Hatching Ceremony
The hatching ceremony is a momentous occasion for the Skysworn Guild, filled with anticipation and excitement. As the Squires gather on the sands of the Hatching grounds, they don a special all-white uniform meant to neutralize any potential attraction or disdain some dragons might have for specific colors. The significance of the event draws the rest of the Guild and invited guests to the stands, including dignitaries from cities and other guilds.
Dragons are instinctively drawn to the Hatching grounds, sensing the approaching consciousness of the unhatched dragons. As the mother dragons emit their maternal croon, nearby dragons respond with a deep humming, known as the "pre-birth lullaby." The resonant sound creates an emotional atmosphere, evoking primal feelings ranging from pride and joy to fear and yearning among the attendees. Healers remain on standby, as the excitement of the dragons can lead to unpredictable aerial maneuvers and accidents.
Once the eggs hatch, a pivotal moment known as "the choosing" unfolds. The newly born dragons will feel a connection to those present and select their future Rider from among the hopeful Squires. Not all Squires are chosen, and some may attend multiple ceremonies before forming a bond with a dragon. The selection process is entirely up to the dragons' instincts, and there is no guarantee of a match. The Guild emphasizes that it is the dragon's decision, and the potential riders must respect this bond.
Despite the joyous atmosphere, there can also be disappointment and heartache, especially for older Squires who have been passed over multiple times. Pleading with the dragons is fruitless and even dangerous, as the dragons respond with demonstrations of their power. The Guild teaches its members that there is no shame in not being chosen, and those who are not matched with a dragon may choose to leave with honor.
Following the hatching ceremony, a hearty feast is held to celebrate the new bonds formed between Rider and Dragon. Music fills the air as Guild Bards and other musicians perform, adding to the jubilant mood. The hatching is a time of unity, forging strong connections not only between dragons and their Riders but also among the guild members and guests who share in this extraordinary event.
History
The hatching ceremony of the Skysworn has its roots in ancient times, dating back to the founding of the guild by Lyanna Stormwind. In the early days, dragons were believed to be mindless beasts, and humans had a limited understanding of their true nature and abilities. Lyanna Stormwind, the first human to bond with a dragon, shattered this misconception by establishing a profound connection with a dragon named Drakor. Their partnership set the foundation for the Skysworn guild.
As the knowledge of dragon riders spread, more humans sought to bond with these majestic creatures. It soon became evident that the bonding process was not merely a matter of human will but a profound choice made by the dragons themselves. Dragons possessed a keen instinct that allowed them to recognize individuals with whom they would form a deep bond and partnership.
Over time, the Skysworn guild developed a formalized ceremony to celebrate the hatching of dragon eggs and the selection of new Dragon Riders. The hatching ceremony became a significant event within the guild, drawing members, guests, and dignitaries from far and wide. The tradition of wearing all-white uniforms during the ceremony was established to ensure that the dragons' choices were not influenced by external appearances or colors.
The ceremony holds immense importance for both the Squires and the dragons. It is a culmination of years of training and preparation for the Squires as they eagerly await the moment when a dragon will choose them as a partner. For the dragons, it is a moment of awakening and consciousness, a time when they make a life-altering decision to form a bond with a Rider.
Execution
Yes, the hatching ceremony of the Skysworn follows a formulaic and time-honored system that has been refined over the centuries. The ceremony is meticulously planned and organized to ensure its success and significance. At the designated time, all the Squires gather on the sandy expanse of the Hatching grounds, wearing special all-white uniforms to avoid any potential biases that could influence the dragons' choices.
The guild and invited guests, including important dignitaries, gather in the stands surrounding the Hatching grounds to witness the proceedings. The atmosphere is filled with anticipation and excitement as the dragons, drawn by the imminent awakening of their kin, gather nearby, emitting a deep humming that resonates through the air.
As the moment of hatching approaches, the humming of the dragons intensifies, creating a chorus of tones that evoke a range of emotions in those present. Healers are on standby due to the potential injuries and risks associated with the dragons' excitement during the ceremony. The arrival of new life and the forging of new bonds between dragons and Squires are celebrated as a momentous occasion.
Once the dragon eggs hatch, the choosing takes place. The newborn dragons feel a connection to those in attendance and select their future Rider from among the hopeful Squires. This part of the ceremony is unpredictable, as the dragons' choices are solely based on their instinct and intuition. Not all Squires may be chosen, but the guild emphasizes that there is no shame in this, and individuals can try again in future ceremonies.
