Editing Dragon
From TemeraireWiki
Warning: You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.
The edit can be undone.
Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then save the changes below to finish undoing the edit.
Latest revision | Your text | ||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
(Page in Progress) This page, when it is finished, will provide a brief summary of Dragons (the entire species) in the Temeraire series, as well as listing how they have made a difference to history. It will also link to all Dragon related pages that currently have no links. Alternatively, it might make sense to simply collate the information from the other pages, most of which are rather small, onto this page. | (Page in Progress) This page, when it is finished, will provide a brief summary of Dragons (the entire species) in the Temeraire series, as well as listing how they have made a difference to history. It will also link to all Dragon related pages that currently have no links. Alternatively, it might make sense to simply collate the information from the other pages, most of which are rather small, onto this page. | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
== Dragon Characteristics == | == Dragon Characteristics == | ||
− | |||
− | === Dragon | + | === Dragon-Human Relationships === |
− | + | [[Image:Shelter-anke.jpg|thumb|400px|Shelter, by Anke Eissmann. A captain's relationship with their dragon generally became the most important one in their life. (c) Anke Eissmann]] | |
+ | [[Image:life-changed-anke.jpg|thumb|400px|A Life Changed, by Anke Eissmann. Temeraire and Laurence, shortly after Temeraire's hatching. (c) Anke Eissmann]] | ||
− | + | In [[Europe]] and [[Britain]], dragons associated with humans only in a military context. The first human to feed and harness a newly hatched [[dragonet]] became its particular companion, often called its "handler" or "captain". If the dragonet accepted the harness and a name, it would form a deep and lifelong bond of affection with its companion. Sometimes a dragon rejected the first candidate offered to it, in favor of finding a different companion among the surrounding group. | |
− | + | In the British [[Aerial Corps]], dragons had enormously close relationships with their captains, generally with mutual affection and respect. However, this was not always the case. Captain [[Jeremy Rankin]] neglected [[Levitas]] to the point of abuse, but could not be removed from his post because Levitas continued to obey his orders and to crave Rankin's love and approval. | |
− | |||
− | + | Occasionally, a dragon refused to accept any human partner, whether at birth or from later separation from its captain. If this happened, a companionless dragon was declared [[feral]] and sent to the breeding grounds. | |
− | + | [[Minnow]] and [[Moncey]] eluded all of the aviator candidates that surrounded them at hatching. [[Majestatis]] purposefully "mislaid" his captain and chose to live in the breeding grounds instead. [Perscitia]]'s captain gave her up after she made it clear that she would not fight, as she found the prospect of injury in battle frightening. [[Praecursoris]] was sent away after [[Choiseul]]'s execution. | |
− | + | In most cases, however, the relationship with the dragon generally became the most important one in the captain's life, making it very difficult to live a "normal life" away from service. This led to the [[aviator]]s' developing a culture largely set apart from society, giving them a poor reputation among the general public despite their extraordinary sacrifices. | |
− | |||
− | + | Dragons tended to be protective and possessive of their captains. A dragon could be removed from battle by the capture of its captain, as the dragon would surrender to prevent the captain being killed. The possessive attitude of dragons towards their captains in some ways bordered on their attitude towards property. For example, when [[Minnow]] snatched the captain off the back of a [[Defendeur-Brave]] during the [[Battle of Shoeburyness]], the [[Celestial]] dragon Temeraire interpreted this as "stealing" and made a mental note to keep her away from his own Captain, [[William Laurence]], even though Temeraire had already knew that Minnow had no interest in being put in harness. | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
+ | ====Inherited Dragons==== | ||
+ | Many larger dragon breeds had long lifespans, and the dangers of battle aside, they were likely to outlive their captain. Dragons found this fact painful and difficult to accept. | ||
− | + | Aviators often had children with the intent the child would enter the Corps and provide a new captain for their dragon upon their own death or retirement. It was thought that having a new captain who had some connection with the former one would make the transition easier for the dragon. [[Emily Roland]], for example, was intended to become [[Excidium]]'s captain upon [[Jane Roland]]'s retirement. | |
