Dragon Rider
The Dragon Riders of Azurai have a long history shrouded in mystery. Most do not know of the legends, and those that do rarely believe them. Only the Dragon Tamers, a religious society, are certain of riders' existence. While most of the riders are from this society, in extreme cases outsiders may be chosen to become a rider.
Qualifications
A Dragon Rider is one who has studied alongside an ancient dragon. Only those deemed worthy by their mentor may inherit an egg in which lies their partner. As ancient dragons are exceedingly rare, dragon riders are even rarer. No one quite knows what makes one "worthy", as ancient dragons do not often explain themselves.
Requirements
There doesn't seem to be any hard and fast requirements for one to become a dragon rider, except for the training of an individual by an ancient dragon. Not even age seems to be a consideration. There are times when children are gifted an egg.
Appointment
There is a special ceremony and celebration in which the egg is given to the rider. The rider travels to the Tree of Istishia with their mentor. However, they must go through the Soundless Swamp alone. If they survive to reach the Tree, they may ride on the back of the ancient dragon up to one of the branches. There the dragon plucks an egg from the Tree and gifts it to the rider. They all, dragon, rider, and egg, fly back to their temple where the celebrations begin. The celebration lasts ten days and ten nights. There is food, dancing, games, and gift giving between all, and gift giving specifically to the egg. At sunrise on the eleventh day the egg hatches, and the dragon takes its first flight.
Duties
In the first years of being a dragon rider, the rider takes care of their partner. They teach their partner their way of life and of the world. A rider teaches what they were taught by their own mentor. Once the dragon is old enough to ride, it is old enough to shapeshift into a humanoid form. They travel the world in secret with the rider to experience the world for themselves, all the while being protected by the rider. Eventually the rider leaves their partner in order for them to gain self responsibility. Once that is through, they help defend the weak, lift up the poor, and heal the sick. It is a rider's duty to make sure that their identities are kept a secret, lest those in power seek to destroy them.
Benefits
Dragon riders often gain an increased life expectancy. Whatever magical abilities they have are more potent. Their bond to their partner is unlike any other in existence. It is often said that a rider and their partner share one soul, but that is yet to be proven. Like any other dragon, a rider's partner requires a hoard. Oftentimes a dragon will let their partner keep items or even gold from that hoard. Riders who are alchemically inclined may harvest powerful and rare ingredients from their partner in order to make potent potions.
Accoutrements & Equipment
The high priestess of the temple gifts the rider with an amulet handcrafted by herself. It can be any shape, as the shape represents an aspect of the rider's journey to becoming a rider. For example, if the rider gained much knowledge through study of books, the amulet may be an open book.
Otherwise a rider may dress as they wish.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
A rider stops being a rider if their partner dies. While a dragon can find another partner (though that partner is not granted the title of Dragon Rider, and the partner does not actually ride the dragon), a rider cannot find another dragon. If that happens, they become a priest in their temple, and they attend to other potential riders. In a very rare case, one rider by the name of Aravae broke the sacred trust between a rider and their partner. She betrayed her partner and so was cast out. Her partner then went into isolation, and nothing is known of his fate.
Cultural Significance
The impact of the riders has been immeasurable, though due to the secrecy of the role, its true extent is unknown. Riders have given rise to nations and been the cause of the fall of nations.
Type
Religious, Beatified
Status
As of 1715, the title is still used.
Alternative Naming
Friend of Dragons
Source of Authority
Dragons
Length of Term
Lifetime, or until a special circumstance
Past Holders
Reports directly to
Related Organizations
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