Dragons are large beasts with golden eyes and semi-translucent wings. Dragons are mysterious, highly intelligent creatures that can sense the strength level of a human among other things. On average, they stand about 25 feet tall, but this really varies from dragon to dragon. They are covered in scales (that are surprisingly warm to the touch) and sport razor-sharp talons and teeth. Despite the durability of these scales, one of the biggest dangers to dragons are the smallest things they can’t remove that penetrate between the scales, causing infection. Dragons typically survive off sheep and other game. Without mental blocks, some riders can feel the pain of extreme hunger from their dragon. Dragons are capable of imitating human-like facial expressions. Each dragon has a seat, or a smooth, scaly divot just in front of their wings. They also have a pommel, which are thick ridges of scales where their neck meets their shoulders. Violet describes their teeth as being as big as she is. They are known for bonding with riders from the kingdom of Navarre. They need to bond with humans to channel their power in the form of signets.
Uniquely, dragons have the ability to weave and power protective wards around large areas (like Navarre). The wards allow only dragon magic to be performed inside Navarre. They protect their home, the Vale, from threatening creatures and forces. Dragons can channel more power into signets and lesser magic than gryphons.
Cadets bond with a dragon during Threshing. Sometimes, dragons pick their rider during Presentation, so once Threshing starts all the cadets have to do is listen for a call from their dragon. Once bonded, riders can’t live without their dragons, but most dragons can live just fine after their rider dies. If a dragon dies, so does its bonded rider. Despite this, there have been hundreds of known cases where a dragon simply cannot emotionally recover from the loss of their bonded rider. There have been 3 documented cases where the bond is so strong that the death of the rider caused the untimely death of the dragon as well. Each time a dragon bonds with a new rider, the bond is stronger than the last.
Dragons only speak to their bonded riders, just like they only give their full name to their bonded rider. It’s taboo to talk about dragon/rider bonds, but some information is known. Dragons have access to their rider’s thoughts, but with practice, riders can put up mental blocks/walls. Typically, riders aren’t allowed to bond with a dragon that was previously bonded to one of their relatives. Xaden and Sgaeyl fall under this circumstance. Before Violet, no one had ever bonded with two dragons.
Dragons can also bond with other dragons in mated pairs. “Mated pairs can’t be separated for long of their health diminishes, so they’re always stationed together” (Yarros 185). A memory has never been shared outside of a mating bond. It’s considered a violation according to Tairn in chapter 20 of Fourth Wing (pg. 246). In this chapter, Tairn makes an exception for Violet’s accusation against Amber Mavis.
Dragons are a secretive species. They do not believe in the gods that humans believe in. There’s a clear hierarchy amongst the most powerful, and a deference paid to elders. There is a great deal we don’t know about the way dragons govern themselves. The group of dragons in charge of decision making amongst dragons is called the Empyrean. No one besides dragons know what is said or how these meetings are conducted.
How to behave around a dragon: (Depends on the breed of dragon.) Never question a dragon.
Dragons can live for hundreds of years. Tairn is noted by Professor Kaori as “middle-aged.” He is a little over 100 years old.
Not only does color determine the breed, but the tail does as well. To see breeds/types of dragons click here.
The Official Empyrean Series Fan Club 