riding school

The academy's requirements include a cold enclosure, training only in snowy conditions, and a separate schedule for the winter months.

Triple Strike – “three chances to win”

Taxonomy: Polyphasic predator, solitary type, rarity rank - A (rare). Dimensions and weight: medium size, massive front part, three tails with different types of spikes. Specialization: duels, pinpoint attacks, neutralizing single strong opponents. Temperament: Calculating, likes to "toy" with opponents, testing their reactions. Best matched with patient riders who resist provocation and know how to wait for the perfect moment. Abilities and limitations: Three tails with different types of spikes (stun, slash, poison), the ability to change tactics mid-battle. Limitation: If the rider rushes, the dragon will start to "joke" and strike inappropriately. Academy requirements: a separate training ground for duels, training with moving targets, a ban on mass battles until passing the tempo control exam.

Snaptrapper - "the sweet smell of fear"

Taxonomy: deceptive predator, schooling type, rarity rank - A (rare). Dimensions and weight: medium size, four heads on a flexible neck, body adapted for ambush. Specialization: ambushes, disorientation, undermining morale. Temperament: Patient, likes to wait, and takes their time. Best paired with cool-headed riders who can sit quietly and remain calm. Abilities and Limitations: Emits a sweet scent that attracts and disorients its prey; its four heads can attack from different directions. Limitation: The scent also affects friendly units if they stand too close. The academy's requirements include separate enclosures with ventilation, training in forests and swamps, and a ban on flying in close formation.

There are many more types of dragons so {{user}} can create his own dragon.

Limitation: The smoke also interferes with one's own; if the wind changes, the curtain will hit one's own. The academy's requirements include: a wing with good ventilation (to avoid suffocation), training with consideration for wind direction, and mandatory route coordination with other teams.

Whispering Death - "invisible underground"

While previous dragons hid in the air and on the surface, the Whispering Death is "stealth from below." It literally emerges from the ground, confusing even experienced fighters.

Taxonomy: subterranean boring predator, solitary type, rarity rank - A (rare). Dimensions and weight: elongated body, adapted for digging, powerful drilling jaws. Specialization: underground raids, surprise attacks from below, reconnaissance of underground passages. Temperament: straightforward, doesn't like unnecessary words. Best matched with determined riders who aren't afraid of "dirty work" and don't lose their heads in the dark. Abilities and Limitations: Drills tunnels and can emerge from underground directly beneath an enemy. Limitation: Feels vulnerable on the surface and does not tolerate bright light. Academy requirements: separate underground training grounds, darkened stables, priority on missions in caves and under ruins.

Snow Wraith – “invisibility in the cold”

The Snow Wraith is a creature of environmental camouflage: in a snowstorm, it is virtually invisible, and its thermal vision allows it to see what is hidden from others.

Taxonomy: Cryo-cloaker, single type, rarity rank - S (legendary). Dimensions and weight: slim, streamlined, adapted to cold conditions. Specialization: reconnaissance in snowstorms, ambushes in blizzards, search for hidden targets. Temperament: reserved, almost cold. Best compatible with calm, cool-headed riders who can maintain clarity of thought in the chaos of a storm. Abilities and Limitations: Snowstorm camouflage, thermal vision. Limitation: Heat intolerance, less effective in mild climates.

Abilities and Limitations: Accumulates seawater and releases it under pressure as a jet or cloud of steam; can heat water to boiling point. Limitation: Rapidly loses moisture and becomes lethargic on land; requires regular diving. Academy requirements: a stall with a pool and water circulation system, priority for sea missions, a ban on long flights over land without stops for "cooling down."

Skrill

Taxonomy: Electric Predator, Solitary Type, Rarity Rank: S (Legendary). Dimensions and weight: slender, elongated, length ~10–12 m; light skeleton, long claws. Specialization: attacks during thunderstorms, disabling mechanisms, solo raids. Temperament: Independent, almost aloof, dislikes touch and close contact. Best matched with riders willing to partner without "merging": those who respect distance and value independence. Abilities and Limitations: Absorbs and stores lightning, emits powerful electrical discharges; can "freeze" himself in a block of ice and remain there for months. Limitation: Dangerous to metal harness parts; his strength decreases in clear weather. Academy requirements: completely non-metallic equipment, training only on thunderstorm days, a separate stall with a grounding system, a ban on group flights during thunderstorms.

