I would like to thank, H. Schappell, from Southern Weyr, Soucon MUSH, for letting me adapt the information contained in their website for this page!

The Senior Weyrwoman cares for the Residents, children and the Staff of Ista Weyr. She checks over the tithes, stores and the Weyr as a whole. She is in ultimate charge of the Candidates and the care of the human population of the Weyr. Her most important duty is that of her lifemate, including preparing for all aspects of mating, clutching and hatching.

She is essentially the wingleader of the Pegasus Wing and is responsible for training the Junior Weyrwoman to fly in its ranks. Anything that is a support to the Rider population of the Weyr is also under her jurisdiction, for example Firestone stores, accounting and daily meals. The Headwoman assists the Senior Weyrwoman by reporting to her on the status of the Lower Caverns, and the Stewards report to her on the status of the Weyr’s supplies.

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The Junior Weyrwomen have all the duties of Riders, but also assist the Weyrwoman in much the same way a Weyrsecond assists the Weyrleader. Traditionally during Threadfall they would fly in the Queens’ Wing, using flamethrowers while in flight. They generally take up the under-side of a Wing formation to catch any Thread that the Wing above misses. They are expected to train in their Wing in a disciplined fashion and to know as much as a Rider knows. The only time they aren’t expected to fly Threadfall is when their mature dragon rises and then takes to the sands with a clutch. This is all in the hides, but not in practice as there is no thread on Dragonsfire.

If the Senior Weyrwoman’s dragon does not rise for a long time, or on the retirement or death of the Weyrwoman, then a Junior Weyrwoman, usually the ‘eldest’ and most able is expected to become Weyrwoman. The Junior Weyrwoman is required to assume all duties that come with the position.

Junior Weyrwomen flights are up to the Senior Weyrwoman. She may be asked or she may ask to run a flight that results in an off camera clutch. She may be asked to hold a full-fledged mating flight with a PC clutch. How the Senior Weyrwoman decides Search will run may differ from Weyrwoman to Weyrwoman, from Junior to Junior and from Clutch to Clutch, depending on experience and time commitment. Junior Weyrwomen are expected to help select new Candidates and new Riders, and to participate as fully as RL permits in the entire Search, Clutch and Hatching process.

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There are many duties that a Weyrleader carries out, mainly focusing on overseeing the fighting Wings and traditionally the fighting of Thread. The Weyrleader is like a commander in Chief, and a wise Weyrleader delegates many of his numerous duties. The Weyrleader appoints the Wingleaders, the Weyrsecond and the Weyrlingmaster, though he keeps an eye on the Weyrlings to ensure that they are all being trained properly. Regular Wing reports from the Wingleader enables him to know how the Wings are faring. If, for any reason, any of his ‘staff’ are not functioning to his liking, it is the Weyrleader’s right to appoint another in their place. If there is a problem, then it is the Weyrleader that arbitrates the disputes between his ‘staff’ members, and/or between other Riders who can appeal to him for a final decision in a dispute.

The Weyrleader is responsible for making sure that the dragons in the Weyr are cared for and that they are all functioning at an optimal level. Through his Wingleaders he ensures that the Riders are fully prepared for their duties.

Additionally, he ensures that the Holds and Crafts in his sweep area are following their parts in keeping their areas safe from Thread in traditional manner. This does include getting regular Sweep reports from the Wingleaders. He also acts as an ambassador of sorts to the Holds and Crafts.

When there is a change of Weyrleader, there may be a change in the order of Wings. It is the Weyrleader’s responsibility to respond to his Wingleaders’ need for new Riders or for anything else that the Weyr’s Wings need.

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Weyrsecond isn’t an official IC position, but it does however hold some importance on the game. The Weyrsecond is basically the Weyrleader’s Wingsecond, and should assist the Weyrleader in all their duties and may even be given some duties exclusively. The Weyrsecond is often part of a Wing, but is not expected to be and duties will vary under each Weyrleader.

Additionally, Weyrseconds act as the second in command of the military branch of the Weyr, and can act as the Weyrleader in situations where the Weyrleader cannot participate. On the death of a Weyrleader it is often the Weyrsecond who takes on the role of Weyrleader until the Senior Gold rises once more.