The hatching ceremony concludes with a joyful celebration, complete with a hearty meal and music performed by the guild's Bards and visiting musicians. The event serves as a testament to the longstanding tradition and bond between humans and dragons in the Skysworn guild, carrying on the legacy established by Lyanna Stormwind. Through this formulaic system, the hatching ceremony remains a significant and cherished tradition that strengthens the unity and camaraderie within the guild while commemorating the forging of new dragon-rider partnerships.
Components and tools
During the hatching ceremony of the Skysworn, various physical items play crucial roles in the rituals, adding significance and symbolism to the event. The most prominent of these items is the special all-white uniform worn by the Squires during the ceremony. This uniform is carefully designed to neutralize any potential color-based attraction or aversion that dragons may have, ensuring a fair and unbiased selection process.
The Hatching grounds themselves serve as a sacred space for the ceremony. The sandy expanse becomes a focal point where Squires and dragons come together, surrounded by the stands where the rest of the guild and invited guests gather to witness the momentous occasion.
As the Squires await the hatching of the dragon eggs, healers stand by with medical equipment and supplies, prepared to attend to any injuries that may occur due to the dragons' excitement during the event. Their presence adds a sense of caution and care to the proceedings.
Musical instruments, played by the guild's Bards and visiting musicians, add a touch of festivity and celebration to the ceremony's conclusion. The joyous music creates an uplifting atmosphere as everyone comes together to commemorate the birth of new dragons and the formation of new bonds.
Lastly, the dragon eggs themselves are a vital physical element in the ceremony. The hatching of the eggs symbolizes the awakening of new life and the beginning of a new chapter for both the dragons and the chosen Squires. The eggs hold the potential for powerful dragon companions, and their hatching is a moment of great anticipation and excitement for all in attendance.
Participants
The hatching ceremonies of the Skysworn are grand affairs that attract a diverse array of attendees. The primary participants are the Squires, who eagerly gather on the sands of the Hatching grounds, dressed in their all-white uniforms, ready to witness the birth of the dragons and potentially be chosen as Dragon Riders. These aspiring dragon riders are the focal point of the event, as they anxiously await when the dragon eggs hatch and the choosing begins.
The rest of the guild members, including the Dragon Riders and Scaled Masters, also gather to witness the ceremony. They play a significant role in guiding and supporting the Squires throughout their journey, and they take great pride in seeing their potential protégés embark on the path of becoming Dragon Riders.
In addition to guild members, family and friends of the Squires often attend the hatching ceremonies, just like one would gather for a momentous graduation. This adds a touch of personal importance and emotional significance to the event, as loved ones eagerly await the outcome, hoping for their Squire to be chosen by a dragon.
The hatching ceremonies also draw the attention of important dignitaries from various cities and other guilds. These influential guests are invited to witness the formation of new dragon-rider partnerships and signify the guild's prestige and reputation on a broader scale.
Of course, the most critical participants in the ceremony are the dragons themselves. As the eggs hatch and the dragons choose their future riders, the atmosphere becomes electric with excitement and anticipation. The dragons' instinctive ability to sense their ideal partners makes this selection process a captivating and awe-inspiring sight for all present.
Observance
The hatching rites of the Skysworn are observed whenever a clutch of dragon eggs is ready to hatch. The exact timing of the hatching is unpredictable, as it depends on the natural incubation process of the dragon eggs. Dragons are known to be intelligent and sentient beings, and their eggs hold a unique and mystical power. Sometimes, the eggs hatch precisely when expected, while at other times, they may hatch earlier or later than anticipated.
When the eggs show signs of hatching, there is a sense of excitement and urgency within the guild. The Dragon Riders, Scaled Masters, and Squires are all on high alert, ready to participate in the hatching ceremony. If the eggs hatch early, there is indeed a mad dash to get to the sands of the Hatching grounds. Everyone hurries to witness the momentous event and to potentially be chosen by a newly hatched dragon.
The unpredictability of the hatching adds an element of spontaneity and suspense to the tradition. It also fosters a sense of unity and readiness among the guild members, as they must be prepared to respond promptly to the call of the hatching dragons.
Regardless of the exact timing, the hatching rites are a highly anticipated and revered occasion within the Skysworn guild. It marks the beginning of new dragon-rider partnerships and symbolizes the continuation of the ancient bond between dragons and their human counterparts.
Important Locations
Related Organizations
Comments