− | + | The inheritance system did not always work out, however. Jeremy Rankin was an example of the downside of the familial tradition of service. Rankin's grandfather and uncle had been captains to [[Celeritas]], who rejected young Jeremy and thought the boy was ill-suited for the Corps. Since Celeritas did not have the heart to ban Rankin from the Corps entirely, Rankin harnessed the unfortunate [[Levitas]] instead. | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | + | [[Catherine Harcourt]]'s situation illustrated another pitfall of breeding oneself for one's dragon's sake. When Harcourt became pregnant by [[Tom Riley]], she hoped the child would be a daughter she could train up for [[Lily]], as her dragon was one of a breed that would not accept male handlers. However, the child proved to be son and therefore unacceptable to a [[Longwing]] as a captain. | |
− | === | + | ====Dragon-Human Relationships In China==== |
− | Unlike the European practice of assigning a dragon's companion before the egg hatched, in China (and presumably other eastern nations), the dragon hatchling chose its own companion some fifteen months after hatching. In the meantime, both the young dragons and their potential companions attended school together, cared for by elder dragons. This allowed the young dragons to judge the virtues of their potential companions before choosing one, which could prevent a dragon from ending up with a neglectful companion. However, when shown this practice in China, [[William Laurence]] remarked that this might comparatively weaken the bond between the dragon and its | + | Unlike the European practice of assigning a dragon's companion before the egg hatched, in China (and presumably other eastern nations), the dragon hatchling chose its own companion some fifteen months after hatching. In the meantime, both the young dragons and their potential companions attended school together, cared for by elder dragons. This allowed the young dragons to judge the virtues of their potential companions before choosing one, which could prevent a dragon from ending up with a neglectful companion. However, when shown this practice in China, [[William Laurence]] remarked that this might comparatively weaken the bond between the dragon and its future companion. |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
Since not all dragons in China were employed in warfare, not all companions were necessarily "Captains" in same sense as in the Aerial Corps. Unlike in Britain, where most Captains were male (except for the handlers of the Longwing and Xenica breeds), all dragon "Captains" in China were female. This was ascribed to the legend of a woman ([[Hua Mulan]]), who ran away to war and become companion to a dragon. Upon discovering her true identity, the Emperor of the time had decreed that women could serve in the Aerial section of the Chinese military. With warfare being considered a low occupation for a dragon, and girls generally being offered for active service in lieu of boys during times of conscription, all dragons serving in the military had female Captains. | Since not all dragons in China were employed in warfare, not all companions were necessarily "Captains" in same sense as in the Aerial Corps. Unlike in Britain, where most Captains were male (except for the handlers of the Longwing and Xenica breeds), all dragon "Captains" in China were female. This was ascribed to the legend of a woman ([[Hua Mulan]]), who ran away to war and become companion to a dragon. Upon discovering her true identity, the Emperor of the time had decreed that women could serve in the Aerial section of the Chinese military. With warfare being considered a low occupation for a dragon, and girls generally being offered for active service in lieu of boys during times of conscription, all dragons serving in the military had female Captains. | ||
− | = | + | === Treasure and status === |
− | |||
− | |||
− | == Treasure and status == | ||
Humans often believed that dragons had an "inborn fascination with jewels or precious metals." Dragons did have an innate attraction to anything shiny or colorful. They had an instinctive tendency to offer gifts of that type to prospective mates to improve their chance of acceptance. They particularly esteemed gifts from (or in some cases, to) their human partners as a tangible sign of the affection between them. | Humans often believed that dragons had an "inborn fascination with jewels or precious metals." Dragons did have an innate attraction to anything shiny or colorful. They had an instinctive tendency to offer gifts of that type to prospective mates to improve their chance of acceptance. They particularly esteemed gifts from (or in some cases, to) their human partners as a tangible sign of the affection between them. | ||
Line 91: | Line 56: | ||