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Wingleaders are, in many ways, the Weyrleader's wing-representatives. Their job is to oversee and coordinate the riders placed in his or her wing.. In order to do this, the Wingleader must oversee drills and keep a firm eye on his or her riders to make sure that they are fit and able to do their duties. The riders themselves are accountable to the Wingleader, and should they get into trouble in any way, the Wingleader should be closely involved in sorting it out. Often, brown or bronze riders serve as Wingleaders, because it is beneficial to the wing for their Wingleader to be available throughout the whole fall. When a greenrider is Wingleader, he or she will most likely be unable to fulfill this, and their Wingsecond will take over. A Wingleader reports directly to the Weyrleader with all things.

Wingleaders also have the job of selecting and training riders from the weyrling ranks in order to add them to their Wing. With all of their riders they must ensure that that sweep riding and patrolling, as well as watch/transport duty is being done to an acceptable and expected level at all times. It is expected that Wingleaders will maintain a high level of discipline in their wings, on both personal and military levels.

Grievances and incidents within the Wing rarely get taken to the Weyrleaders, the Wingleader and/or Wingsecond are expected to handle them efficiently on a day to day basis. Reports on Sweeps, and other Wing related matters, are discussed with the Weyrleader in regular meetings. This includes hide work sent to the Weyrleader every sevenday to report on the health and readiness of the wing.

Wingleaders are expected to RP with the riders in their Wings often, and must ensure that a certain level of Wing activity is reached at all times. It is highly encouraged that events such as sweeps and RP'd drills are played out, in order to develop the Wing as a RP body. At all times, they must keep their Wing members notified with what is happening in the Wing, whether or not it is being played on camera or off.

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While Wingleaders are, in many ways, the Weyrleader's wing-representatives, Wingseconds are as invaluable to their Wingleader as the Weyrsecond is to the Weyrleader. Their job is to assist the Wingleader in the management and coordination of the riders placed in his or her wing. Wingseconds are no less involved in oversee drills and keeping a firm eye on his or her riders to make sure that they are fit and able to fight thread. The riders themselves are accountable to the Wingleader, though the Wingsecond is often the first line of defense and management in the chain of command. A Wingsecond reports directly to the Wingleader with all things. This is most common in wings led by blue and greenriders, due to the stamina of their dragons.

Wingseconds must assist the Wingleader in selecting and training riders from the weyrling ranks in order to add them to their Wing. With all of their riders they must ensure that that sweep riding and patrolling, as well as watch/transport duty is being done to an acceptable and expected level at all times. It is expected that Wingseconds will assist the Wingleaders in maintaining a high level of discipline in their wings, on both personal and military levels.

Grievances and incidents within the Wing rarely get taken to the Weyrleaders, the Wingleader and/or Wingsecond are expected to handle them efficiently on a day to day basis. The Wingleader is often the 'first line' of management encountered for discipline, and will often run interference for the Wingleader. Reports on Sweeps and other Wing related matters, are discussed with the Weyrleader in regular meetings. This includes hide work sent to the Weyrleader every sevenday to report on the health and readiness of the wing.

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Amongst the most basic duties that any Rider carries out are the feeding, bathing and oiling of their lifemate. Adult dragons feed once every three to five days, and at this time eat a number of wherries or a herdbeast. Most of the food is provided in the Feeding Grounds of the Weyr, but occasionally Riders will go hunting when the conditions are favourable. Bathing and oiling are also frequent chores, each holding the potential to take many hours, depending on the size of the dragon. Scrubbing is usually accomplished using the sediments where the bathing is taking place, but oils must be prepared and most Riders keep a number of jars on hand in their individual weyrs.

Sweeps or patrols are part of a Dragonrider’s duties. Not only does it provide a duty for the Wings and individual pairs outside of Threadfall, but also it provides a Weyr presence to be seen at Hold and CraftHall. By doing this, the Weyr is able to inspect the Holds and Crafthalls to ensure that they are doing their part to guard against Thread. Additionally, it provides a service for the Holder and a link between Hold and Weyr. All Threadfalls are normally predicted from Threadfall charts, though Riders out on sweeps keep a lookout as well.

Riders are self-sufficient up to a certain point. They make their own riding leathers and clothing, though may spend the marks to have them made as well. Sometimes they make their own furniture and brew their own ale and liquors. No Rider trusts anyone else to make the riding straps necessary for safety, and they will often spend spare hours making new ones or repairing worn straps. Riders generally clean out and tend to things in their own weyrs, but they frequently leave the raising of children to others since they do not have the time.

