Dragon Lancers

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Informally referred to the Dragon Mountains or Dragon Council, the dragons and their riders live in the Bauros Mountains with their main headquarters located at Senri'ye, one of the largest peaks in the range. Working with the dwarves, they virtually hollowed out the mountain, making offices and living quarters for the personnel who live there year-round as well as training spaces for initiates.

They have developed the nearby mountains as living quarters, training grounds, etc. as well, though these are used by either trained Lancers or for overflow Initiates on such rare occasions that this occurs.

Dragon riders are called Dragon Lancers, though this is often shortened to just Lancers. The name is based off of the old term for this position drakar'el'langstrom. There are three initial ranks, though the very first stage is not guaranteed. For example, if someone bonded a wild dragon, they would move immediately to Apprentice, though they may have to sit in on some Initiate classes. -Everyone- must go through these before moving on to Masters' Path.

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Initiate - Pre-dragon training; may last as little as hours or up to years. Generally will last a few weeks. Covers things to expect, how to hold a brush, etc.

Apprentice - Becomes one at bonding. Initial 'official' stage of training. Strengthens bond, and teachs practical dragon care, handling, etc. Usually lasts about 3 years, but time is adjustable as needed. (Never exactly 3 years, but moves in round-robin fashion through needed classes until everything is 'perfected'.)

Journeyman - Post-bonding, after completed apprenticeship. Upper-level dragon care, handling, etc. training. Usually lasts about 2 years (more exact, with official graduation ceremony that occurs twice a year. Master's Path is decided in ritual during graduation ceremony.) Basic classes in Master's Programs are given, but Master's Path Ritual determines which path a pairing will follow.

Graduation Ceremony - This ceremony occurs only twice a year as a group of Journeymen will be presented to the Elders all at the same time. There is a ritual that occurs, one which has its origin steeped in ancient mystery, that decides which branch each pairing will follow. All pairings must follow this decision, though they are allowed to appeal the decision six months following the initial ritual and then once a year from that time after. All pairings have the right to appeal their place, though if they miss the initial six month they must wait one year before they can do so.

Appeals - Generally appeals are 'saved' for two times a year, coincidentally the times of the Graduation Ceremony, though any pairing -can- appeal outside of these two times (as long as they are within the correct timeframe outlined earlier.). Because it takes the convening of all Elders, most pairings will wait until the time of the Graduation Ceremony. To make an appeal, the pairing must report their desire to their immediate 'supervisor' and file paperwork with the Head Dragonmaster's(to be renamed) Office.

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Master's Paths - Master's Paths are the next step in training for all dragonriders. Following the chosen path, each pairing goes through further schooling falling under the different ranks as determined by the Path. There are three Master's Paths available: Master of Might, Master of the Mind, Master of the Mystic (all subject to renames).

Master of Might - The martial Path, a Master of Might will probably eventually be integrated into the forces of the military. They can serve many other posts, however, including as Guards or even ambassadors. The Masters of this path are led by the Thane Lancer.

• Squire
  
• Knight
  
• Lord

Master of the Mind - The scholar Path, a Master of the Mind often concentrates on research, though that may not mean a sedentary life at the Mountains. Many Masters of the Mind settle elsewhere, learning wot they can of other cultures and lives. The ranks do not last a specific amount of time; each step takes as long as it takes the pairing to progress from one rank to the next. To move on, the pairing must pass a test presented by their teachers. Only the teachers can decide when the pairing graduates to the next rank. Masters of this path are led by the Keeper of Knowledge.

• Freshman
  
• Sophomore
  
• Juniour
  
• Seniour

Master of the Mystic - the mage Path, a Master of the Mystic may end up in the military, a teacher, or even live a life of research into the ways of magic. While dragons have their own type of magic, the Mystic path is in regards to the dragon rider. Masters of the Mystic begin in Disciple and will eventually be placed in the rank befitting their inherent power. They can go in to be re-evaluated if they feel they have risen in power. The leader of this path is called the Aeaeist

• Disciple
  
• Acolyte
  
• Adept