Sir [[Edward Howe]] noted that this was true even in China, where dragons routinely used marks to purchase goods against accounts held in their own names and disdained to use false marks. "They will without hesitation or any consciousness of shame seize any opportunity which offers of taking a beast from an unattended herd or stall and never consider leaving payment behind; this is not viewed by them as any form of theft." From a dragon's point of view, the herdsman or stall-keeper had no business leaving the beast unattended for anyone to take, if they did not like it. | Sir [[Edward Howe]] noted that this was true even in China, where dragons routinely used marks to purchase goods against accounts held in their own names and disdained to use false marks. "They will without hesitation or any consciousness of shame seize any opportunity which offers of taking a beast from an unattended herd or stall and never consider leaving payment behind; this is not viewed by them as any form of theft." From a dragon's point of view, the herdsman or stall-keeper had no business leaving the beast unattended for anyone to take, if they did not like it. | ||
− | === Draconic Jewellery === | + | ==== Draconic Jewellery ==== |
Like humans, dragons appeared to enjoy owning and wearing jewellery for a variety of reasons, including personal vanity and in order to display and possibly increase their social status among other dragons (see [[Dragons, gold and property]] on this point.) | Like humans, dragons appeared to enjoy owning and wearing jewellery for a variety of reasons, including personal vanity and in order to display and possibly increase their social status among other dragons (see [[Dragons, gold and property]] on this point.) | ||
− | Jewellery for the head and neck appeared to be particularly favoured - collars, necklaces, tiaras, headpieces of all sorts, etc. Some African dragons had piercings made in their upper lips in order to accommodate ivory and gold rings. Chinese dragons, besides adorning their heads and necks, sometimes also decked their forehands with rings or talon sheaths of precious metals and gems | + | Jewellery for the head and neck appeared to be particularly favoured - collars, necklaces, tiaras, headpieces of all sorts, etc. Some African dragons had piercings made in their upper lips in order to accommodate ivory and gold rings. Chinese dragons, besides adorning their heads and necks, sometimes also decked their forehands with rings or talon sheaths of precious metals and gems. |
The only record of a dragon wearing bands on its forearms was the mesh message carriers worn by the [[Jade]] dragon couriers of China, such as [[Lung Yu Ping]]. The fine mesh was suspended from a silk and gold collar around the dragon's neck and fixed to their forearms and talons by golden rings. It may be argued that this was not purely jewellery but rather a sort of working uniform. | The only record of a dragon wearing bands on its forearms was the mesh message carriers worn by the [[Jade]] dragon couriers of China, such as [[Lung Yu Ping]]. The fine mesh was suspended from a silk and gold collar around the dragon's neck and fixed to their forearms and talons by golden rings. It may be argued that this was not purely jewellery but rather a sort of working uniform. | ||
− | There are no records of dragons wearing bands or bracelets on their rear legs or tails | + | There are no records of dragons wearing bands or bracelets on their rear legs or tails. There are also no records of jewellery worn in piercings along the wing edges or otherwise attached to the wings. While non-combattant dragons such as [[Celestial]]s may have displayed head and neck jewellery unsuitable for violent activities, it would seem that no dragon enjoyed wearing items that might hinder their flight performance. |
There appeared to be little difference in the jewellery worn by male and female dragons. Temeraire was given a set of gold and silver talon sheaths "such as his mother occasionally wore" when Laurence was adopted by the [[Jiaqing Emperor]]. On another occasion, when preparing to meet with the generals of the British army, he considered borrowing a spangled net of chains from [[Iskierka]], to be draped over his ruff. | There appeared to be little difference in the jewellery worn by male and female dragons. Temeraire was given a set of gold and silver talon sheaths "such as his mother occasionally wore" when Laurence was adopted by the [[Jiaqing Emperor]]. On another occasion, when preparing to meet with the generals of the British army, he considered borrowing a spangled net of chains from [[Iskierka]], to be draped over his ruff. | ||
Line 122: | Line 87: | ||
Platinum jewellery for humans had been available previously. Louis XV of France (1710-1774) had declared it the only metal fit for a king. However, prior to Chabaneau's discoveries, it would only have been available in small quantities. Thus, at the time Laurence purchased the pendant for Temeraire in 1805, platinum jewellery designed for dragons, particularly larger dragons, would have still have been a relatively new item on the market, quite fashionable and expensive. | Platinum jewellery for humans had been available previously. Louis XV of France (1710-1774) had declared it the only metal fit for a king. However, prior to Chabaneau's discoveries, it would only have been available in small quantities. Thus, at the time Laurence purchased the pendant for Temeraire in 1805, platinum jewellery designed for dragons, particularly larger dragons, would have still have been a relatively new item on the market, quite fashionable and expensive. | ||