Dragonriders should be versed in the basic anatomy of a dragon. For example, hide does not have scales, and dragons do not have red blood, they have green ichor. If Dragonrider players plan on going idle for long periods of time they need to let the Weyrleadership know. In addition to this, any pregnant Dragonrider needs to let her Wingleader, the Weyrleader and the Weyrwoman know. Female riders do not get pregnant easily unless they have a reason to be grounded -- injury or a clutching gold. The first and third trimesters are the most dangerous and during this time betweening is not recommended.

Actively holding and participating in mating flights is highly encouraged!! Riders of Female dragons should use the bb’s, to post information about their flights. Players should also try to participate in Wing activities!

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Weyrlingmasters are the trainers of the Weyr, preparing new Riders for everything that they may come across during their Riding lifetimes. This encompasses anatomy, Wing Formations, Firestone chewing and many other things. They do not serve in any Wing, as there is inevitably always a class to be taught. The Weyrlingmaster reports to the Weyrleader, and keeps him updated as to the progress of his/her charges.

Weyrlingmasters are expected to get the new Riders up to speed in RPing dragonriders correctly. They're expected to deliver a series of lectures to enable them to do this. They decide when a pair is up to speed and can graduate both IC and OOC.

Weyrlingmaster’s are expected to help the new Riders' players with code and good coding practice, and to teach proper etiquette and use of the DTU's. They are also expected to stress the importance of IC behaviour to the Weyrlings, and teach them how to properly RP both a dragonrider and dragon. This is normally done with a series of lectures and Rped training on a regular basis.

The greatest demand on a Weyrlingmaster and his/her assistants is the time commitment, although the preparations, code and lectures are not far behind. For the time it takes for the Weyrlings to be transfer from being a newly impressed Rider to graduating the Weyrlingmaster crew is expected to take a very active part in the training and instruction of these new Dragonrider players

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Assistant Weyrlingmasters are assigned their duties by the Weyrlingmaster; and it often varies from Weyrlingmaster to Weyrlingmaster. However, usually it includes duties that include flight/*between* training, discipline, crafting, and lectures.

Assistant Weyrlingmaster’s are expected to OOCly aid the Weyrlingmaster in all of his/her duties and tasks and whatever else the Weyrlingmaster asks him/her to do.

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The newest riders in the weyr, the Weyrlings main concern is learning the ins and outs of dragonriding and caring for their lifemates. They supply the rest of the 'fighiting wings' with bags of firestone.

Weyrlings are expected to attend classes OOCly to learn how to use the various codes as well as the IC duties of a rider.

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The Weyrwoman appoints the Headwoman, and, to quote from Moreta, her duties are to supervise ‘the general domestic machinery of the Weyr and the individual weyrs of the riders. Among her duties are the care of the young; the supervision of food collection, storage, and preparation; weyr maintenance; and nursing, under the aegis of the Weyr healer(s).’ In addition to helping interview residents, the Headwoman oversees the placement of nannies, works with the Weyrwoman on fostering and apprenticing likely children and helps integrate crafters into the Weyr. She’s also in charge of the Candidates and the assignment of their chores.

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Selected by the Headwoman, the duties of Assistant Headwoman can be anything from the general conjecture of all duties as the Headwoman's second, or those of being placed in charge of a certain area, like the Kitchens, Nurseries, or Stores. Thus they may organise duty shifts for Nannies, inventory the Weyr's stores of food, clothing, and minor items of furniture and tools. Additionally, they may work with junior weyrwoman and the Weyrwoman to keep track of Crafter postings, fosterings, and work with the Weyr’s crafters to see that things are and stay in good repair.

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Whilst this position was only mentioned as in use at the Holds within the books, it's spread to include job possibilities at the Weyrs, as well. The Steward, like the Headwoman, is appointed by the Weyrwoman, and works with both to oversee and keep records of money matters and, especially, tithes expected and received by the Weyr. He might work with a beholden Hold or Craft to arrange for the tithing of certain materials needed or in short supply at the Weyr, as well as assist with the settling in of new residents.

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Chosen by the same process that makes the assistant Headwoman, the duties of assistant, or junior, stewards are often specified areas of the Steward's own duties. For example, they might act as messengers or be responsible for the records of one particular beholden area.

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Cooks are the producers of edible food within the Weyr. They are usually involved in cooking the standard fare for the Weyr: bread, stews, soups, roasts, simple fruit and vegetable dishes. The Weyr’s Bakers, who have the knowledge and skill to produce the fancier foods, oversee their efforts.