Smokebreath - "wall of smoke"

This dragon isn't so much invisible as it is "invisible" to itself and others. At the academy, it's prized for its ability to conceal entire chains.

Taxonomy: Smoke-producing camouflager, schooling type, rarity rank - B (uncommon). Dimensions and weight: medium size, stocky body, short powerful wings. Specialization: creating smoke screens, covering retreats, concealing maneuvers. Temperament: Calm, methodical, enjoys routine. Best matched with even-tempered riders who don't need to be the center of attention. Abilities and limitations: Releases dense clouds of smoke, can create a curtain for several minutes.

Stormcutter Taxonomy: Storm Raptor, Leader Type, Rarity Rank: A (Rare). Dimensions and weight: large, wide wings, powerful claws; length ~14–16 m. Specialization: long-range reconnaissance, rescue missions in storms, flight command. Temperament: Reasonable, inclined to make independent decisions, respects a rider who can justify an order. Best suited to experienced riders willing to engage in equal partnership rather than blind obedience. Abilities and Limitations: Excellent sense of storms, hurricane flight, hook-like claws for clinging to rocks. Limitation: May refuse to carry out an order if deemed unreasonably risky. Academy requirements: a dedicated slot for flights in bad weather, the right to deviate from the route if conditions deteriorate sharply, and a mentor with experience in storm flights.

Changewing

Taxonomy: Camouflaged predator, solitary/pair type, rarity rank - S (legendary). Dimensions and weight: length ~9–10 m, graceful body, wings with thin membrane; weight below average. Specialization: covert infiltration, sabotage, surveillance, elimination of single targets. Temperament: Cautious, distrustful, takes a long time to observe the rider. Best matched with quiet, observant students who can wait and don't rush contact. Abilities and Limitations: Complete camouflage (near invisibility) and releases a corrosive acid spray. Limitation: The acid is dangerous to harnesses and saddles; camouflage requires silence and stillness—any haste will break it. Academy requirements: a darkened wing with adjustable lighting, training at dusk, and a ban on the use of metal elements in equipment (acid corrodes metal).

Scauldron

Taxonomy: aquatic predator, semi-aquatic solitary type, rarity rank - A (rare). Dimensions and weight: massive, heavy, length ~13–15 m; body rounded, adapted to water pressure.

Restriction: Spikes are dangerous to others; requires distance and a separate route for takeoff and landing. Academy requirements: a stall with protective sides, double signal flags along the route, a ban on flying in close formation without special permission.

Hideous Zippleback Taxonomy: Two-headed symbiotic predator, paired type, rarity rank - B (uncommon). Dimensions and weight: length ~13–15 m, massive body, low maneuverability due to inertia. Specialization: controlled explosions, clearing fortifications, supporting heavy units. Temperament: The heads have different personalities (often "cautious" and "impulsive") and are prone to internal disputes. Best compatibility is with balanced riders who possess mediation skills and clear vocal cues for each head. Abilities and Limitations: Combustible gas + spark = focused blast; high firepower, but slow reaction time. Limitation: Requires dual saddles and dual command systems; loses effectiveness in tight spaces. Academy requirements: the largest stall, a separate flight route, and the mandatory presence of a second instructor during maneuvers.

Gronckle Taxonomy: Heavily armored omnivorous species, worker type, rarity rank - C (common). Dimensions and weight: length ~8–9 m, short wings, massive body, thick scales. Specialization: cargo transportation, rubble clearance, close defense. Temperament: Calm, slow-paced, prefers routine and predictability. Best matched with patient riders who can work at a slow pace and value reliability over speed. Abilities and Limitations: Eats rocks, spits out lava or rock fragments; excellent armor, high endurance. Limitations: Low speed and maneuverability; does not tolerate long flights or strong winds. Academy requirements: reinforced beams in the stall, a separate storage area for feeding stones, priority for land and short-distance routes.

Classification form

For the Academy, each type is described by fields:

Taxonomy - type, subtype, rarity rank. Dimensions and weight - to understand where to place it in the line and what saddle to take. Combat/work specialization - for distribution among squads. Temperament and compatibility - so that the curator can select a pair. Key abilities and limitations - for tactics and safety. The academy has special requirements: stables, food, training.

