Draedan`Doraiven, The Dragon Rider

A Dragon Rider is an Elf who has been 'bonded' to a Dragon. They are marked with the Gedwëy Ignasia, or "shining palm", which was given to them when their dragon first hatched. Dragon Riders are ferocious fighter's, combining both the savage fighting of a Dragon mount and the Dragons Magic, with the Magic and fighting skills of it's Elven rider as well as the psionic abilities of both. They are surely the champions of the air.

The identities between the dragon and the Rider can merge so that they become one. Through the bond between Dragon and Dragon Rider, all Riders become stronger of body, keener of mind, and truer of senses, and gain unnaturally long life. Dragon Riders experience other physical changes over decades and centuries, and, as their Dragon grow, their magical potential surpasses that of other magic wielders.

Through their Bond, Dragon Riders have the ability to telepathically communicate with their dragons, as well as any other creatures, which is useful in battle. This very strong bond between dragon and Rider is akin to the Leutha`Tala and is formed with their first physical contact.

The Bond: Dragons form a telepathic bond with their Rider, often before the Dragon has hatched from its egg. Upon hatching, the young dragon makes contact with its Rider for the first time which leaves a mark, the Gedwëy Ignasia, or "shining palm", on the Dragon Rider’s hand. The bond forms between the Dragon and the Rider that melds their minds on a basic level, binding them for life in the most enduring friendship that can possibly exist. The bond formed between the Rider and Dragon can often become so strong that one cannot survive the loss of the other.

Training: Extensive training can develop the abilities to make Riders some of most powerful mages and swordsmen of the land.

The newly bonded pairs of Dragon and Rider were taken to a secret place where other Riders train both the young Dragon and it's rider together. The training consists of the senior dragon training the younger in aerial maneuvers (especially those used in battle), building stamina for long distance flights, how to build their speed and increase their acceleration, and dragonlore and the ancient language. A mandatory requirement is that the Rider and Dragon share their lessons - by keeping their minds connected they can listen in on each others lessons and learn. For example, if a young Dragon was being taught how to spot updrafts, and his Rider was being taught art, the two were required to maintain their mental connection so that the Rider would learn about updrafts and the Dragon would learn about art. After class, the senior Rider would test the young dragon on art and the senior dragon would test the young Rider on updrafts to make sure each had been following the other's lesson. Both the senior Dragon and the senior Rider were addressed by their students as 'Ebrithil'.

Young Riders and Dragons were put through strict regimens of physical and mental exercises until their Ebrithil finds them to be responsible enough to join the ranks of true Dragon Riders. The formal training of a Rider and Dragon traditionally takes decades, and the Dragon Riders continue to hone their skills throughout their lives.

Alignment: Dragon Riders are generally match the alignment of thier Dragon, though a dragon will usually accept a rider that is close to the same alignment. There have been no known reports of a good Dragon accepting an evil rider or vice versa.

Armor: Dragon Riders can wear just about any armor type. Most prefer elven plate or chain.

Weapons: Dragon Riders are equiped with one to two bladed weapons and a long bow and a Lance. Bola's and Javelins are also popular weapons among the sparse ranks.