Dragon Knight
A dragon knight is an especially trained mounted warrior borne on the back of a domesticated dragon. The practice of dragonmount warfare is attributed by strong and long-standing tradition to the ancient Neptultchi whose legendary entry into Pytharnia is dated by scholars to around 4300 AS.
The tradition of Dragon Knights is practiced at the service of rulers throughout southern Pytharnia, including Asbardy, Gonfaloy, Thrain, Ogentir, Magdala, and Medibgö. Dragonfirth in Barathorn is also well-known for its dragonmount knights. A squadron of dragon knights serves under a draconary, the squadron typically consisting of sixteen to twenty four knights. Historically, in warfare, dragon knights would not employ their mounts fiery breath against enemy dragon knights, not so much due to professional courtesy but to tactical application. Defeating the enemy knight in war could result in his capture and profitable ransom. The victor could then use the fiery breath of his mount to subdue ground warriors. The value of the dragon's breath lay in its terrifying power over ground troops and effect on many combatants at once.
Training
The art of Dragonmount Warfare requires the complete and unflinching dedication of the warrior nearly from birth. In many cases, the infant knight is presented to the dragon to determine suitability of the dragon for the human baby. If the dragon shows acceptation, the infant is raised in the presence of the dragon by the dragon women. Historically most dragon knights were male, but this has changed in recent years. The child learns Dragonmount Cant and the ways of the Dragon Knights. In young childhood, he is required to care for the dragon and learn how to saddle and unsaddle the tack from the beast. As the child approaches young adulthood, he begins his training in earnest, learning to mount and ride the dragon on the ground, until his skill improves enough to take flight. Once he can take flight, his training becomes rigorous and he practices on ground and in the air with other dragon knights, learning to fight as a cohesive group. Historically, Dragon knights have been forbidden to marry before the age of forty.
Potation of Dragon Blood
Dragon knights drink the blood of drakelings to fortify their strength on long voyages or before or after a strenuous combat. The amount of blood necessary to benefit a human is relatively small compared to the overall supply of blood in the dragon. The practice of drinking the blood of dragons is deeply troubling to some religionists and is the basis for fearful perceptions and notions about dragon knights. The blood of the dragon is venomous when touched or ingested to most humans and requires a period of habituation. Dragon Knights are habituated to dragon’s blood during the early years of their training as a youth. In ancient times, the open imbibing of dragon blood was used to demonstrate one's valid status as a dragon knight or as a member of the dragon knight caste.
Modern Practice
In the past two centuries, dragon knights have adapted measures and skills appropriate for battle with titancraft warfare. Dragon Knights have always been a rare breed and in recent years, there is fear that dragon knights will be completely replaced by titancraft combatants. The rulers of human dominions throughout southern Pytharnia officially patronize the dragon knights who reciprocate with loyalty. In practice, dragon knights are reserved from most combat and overseas warfare and used for colorful parades and fair-day activities. They are nonetheless highly trained and their great expense of upkeep is maintained as a proud and historical tradition.
Tirchaglawchli
In modern times, the practice of tirchaglawchli has spread widely among dragon knight units in southern Pytharnia who are seldom employed in actual warfare. The graceful and intricate maneuvers of tirchaglawchli are appreciated by nobles and commoners and such displays are a special event at state parades.
See Also
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