontail | QuinnQuinn's aunt (previous rider) |
| Codagh | Black | Swordtail | Augustine Melgren |
| Deigh | Red | Daggertail | Liam Mairi |
| Fann | Green | Swordtail | Ulices Ferris |
| Feirge | Green | Daggertail | Rhiannon Matthias |
| Fuil | Brown | Clubtail | Soleil Telery |
| Gaothal | Unknown | Unknown | Cianna |
| Glane | Orange | Daggertail | Imogen Cardulo |
| Gleann | Unknown | Unknown | Caroline Ashton |
| Ghrian | Red | Scorpiontail | Unknown |
| Greim | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| Maise | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| Malla | Red | Scorpiontail | Nyra Voldaren |
| Marbh | Orange | Daggertail | Brennan Sorrengail |
| Sgaeyl | Blue (Navy) | Daggertail | Xaden RiorsonXaden's grandfather (previous rider) |
| Smachd | Unknown | Unknown | Professor Kaori |
| Solas † | Orange | Daggertail | Burton Varrish † |
| Sliseag | Red | Swordtail | Sawyer |
| Tairneanach (Tairn) | Black | Morningstartail | Violet SorrengailNaolin (previous rider) |
| Teine | Green | Clubtail | Mira Sorrengail |
| Thoirt | Red (Strawberry) | Daggertail | Sloane Mairi |
Unnamed Dragons[]
- Blue (Sapphire) Clubtail ( Aaric Graycastle)
- Red Clubtail ( Aura Beinhaven )
- Green Clubtail (Lyron Panchek)
- Red Swordtail ( Felix Gerault)
- Red Clubtail ( Professor Devera )
- Brown Daggertail ( Septon Izar )
- Brown Clubtail (Suri)
- Brown Daggertail ( Visia Hawelynn )
- Red Clubtail (Unnamed Cadet in Claw Section, First Squad)
- Unnamed Dragon (Baylor)
- Unnamed Dragon (Brisa)
- Unnamed Dragon (Ciaran)
- Unnamed Dragon (Cohen)
- Unnamed Dragon (Colonel Aetos)
- Unnamed Dragon (Emery)
- Unnamed Dragon (Eya)
- Unnamed Dragon (Greely)
- Unnamed Dragon (Heaton)
- Unnamed Dragon (Kylynn)
- Unnamed Dragon (Lynx)
- Unnamed Dragon (Mirabel)
- Unnamed Dragon (Masen Sanborn)
- Unnamed Dragon (Nadine)
- Unnamed Dragon (Navil Jacek)
- Unnamed Dragon (Nolon Colbersy)
- Unnamed Dragon (Nora )
- Unnamed Dragon (Professor Emetterio)
- Unnamed Dragon (Professor Grady)
- Unnamed Dragon (Tomas)
- Unnamed Dragon (Trissa)
- Unnamed Dragon (Tyvon Varen )
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- It is typically forbidden for dragons to bond a relative of one of their previous riders.[1]
- ten dragons makes a full riot.
- Cross-bolts are lethal against dragonkind.[20]
- There were 100 dragons willing to bond in 633 AU, 137 willing in 632 AU, and 163 willing in 631 AU.[1]
Citations[]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 Fourth Wing, Chapter 8
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 52
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Fourth Wing, Chapter 12
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Fourth Wing, Chapter 3
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Fourth Wing, Chapter 14
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 18
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Iron Flame, Chapter 64
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 20
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 Fourth Wing, Chapter 10
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Iron Flame, Chapter 53
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 40
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 57
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Iron Flame, Chapter 9
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 16
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 Iron Flame, Chapter 14
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 4
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 38
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Iron Flame, Chapter 2
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 16
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 21