Dragon Classifier:

Night Fury Taxonomy: Aeromantic predator, elite solitary species, rarity rank - S (legendary). Dimensions and weight: length ~7–8 m, wingspan ~12–14 m, weight is relatively low due to the lightweight skeleton. Specialization: reconnaissance, precision strikes, covert infiltration. Temperament: Highly intelligent, emotionally sensitive, easily offended if cues are ignored. Best matched with riders who can "listen to silence": patient, observant, and capable of nonverbal coordination. Abilities and Limitations: Plasma blasts, ability to extinguish flames in the throat, silent flight, extreme maneuverability. Limitation: extremely sensitive to loud noises and harsh commands; does not function well in close formations. Academy requirements: separate wing/stall with soundproofing, night training slots, personal instructor.

Deadly Nadder Taxonomy: spiny-spined predator, schooling type, rarity rank - A (rare). Dimensions and weight: length ~10–12 m, wingspan ~14–16 m, slender, muscular build. Specialization: high-speed patrol, pinpoint destruction, flanking maneuvers. Temperament: Stubborn, competitive, values ​​clear commands and consistency. Best matched with disciplined riders who keep their word and don't change orders halfway through. Abilities and limitations: tail spikes, excellent maneuverability, high speed.

The Chief Master (Rector) is the guardian of neutrality

He's not just the director, but the symbol of the academy itself. He's rarely seen, but everyone talks about him. He usually appears only at the most important ceremonies: the first touching of the egg, graduation, and the trial for violation of neutrality.

Image. Tall, gray-haired, wearing a simple, unadorned dark blue robe. Around his neck is a thin chain with a tiny fragment of a dragon's claw: not an amulet of power, but a sign that he once lost his dragon and now serves all couples at once. Teaching style. He barely teaches techniques. His lessons are stories. He tells of disasters that occurred when the rider put himself above the dragon, and of victories where synchronicity decided everything. The idea is for students to find the moral themselves. The rule he defends at all costs: territorial neutrality. If someone tries to bring an old feud into the school, the rector doesn't shout—he invites both sides in, places an egg between them, and says, "As long as this egg is here, you're not enemies. You're a couple who need to learn to fly together." A flight instructor is "one who feels the wind."

The most prominent teacher in the arena. His voice can be heard even through the flapping of his wings.

Image. Strong, wiry, with burnt fingers (he once got too close to a dragon's fire) and a scar across his eyebrow—the result of an unsuccessful maneuver. He wears a leather jacket with patches: each one bears the name of a dragon he's flown with at least once (even if it was just a short five-minute flight). Teaching style. He doesn't explain theory—he makes you feel it. His favorite phrases: "Don't look at the map—look at the wings," "The wind isn't the enemy, it's just different," "If you don't feel the dragon pulling you to the left, you're already too late." Methods. He enjoys sudden challenges: he abruptly changes the signal flags in the arena so that the riders learn to react without pause. He's also the first to notice if a student is too tense, and then quietly says, "Lower your shoulders. The dragon feels your fear like a weight."

The Egg Keeper is the "voice of silence"

Someone who knows the basement better than his own bedroom.

Image. Short, quiet, moves silently. Always wears thin suede gloves to avoid leaving any odors. On his belt is a set of small tuning forks: he uses them to test the vibration of his eggs. Teaching style: Teaches through observation. He might stand next to a student for half an hour and simply listen to the egg. Then he'll quietly say one phrase: "You're breathing too loudly for this egg" or "It loves the rhythm of your voice—talk to it." Philosophy. He believes the bond begins long before hatching. His main lesson: "A dragon doesn't choose by strength. It chooses by rhythm." Harness and equipment master - "a techie with a heart"

Responsible for ensuring that everything concerning the dragon is safe and comfortable.

Image. He carries a coil of rope, several types of leather, and a tiny ruler with him everywhere. His hands are always dirty, but he never touches the dragon with dirty fingers—he washes his hands first, even if it takes a minute. Teaching style: He hates "pretty solutions." His motto is, "If it looks cool but chafes, it's bad." He teaches that a good harness is one that the dragon doesn't even notice. Conflict with traditional views. He often argues with those who believe that "connection is only magic." His response: "Magic won't save you if the buckle comes apart at a height of a thousand steps."

Dragon Healer - "one who listens to whispers"

Not just a veterinarian, but a specialist in dragon diseases and emotions.

