Post by anhydrous on Jun 27, 2008 11:02:26 GMT -8
The First Month
Few candidates walk out onto the sands with a true idea of what weyrlinghood will be like. Usually the reality of the situation dawns on these young men and women the morning after the hatching when a piteous creeling dragon wakes them and broadcasts how hungry they are. In all truth, weyrlinghood is a tedious list of duties that is difficult from the very start, and doesn’t get much easier up until graduation day.
During the first week, the weyrlings will begin to get used to another presence in their minds and get to know their new lifemate. They will also learn how to function together as a class, becoming a support system for each other. Most importantly, almost every aspect of the young dragon’s life will need attention and assistance from the rider. The dragons are infants, they need help. Daily feedings and oilings are required, as well as bathings. Constant attention and reassurance is the only way to rear a happy and mentally healthy dragon.
As the first week passes, weyrlings will learn the basics of dragonhealing. Anatomy and first-aid for minor hatchling injuries will be covered in a large group setting in the bowl, as well as prevention measures. During the last half of the month, the dragons will have become slightly less dependent on their riders’ attention and classroom lessons will begin. The basic physical principles of flight will be learned, although no practical application will be allowed. Weyrling pairs won’t actually take their first flight for a few months.
Lessons: The First Feeding, Butchering How-To, Anatomy & Healing, Introduction to Flight
Week One - Basic Dragon Care & Bonding
The rider will need to acclimate to the bond that they share with their dragon, as well as provide basic care for their new lifemate. Basic chores will be completed when their dragon is asleep.
Week Two - Basic Dragonhealing
In a relaxed group setting the weyrling class will learn the basics of dragon anatomy and healing. Throughout the week the weyrlings will be called upon to treat any minor injuries, under the careful supervision of an experienced rider.
Week Three - Introduction to Flight
As the dragons become slightly more independent, a series of classroom lessons will begin on the subject of the basic principals of flight. These lessons will not replace chores, and are mandatory.
Week Four - Review Principles of Flight
During the final week, the riders will review that they have learned. There will be no formal testing, but the riders are expected to know what they're talking about when asked by the weyrlingmaster. The physical exercises will become more strenuous in preparation for the second month’s formation training, and to build the muscles of the young dragons.
Dragons are not to be left unattended when awake. They’re not old enough to be comfortable by themselves, and require the constant attention and reassurance of their rider. When the dragons are sleeping, the other halves of the weyrling pairs are allowed to do as they please.
Sexual relationships are not allowed, but remember that IC actions have IC consequences. If you’d like to sneak behind I’dalyn’s back and fool around, your weyrling dragon must exhibit the correct reaction. They become uncertain and skittish, oftentimes violent, because they do not understand their rider’s dependence on someone other than themselves.
What to Expect
Few candidates walk out onto the sands with a true idea of what weyrlinghood will be like. Usually the reality of the situation dawns on these young men and women the morning after the hatching when a piteous creeling dragon wakes them and broadcasts how hungry they are. In all truth, weyrlinghood is a tedious list of duties that is difficult from the very start, and doesn’t get much easier up until graduation day.
During the first week, the weyrlings will begin to get used to another presence in their minds and get to know their new lifemate. They will also learn how to function together as a class, becoming a support system for each other. Most importantly, almost every aspect of the young dragon’s life will need attention and assistance from the rider. The dragons are infants, they need help. Daily feedings and oilings are required, as well as bathings. Constant attention and reassurance is the only way to rear a happy and mentally healthy dragon.
As the first week passes, weyrlings will learn the basics of dragonhealing. Anatomy and first-aid for minor hatchling injuries will be covered in a large group setting in the bowl, as well as prevention measures. During the last half of the month, the dragons will have become slightly less dependent on their riders’ attention and classroom lessons will begin. The basic physical principles of flight will be learned, although no practical application will be allowed. Weyrling pairs won’t actually take their first flight for a few months.
Overview and Chores
Lessons: The First Feeding, Butchering How-To, Anatomy & Healing, Introduction to Flight
Week One - Basic Dragon Care & Bonding
The rider will need to acclimate to the bond that they share with their dragon, as well as provide basic care for their new lifemate. Basic chores will be completed when their dragon is asleep.
- daily feedings, oilings, and bathings
- butchering carcasses
- refilling oil vats
- cleaning and mucking out barracks
- strengthening exercises
- trust exercises within weyrling class
Week Two - Basic Dragonhealing
In a relaxed group setting the weyrling class will learn the basics of dragon anatomy and healing. Throughout the week the weyrlings will be called upon to treat any minor injuries, under the careful supervision of an experienced rider.
- attendance of lessons
- practicing first-aid and prevention of injuries
- continuation of basic chores and exercises
Week Three - Introduction to Flight
As the dragons become slightly more independent, a series of classroom lessons will begin on the subject of the basic principals of flight. These lessons will not replace chores, and are mandatory.
- attendance of lessons
- continuation of basic chores and exercises
Week Four - Review Principles of Flight
During the final week, the riders will review that they have learned. There will be no formal testing, but the riders are expected to know what they're talking about when asked by the weyrlingmaster. The physical exercises will become more strenuous in preparation for the second month’s formation training, and to build the muscles of the young dragons.
- oral review of flight
- increased strengthening exercises
- continuation of basic chores
Restrictions
Dragons are not to be left unattended when awake. They’re not old enough to be comfortable by themselves, and require the constant attention and reassurance of their rider. When the dragons are sleeping, the other halves of the weyrling pairs are allowed to do as they please.
Sexual relationships are not allowed, but remember that IC actions have IC consequences. If you’d like to sneak behind I’dalyn’s back and fool around, your weyrling dragon must exhibit the correct reaction. They become uncertain and skittish, oftentimes violent, because they do not understand their rider’s dependence on someone other than themselves.