The Dragons

[Khaliall]

At one time, long ago, the dragons of Shai were wild creatures that few but the most trained warriors dared approach. However, these warriors who had initially been trained to kill the pests, who raided flocks and terrorized peasents (though never killed them) realized that there was more to the Dragons than there seemed at first.
For these creatures were intelligent. The first Dragonrider was merely a Mage, and a warrior, who tamed his one time opponent. It became a fad among Nobility to have a Mage and dragon as pets, and the noble Dragons became essentially fancy horses. For a time, they resigned themselves to lives as pampered creatures. They appreciated not having to struggle to feed themselves from herds and flocks, that could lead to their deaths. However, as time went on, the commoners of Shai began resenting the Nobles for their dangerous mounts, which the Mages were still required to subdue if they were not properly 'tamed.' A group of two thieves stole eggs from a Wild Dragon's clutch, intending to sell them on the black market. After all, the trade was booming, and Nobles would do anything to acquire these mounts.
However, before the pair could do so, the eggs hatched...and to their surprise, they Bonded with the dragons. It was here that the Dragonwarriors were born. In time, others, in defience of the Nobility, also stole eggs from clutches, and cared for them until the day they hatched. The dragonwarriors were born from this motley group of Rebels. Eventually, they overthrew the Monarch, and the fad of Dragon Mounts disappeared under their influence. Under the next 100 years, the Dragonhalls were established, and it was forgotten that the dragons had ever been treated as mere animals. After all, they were marvelous, magical beasts, whose natural Elemental Powers could be enhanced by runes and the powers of their Rider.
Not only that, but their skills, when combined with their Riders', made the pairs formidable warriors. Who wouldn't respect such a team?

Dragon Lifestyle

Born from Eggs, the dragons of Shai have very long lifespans. As hatchlings, they cannot fly, but at about 3 years have developed enough of a wing span to carry a rider on their back. Prior to this time, they tend to experiment with hop-skipping and short glides on their own. At 5 years, they hare generally considered fully grown, though it depends on the dragon. A dragon's wings are about double the length of their body. As adolescents, they tend to be adventurous and quick tempered, which is when most of their training is completed (in their first 2-5 years) This passes, and they grow into their full potential as fighters. Female dragons will have their first mating flights after reaching about 6 human years or so. She will fly every year, and lay a clutch of anywhere from 2 to over 20 eggs. During the flight, there is no question of who will be her Chosen mate: she is pursued by only one male, who has been drawn to her ahead of time, usually because of bonds between Riders or the Dragons themselves. They mate for life, and it is highly uncommon that a female will have more than one suitor at her first Flight. In succeeding years, she will only allow her one male to chase her, unless both riders or dragons have a change of heart. After the first 10 years, their aging process slows. A dragon speaks mentally to the other dragons, and it's warrior Rider if that rider possesses a Mind Talent which allows them to bespeak each other through their minds.

The Dragons of Shai have are found with 6 different elements.
These are:
Air
Water
Fire
Earth
Dark
Light

Dragons also come in a range of colors, which are distributed from common to very rare, but rarity doesn't affect rank or size. The most common dragon possible could be the highest position in The Guard. Color doesn't affect personality, either: that's up to element and personality. No color has a limit to the gender, and Dragons Bond to their riders based on the nearest Gifted person their egg when they Hatch, not gender. It is possible for a Dragon to deny their rider, and leave them to bond to someone else, if their rider does something that they truly disagree with. If a Dragon's rider dies, and they have a very close bond, the dragon can die as well, but more often than not, the Dragon will simply choose a Trainee who has neared the end of their training, or a Rider whose original dragon died.

These are the basic Colors:

Common
Sapphire
Emerald
Ruby
Marbled (More than one color on their hide)
Granite

Uncommon
Brown
Amber
Indigo
White
Dawn
Mottled (More than tone of a color on their hide)

Rare
Copper
Silver
Gold
Sunset

Very Rare
Ebony
Ethereal
Diamond

Elements
For all elements, Runes can be carved onto Dragons' armor to give them some abilities not naturally found with their element. For example, a Water dragon could breath Fire.

Water: Dragons with the element of Water have some ranging degrees of control over water. Some can summon water from the air, or freeze water. They can always breathe under water, and tend to be gilled and graceful in the water, though that by no means indicates that they cannot fly as well as the others. Dragons with Water can sometimes Foresee events, or create Illusions to blend in with their surroundings or create distractions. Many can manipulate existing water bodies with ease. These are the only Dragons who can be Healers, magically-wise. These dragons have rapid mood swings, and are extremely energetic.

Fire: Dragons with the element of Fire have some ranging degrees of control over Fire. Most of them can manipulate existing fire: moving it from one place to the other, and changing it's shape. These dragons can usually cause explosions and the like, and are the only Dragons who can breathe fire without the aid of Runes. Some can even summon fire without any sort of aid, and all of them have the ability to withstand heat, or fly through flames. For this, they are very valued. Dragons with Fire as their element are renowned for ferocity and occasionally their explosive tempers.