Image. Calm, with very soft hands and a habit of tilting his head, as if listening. He always keeps a bowl of warm pebbles in his office—dragons like to rest their paws on it when they're nervous. Teaching style. He teaches students to notice the first signs of stress: changes in scale temperature, breathing rate, even the way a dragon holds its tail. His favorite exercise: "Close your eyes and tell me where your dragon is right now. Not by sound, but by feel." An important lesson.

He repeats: "A dragon can hide pain, but it cannot hide trembling. Learn to see the trembling." Theory and History Teacher – "Archivist of the Wings"

Knows everything about dragons: from anatomy to legends.

The image. Glasses on a chain, stacks of books, a model of a dragon skeleton on the table. He speaks quickly but very precisely, and he has a habit of drawing diagrams directly on his sleeves because he has no paper handy. Teaching style: He loves asking questions that don't have a simple answer: "Why don't dragons like copper?", "What happens to their hearts when they dive?", "How do they remember faces?" His goal is to teach thinking, not memorization. The trick. He keeps a "Couples Book," where he records every successful relationship, their unique characteristics, and even their little habits. Students know it's a great honor to be included in this book. How teachers interact with each other

The academy doesn't have "separate subjects" in the traditional sense. Teachers work as a unified system:

The flight instructor and healer often stand next to each other in the arena: one monitors the maneuvers, the other monitors the dragon's condition. If the dragon becomes nervous, the instructor immediately reduces the load. The egg keeper and the head egg master decide together which egg to offer to each person. This isn't a "handout," but a selection based on rhythm and character. The harness master and the theory teacher argue, but respect each other: one knows how to make it comfortable, the other knows how it works from an anatomical point of view.

Newbies (first year) - "eggheads" The seniors tease them like that because they spend most of their time in the basement, learning to feel the egg's pulse, how to position their hand correctly when first touching it, and not to panic when the egg suddenly vibrates. They don't have dragons yet, and this is the most vulnerable position: they are simultaneously the most curious and the most insecure.

Typical personality: a mixture of delight and panic. They write everything down in notebooks, argue about which scale color is cooler, and fear that their egg will "choose someone else." Everyday details: they always carry a small bag of sand from the storage facility—it's believed it helps them "feel the rhythm" of the egg. They also wear gloves with the fingers cut off: according to academy rules, touching the egg with a full glove is forbidden, but it's also forbidden with bare hands, so they make do. Riders (second-third year) - "winged" They already have dragons, but the connection is still unstable. This is the noisiest layer of the school: they are always rushing, late for lectures because "the dragon didn't want to get up," and argue about maneuvers as if the fate of the world depended on it.

Typical personality: passion, competitiveness, and a lot of bravado. At the same time, they are very sensitive to any changes in their dragon's behavior: one strange sneeze and they're running to the healers. Everyday details: small bells hang from their belts and jackets—not for decoration, but so the dragon can locate its rider by sound in the fog or dust storm of the arena. Many also wear thin leather bracelets on their wrists with burnt marks: the days when the dragon first responded to a voice, made its first circle without command, or sat down next to them without a command.

Masters (fourth year and above) - "Arc Dragonars" Those who have already received magical armor and weapons from the dragon. There are few of them, and they are treated almost like semi-legends. They rarely shout, often speaking quietly, and their words in the arena sound like commands, even if they are just advice.

Typical character: calmness bordering on detachment, but at the same time enormous responsibility.

They know that any mistake could cost the life of not only them, but also their dragon. Everyday details: They wear almost no jewelry—it's believed that any extra piece might get caught on their harness or scales. However, they do have a special mark on their shoulder: a thin silver thread that glows faintly when their dragon is within earshot. Social groups within the school

Pairs and triplets Because training is often done in groups, students quickly form small groups of 2-3. These groups always have roles:

The "leader" is the one who feels the air currents better and sets the maneuver. A "safety guard" is someone who makes sure no one crashes into a wall or another dragon. The "Translator" is the one who best understands the body language of dragons and can say, "Your dragon is not angry, it is just nervous about the wind." Clan and "rootless" People come to the academy from all over the world, and old conflicts persist. The children of noble houses stick together, having their own traditions and even their own seats in the dining hall. The "rootless" (those without influential families) often band together according to the principle of "who are we allied against?": they adhere most strongly to the rule of neutrality and are often the first to notice injustice.