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These residents oversee the welfare and care of children too young to be fostered and those whose parents, usually Riders, who might choose not to foster but are too busy to take care of their offspring on a day-to-day basis. As the children get older, a nanny might work with the Headwoman and her assistants to find jobs to assign the children to. They might choose these jobs to lead the child into expressing a preference for a craft apprenticeship or permanent position at the Weyr. Nannies might assist the WeyrHarper and will at least ensure that the children learn their lessons.

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Residents of the Weyr are not idle, there are many other positions they fill, such as;

 

This is really a jack of all trades! They’ll be called upon to handle small jobs like replacing hinges on doorways, building shelves, mending or making fences, repairing broken furniture or tools about the Weyr.

 

Both ground traps and crossbows are used to hunt game around the Weyr. Wherries, Herdbeast and other smaller game are found in the jungles surrounding Ista Weyr and the hunters will go out singly, or in teams. Riders might assist in their free time, with the knowledgeable hunters assisting them by finding good locations for game, as well as with the gutting and skinning if that's done before returning to the Weyr.

 

Most Weyrfolk are able-bodied, though drudges (the handicapped or mentally incapacitated) do exist, though aren’t the most common sight. There are people, nevertheless, who take care of what might be considered the "unskilled" jobs, like washing the dishes and serving tables. Quite often these are Candidates, but occasionally a few residents choose to work under the Weyr's cooks and Bakers.

 

A Weyr produces lots of dirty clothes, dirty sheets, and dirty towels! Thus the need to clean and replenish all of these. The resident working with laundry would spend a good deal of time boiling and washing clothes in huge cauldrons within the Weyr. Riders and weyrfolk might choose to handwash some of their more delicate clothing, but the residents take care of the greater bulk of dirty linens. Most of the washing is done outside, so there’s sometimes a light breeze and certainly enough area to string up and dry the laundry.

 

A Wine Steward has a number of duties within the Weyr, the principal one to ensure that there is always a choice of wines at the Weyr of different qualities for different purposes. He/She ensures that the cooks have wine to cook with, that there's wine for riders after flights and threadfall, that the Healers have wine for dosing patients, and that there's wine for dinner and other occasions. They will be responsible for tasting the new vintages as they come into the Weyr and decide which need to mature for later drinking and which are to be saved for special occasions like hatchings.

 

These are Residents who specialise in clothes mending. Even though they haven’t served an apprenticeship with the Weavercraft, they might still be skilled enough to not only mend clothes, but to make the more simpler everyday wear items, whether by weaving, knitting or embroidery. The mending is one way they can earn a few marks from riders too busy (or too lazy) to do their own, or, in the case of those pregnant riders and other members of the weyr who need a quick alteration to a skirt or tunic.

 

A stablehand helps in the stables of Ista where the animals of visitors to the Weyr might be temporarily stabled. They would be mucking, grooming, feeding, and looking after the upkeep of the animals. Additionally, they might also have an eye to the herdbeasts at Ista as far as health, watering, and feeding conditions go for those beasts in the Feeding Grounds. Stablehands work in close association with the Weyr's Herders, acting as assistants to them.

There are many things that residents may be doing, even if they don’t have a Staff position. They can be roleplayed out on camera, or merely referenced in conversation:

Checking and changing glows (glows are a type of fungus which luminescence when exposed to oxygen). This chore involves closing the glowbaskets along in various rooms to preserve the glows, and checking all glowbaskets to see if any are dim enough to need replacing. It also includes sweeping the caverns, dusting and helping to wash laundry.

Tunnelsnakes are native nasties that have two claw-tipped forelimbs and a long, snakelike body and live in narrow nooks and crannies of the Weyr's structure. They have no redeeming qualities at all and inherently vicious. Their meat is inedible and their hide is of poor quality. They travel around the Weyr eating unprotected herbs and other foodstuffs. A tunnelsnake hunter's in charge of trapping, killing, or poisoning these pests -- and then gathering their corpses.

Washing and peeling tubers and greens, cutting vegetables, stirring stews and soups, mincing meat or slicing cheese for various dishes, serving at meals, collecting and cleaning dirty dishes, setting out clean tableware.

Mucking the stables, gathering greens, grooming runners of Weyr visitors, bagging firestone,weeding, clearing jungle.

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