Air: Dragons with the element of Air have some ranging degrees of control over Air. For the most part, they can blow things around, and create gusts of wind with varying strengths, and some can even do so to the extent of hurricane force winds, or create tornadoes. While the ability is not cherished, it is extremely powerful. These dragons can even control the weather sometimes, or calm winds when they are uncontrollable. They are experts of speed (the fastest fliers out there) and masters of Shields and protection. Some have the ability of Illusion found mostly with Water dragons. They are calm, for the most part, but extremely protective.

Earth: Dragons with the element of Earth have ranging degrees of control over the Earth. The most powerful can cause earthquakes, or create chasms in the ground, and seal their foes within. They can often create traps of the earth, weaving plants and things around into elaborate tricks. They can make plants grow from nothing, or create things out of the air where there was nothing before. The element of Earth is rather daunting: They can change terrain shape, if they are very powerful, and some can even shapeshift to other aerial forms. Often, these dragons can be 'chameleons' and blend in with their surroundings if they choose. Dragons with Earth are sturdy and solid, but don't let their slow tempers fool you: they brood, and can suddenly snap.

Dark: Dragons with the element of Darkness have some interesting talents, even though it is not always considered to be an 'element.' The most basic ability they have is creating patches of darkness even in light, and seeming to always be near shadows or dark. They have uncanny vision in the dark, and can even seem to turn into shadows, and disappear. They are experts at the ability of Teleporting themselves and their riders. They are stronger phsysicaly than the shadows, and can create patches of darkness to hide themselves and others in. Like Light elemental dragons, they can draw Dark energy from the air if they are truly powerful, and manipulate it to create shields or a very painful weapon. Darks are solemn and seem to have no sense of humor.

Light: Dragons with the element of Light have some interesting talents, even if it is a bit of an odd element. The most basic ability that they have is creating light, and illuminating areas. Sometimes they can exercise a control over people's minds. Most of these dragons seem to disappear in bright light, and can create orbs of light when there is complete darkness. Others simply seem to glow, and light up their surroundings. Dragons with this ability can tweak light, to make it bend and create illusion of it, and some can even make things seem so real that they fool others into believe it. The most powerful can draw energy out of the air and manipulate it. Lights are optimistic and mischevious.

[Khaliall]

Armor and Weapons

Dragons and Dragonwarriors ahve to have special armor and weapons, being what they are. Dragons wear harnesses, which have seats for their riders, much like saddles for horses, that situate them ebtween their wings. On this, therea re clips, to which armor can be fastened. Dragon armor consists of a breastplate, side-plates, a stomach-plate and occasionally a head-plate, depending on what the dragon's attack style is. It is all made out of special, varying sorts of metal which are refined for this purpose. Humans wear a chain mail tunic, over a cotton shirt, with flexible legging.sOver the chainmail tunic, they wear a 'coat of plates' which is a tunic made of leather with metal plates sewn onto it.
To protect the neck, they wear a coif, though this is an optional piece of gear.
Favoured weapons of the DRagonriders include crossbows and longbows, for their long reach. Also used occasionally are halberds or axes, if the warrior is strong, or the dragon has the skill to near the foe in order for their rider to use it.Another favoured weapon is a spear, because it can be thrown.
Dragonwarriors use special bows, which are slightly larger than the regular sort and with better grips, or a sort of crossbow that can be operated one handed.
Dragons can use flame as a weapon, and sometimes have pecial claws which they use in battle. Their use of their Elemental abilities is limited, because it is so deadly.

Types are armor are (in order of quality/price from lowest to highest) as follows:
Leather (Basic)
Pirate Leather (Note: hardened leather)
Bronze
Coastal Bronze
Iron
Dargyn Scale
Steel
Dryad's steel (North only, green)
Cerulean Steel (East only, Turquoise-silver)
Platinum
Ocean Platinum
Silver (Note: not normal silver)
Knight Silver
Night Gold
Sea Jade (Note: Cloudy green with a marbled sheen, this is the best at holding enchantments)
Enchanter's Plate (note: Requires magic at a high level, provides mana to Enchanter)
Sea Obsidian (Note: Holds engravings and enchantments)
Sky Obsidian (Note: Absorbs magic attacks and returns to rider/dragon as mana)
Sun Steel (Note: Reflects spells on caster)
Moon Steel (All of above traits, but does not require magic)

Note: All types of armor come with standard leather harnesses and clips. Harnesses can be dyed for an extra 10 gold.
All armor pricing includes both drdagon and rider full armor sets.
Engravings and enchantments can be carved into armor by other riders, or crafters, for a moderate fee, to improve abilities such as speed or fire breath.
Amulets can be clipped to harnessse, when bought from other riders or crafters to improve abilities.
Upgrade options, for an extra fee, include: Bladed armor, Scaled armor, Engraved armor, or Spiked armor. They provide extra attack benefits or improved shielding.
All custom armor is ready within a week, and upgrades can be added at a later time from initial purchase.