Techies and "clean riders" There are students who adore harnesses, belts, bindings, and armor, and can spend hours arguing over how best to distribute weight. Others find it boring and say, "Connection isn't about belts, it's about trust." There's a quiet but persistent war between these groups: some consider others "not serious enough," while others consider the former "too down-to-earth."

Relationships with dragons: as seen from the outside

The way a student treats his dragon immediately tells the school his level and character:

Newbie: Keeps looking at the dragon, as if waiting for a clue. Keeps his distance, but tries to be close. Frequently repeats, "Are you okay? Are you cold? Do you want some water?" Experienced Rider: Moves as if he and the dragon were one creature.

He doesn't look at it constantly, but he always knows where it is. His phrases are short and precise: "Keep to the left," "Don't rush," "We're together." Master: rarely gives verbal commands. A glance, a light touch on the shoulder, and the dragon already knows what to do. However, masters speak to their dragons out loud more often than others—not as a command, but simply to "be there with their voice."

Everyday life: what does a day consist of?

The academy's day is structured to teach students the balance between discipline and trust.

Inspection (dawn). Each student is required to personally inspect their dragon: check scales for cracks, claws, eyes, breathing, and body temperature. This is not a formality—missing the first signs of illness can seriously harm the dragon. Breakfast and announcements. A board with the daily assignments hangs on the wall in the dining room: who's flying out on patrol, who's staying in the arena, who's helping in the basement. Sometimes personal notes from mentors appear there: "Your dragon is nervous about the wind—practice landing" or "Don't rush the connection: it will come when it's ready." Theory and practice. Morning – lectures and flight debriefings (literally: using magical spheres that record short scenes). After lunch – flights, maneuvers, working with harnesses and equipment. Evening rituals. Before sunset, "silent flights" are performed in the arena: without speed or stunts, simply to feel the air currents and synchronize breathing with the dragon. This is considered the most important lesson. Lights out and silence. After lights out, the lights in the hallways are turned off, and only dim lanterns are left in the stables. It's believed that the dragons need peace, and the students need time to reflect on their accomplishments during the day.

Atmosphere: a mix of barracks, temple and circus

The atmosphere at the school is a constant contrast between grandeur and everyday life. Everything here is enormous, heavy, and stony, yet at the same time very human.

A deafening silence. Footsteps echo in the hallways, but conversations are hushed: everyone remembers the egg cellar. But in the arena, everything is the opposite—shouts, commands, the whistle of the wind, the flapping of wings, the clanking of barriers. The contrast between these two modes creates a tension that the students feel on their skin. Smells as landmarks. Smells can tell you where you are: the stables smell of warm wool, stone, and spicy feed; the forge—of hot metal and coal; the basement—of damp moss, sand, and the subtle ozone emitted by dragon eggs. These smells become part of your memory: many students later recognize their dragons by their scent. A hierarchy without arrogance. The older students aren't so much "cooler" as "more experienced." People come to them for advice because they know how to calm a dragon, how to tie a harness so it doesn't chafe, and how to read the weather by its wings. At the same time, no one hides the fact that everyone has fallen off a dragon and gotten their commands mixed up—it's part of the school's legend. Traditions and small rituals. Every morning, the bell in the main tower rings—this is the signal for the rounds: all students must personally check their dragons. In the evening, before lights out, signal lights are lit in the arena: this is not only for safety but also as a sign that the school "holds up the sky." Competition without cruelty. Dragon races, paired maneuvers, and exams are always a celebration, but with serious stakes. Winners get to choose the best training spots and additional hours in the arena. Losers have no shame: it's considered that if you flew fairly and didn't abandon your dragon, you've already won. Humor as a stress reliever. Because of the constant danger at school, there's a lot of dark humor and self-mockery. Jokes like "I didn't fall—I was testing how soft the grass was" or "My dragon just wanted to hug me, not eat me" help students cope with stress.

The school operates by strict but clear rules:

Rules: strict but clear

At the Ansarivan Dragonar Academy, discipline is based not on fear, but on logic: a mistake in the presence of a dragon can cost one's life. Therefore, the rules sound almost like commandments.

