*The number and types of candidate classes RP'd is very dependent upon the time and availability of CM Pol (and her writer).
Class One: CM talks about the trials and tribulations of weyrlinghood and of a dragonrider. CM talks about duty to the Weyr and the dedication of one's life to the Weyr. The CM should give a fair speech about the good and bad points of life in the Weyr, and how they differ from that of Hold and Hall. His/Her purpose is not to discourage the candidates, but to give them a realistic view of Weyrlife, rather than the glamorous life often portrayed in harper's tales.
Class Two: The rules of sexuality that apply in the Holds and Crafts cannot apply here because of the Dragons. The effect that dragons rising can have is undeniable - it produces a compulsion that cannot be denied and riders are not worried about who their rider ends up with. Regardless of a Candidate's sexual preference, they WILL at some point end up in a combination that will not necessarily be their conscious choice. Essentially, if they like their own sex, then at some point they end up with the opposite sex...and vice versa. Please note that unless they're a goldrider it will be nearly impossible to have their sexual preference ALL the time during Flights. It is actually necessary that they become comfortable with this fact for the sake of their future dragon. They will not be thought of badly for any sexual practice in the Weyr, save forcing an unwilling partner. Same sex weyrmates are common. Even weyrmate relationships tend not to be totally exclusive in terms of sex - how can they be? It cannot be guarantee that when their dragon flies that they will be caught by the same dragon each time. There is no actual consideration of Land ties in the weyr population so there is no practical reason to restrain ones self and the looser more liberal attitude to relationships and sex spreads to the majority of the Weyr population. Please see the Guide to Dragon Mating Flights for more details.
Class Three: The CM should introduce the candidates to his dragon and to another of varying size. The candidates should be allowed to touch and speak with the dragons and their riders. This is so any sheltered candidates that have not had close contact with a dragon before can do so before they encounter a queen on the Sands. Usually a quick overview of dragon anatomy and behavior should accompany the introduction.
Class Four: The candidates should be led out onto the Sands to meet the eggs. The protective mothering instincts of the gold should also be talked about before the candidates move onto the Sands. They should then each go about the eggs, touching and familiarizing themselves with their surroundings. The purpose is twofold. One is to get them used to the heat of the Sands, and the Hatching Grounds themselves. Also to introduce them to the gold and get them comfortable with her presence, and she with theirs. The second purpose is that touching the eggs is thought to play some part in the choosing of lifemates (though Anne has said this is not true, the Pernese do not know this).
Class Five: This class should familiarize the candidates with the care needed by a dragon. Most times, this is an ideal opportunity for some dragons to get a bath and for the candidates to learn how to bathe and oil a dragon. Theirs will of course be much smaller in the beginning, but think large to start with. They could also be asked to cut up meat for invalid dragons or spend time cleaning wallows of invalids, since they will have to do this during weyrlinghood for their own.
Class Six: This class should outline procedures for what to do on the day of the Hatching. The CM should start with when the humming begins, the candidates are to wash up and change into their robes (which they were fitted for when they declared themselves candidates). They are to have nothing else on, besides underclothes. No bracelets, no hair accessories, no pins, no broaches, no necklace, no SHOES! They are to wear nothing but their white robes. Then they are to meet at the side of the Hatching Grounds with the CM. He will direct them onto the Sands where they will form a ring around the eggs. The CM should warn the candidates not to try to interfere with Impression. If a dragon wants them, it will let them know. They should not try to block or stand in the way of any dragonet. They dragonets are large and clumsy at birth, and often have a one-track mind: find their Chosen. If anyone is in a dragonet's way, they stand the chance of being mauled, and there have been candidates that have died from being mauled on the Sands. The dragonets do not do it on purpose, but the candidates must be warned to curtail such happenings. The candidates should also be shown where the feeding troughs are so that they may confidently lead their dragonets there after they Hatch. There will be a rider that escorts them to the feeding area.| Candidate Guide | ||||
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