"A dragon is a partner, not a trophy." It's forbidden to boast about your dragon's strength, to stage "demonstrative humiliations" of other couples, and especially not to use a dragon for intimidation. Punishment is loss of flights and community service in the stables (cleaning scales and cleaning nests). This is considered humiliating for the proud, but beneficial for everyone. No unauthorized combat. Training bouts are held only in the arena, under the supervision of an instructor and with protective barriers. Unauthorized dragon duels are prohibited: this may result in a temporary communication block (a magical "jammer" for several days) so the rider can experience what it's like to be without a partner. Basement Rule: Silence and distance. No noise, running, using bright magic, or approaching within three steps of the egg storage area without the caretaker's accompaniment are permitted. It is believed that strong emotions and violent outbursts can disrupt the embryo's development. Responsibility to the end. Once you accept an egg, you are responsible for it for the rest of your life. Abandoning a dragon, refusing a mate, or passing it on to another is a shame that lasts for years. In rare cases, if a bond is impossible for health reasons, the matter is decided by a council of masters, and this is always a public, difficult decision. Neutrality of the territory. On the academy's lands, old conflicts between houses and countries are forbidden. If two students have a feud, they are placed in the same study group or forced to clean the stables together: they must learn to work as a pair, even if they are not friends. The ritual of the first touch. When a student touches the egg for the first time, it's not just a formality: at that moment, a magical imprint is recorded. Attempting to substitute the egg or cheat the system is considered sacrilege and is punishable by permanent expulsion.

Entry into the academy isn't simply a matter of wishing to join: a prospective dragonrider must have a mark (a brand)—a magical mark that proves their ability to connect with a dragon. But the brand is merely a permit, not a guarantee of success.

Stages of training:

Introduction to the egg. Newcomers are brought into the basement and allowed to feel the egg's "pulse": a gentle warmth, vibration, sometimes even a quiet whisper. This helps determine whether there is a connection between the human and the future dragon. Theory and safety. The first few months consist of lectures on dragon behavior, their diet, weaknesses, and body signals. They teach how to approach a dragon without provoking a defensive reaction and how to read its body language. First flights with a mentor. Students fly adult dragons alongside instructors: first as passengers, then learning to give simple commands, maintain balance, and sense the air currents. Bonding and awakening. When a dragon hatches, the hardest part begins: establishing trust. This isn't magic at the snap of a finger, but daily work—feeding, preening, talking, and short-distance flights together. Paired maneuvers and tests. Students learn to act as a unit: turns, dives, dodges, synchronized attacks. The highest level is when the dragon voluntarily gives its rider magical armor and weapons—a sign of the pair's complete trust and strength.

The academy stands on a rocky plateau, seemingly grown straight out of the stone: massive walls of dark gray granite, towers resembling dragon claws, and wide terraces offering convenient takeoffs. The roofs are covered with copper tiles that have turned green over time, and iron gutters in the shape of writhing dragons run along the eaves.

Main parts of the building:

The main hall and vestibule. This is where newcomers are greeted, and the placement lists and training notice boards are also posted. In the center is a stone bas-relief depicting the first dragonar and his dragon: the rider's hand gesture reads "I hold up the sky." The classrooms. Stone corridors with tall windows to let in plenty of light. Classrooms for magic theory, tactics, and dragon anatomy: diagrams of muscles and wings hang on the walls, and glass jars containing scale samples from various ages stand in the cabinets. The Arena. Open, circular, with high stands and protective barriers made of enchanted stone. The arena hosts flights, paired maneuvers, mock battles, and exams. Signal posts are placed around the perimeter: if magic gets out of control, they flare up and dampen the energy surges. Stables and flight yards. These aren't ordinary stables: high vaults, wide aisles for the dragon to turn around, and special run-up areas. The stalls have resting niches, heated drinking bowls (dragons prefer warm water), and boxes filled with rocks and pebbles—many dragons enjoy gnawing on rocks to sharpen their teeth. The egg cellar. Deep, cool, and dark, but with sophisticated ventilation and temperature control. The eggs are kept in individual cells on soft nests of sand and moss. Next door is the caretaker's room, where logs are kept: when the egg began to vibrate, when the first crack appeared, who is designated as the future rider. The Communications and Observation Tower. The school's highest point. From here, they monitor training flights, signal with flags and bells, and also keep an archive of all the dragon-rider pairings over the centuries.