− | == | + | == Dragon Breeds == |
+ | Currently, some fifty dragon breeds have been named. More breeds are known to exist, but the name for these breeds are currently unknown, and as such are not listed. | ||
− | [[ | + | For a complete list of the known breeds, see [[Dragon Breeds]]. More detailed information on the various breeds can be found on their respective pages, as well as on the pages for [[Dragon Weight Classification]] & [[Dragon Breed Physical Characteristics]]. |
− | + | === Travel Speed & Range === | |
+ | Unfortunately, a conclusive list of the dragon breeds in regard of their different speeds of travel, as well as the distance they might be able to overcome in a day has not been published yet. The use of such would surely be immense, but undoubtedly a list of that kind would have to be a project of many scholars, as one alone would not be able to know the details of all the different breeds. | ||
− | [[ | + | As a note, the [[Jade]] dragons of China are listed as being able to travel 120 miles in two hours, making the average speed 60 miles per hour (about 52 knots) for this journey. This is the fastest sustained flight speed yet mentioned, but short bursts of speed (especially if while diving) would likely be much faster than this. |
+ | === Dragon Special Abilities === | ||
+ | Several dragons are known to have special abilities not shared amongst the other breeds. These include; | ||
− | + | *The ability to [[Acid spitter|spit acid]] - Shared by the [[Longwing]], [[Ka-Riu]] and [[Copacati]] breeds. Two other breeds, the Sharpspitter & the Ironwing, are known to have similar abilities, though with significantly reduced results. | |
+ | *The [[Divine Wind]] - Unique to the [[Celestial]] breed. | ||
+ | *The ability to [[Fire breather|breathe fire]] - Shared by the [[Flamme-de-Gloire]], [[Flecha-del-Fuego]], [[Kazilik]], and at least two other unnamed breeds. | ||
+ | *The ability to [[Water spitter|spit water]] - Unique to the [[Sui Riu]] breed. | ||
− | + | == Dragons in Battle == | |
− | [[ | + | [[Aerial Corps]] is one such |
− | + | (The French equivalent being the [[Armée de l’Air]]) | |
− | + | [[Anti-Dragon Weaponry]] | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
+ | [[Aviators, Active]] | ||
=== Dragon rigging === | === Dragon rigging === | ||
In the British [[Aerial Corps]], and possibly in other parts of [[Europe]], combat dragons are fitted with several types of harnesses, including a light duty harness, travelling harness, and heavy combat harness. The harnesses consists of thick leather straps held together with large metal rings. On the belly of the dragon, the harness consists of a net (referred to, unsurprisingly, as the 'belly-netting') in which bombs, gunpowder, and some of the crew are kept. A depiction of a Yellow Reaper's rigging appears in the back of the US edition of [[His Majesty's Dragon]], and can also be found here: [http://www.naominovik.com/gallery/v/artwork/yellow_reaper.jpg.html] | In the British [[Aerial Corps]], and possibly in other parts of [[Europe]], combat dragons are fitted with several types of harnesses, including a light duty harness, travelling harness, and heavy combat harness. The harnesses consists of thick leather straps held together with large metal rings. On the belly of the dragon, the harness consists of a net (referred to, unsurprisingly, as the 'belly-netting') in which bombs, gunpowder, and some of the crew are kept. A depiction of a Yellow Reaper's rigging appears in the back of the US edition of [[His Majesty's Dragon]], and can also be found here: [http://www.naominovik.com/gallery/v/artwork/yellow_reaper.jpg.html] | ||
Line 157: | Line 121: | ||
Harness fitting and rigging is the responsibility of the [[Dragon Officers & Crew#Ground Crew|dragon's ground crew]], with the main responsibility falling upon the harness-tender. | Harness fitting and rigging is the responsibility of the [[Dragon Officers & Crew#Ground Crew|dragon's ground crew]], with the main responsibility falling upon the harness-tender. | ||
− | + | == Dragon Coverts == | |
− | + | A dragon | |
− | + | === Britain === | |
*[[Dover covert]] | *[[Dover covert]] | ||
*[[Edinburgh covert]] | *[[Edinburgh covert]] | ||
Line 170: | Line 134: | ||
*[[Pen Y Fan Breeding Grounds]] | *[[Pen Y Fan Breeding Grounds]] | ||
*Breeding Grounds in Ireland, Halifax & Gibraltar | *Breeding Grounds in Ireland, Halifax & Gibraltar | ||
− | + | === France === | |
− | |||
[[Dijon Covert]] | [[Dijon Covert]] | ||
[[Dunkirk Covert]] | [[Dunkirk Covert]] | ||
− | + | === China === | |
− | + | In China, Dragon coverts do not exist in the traditional sense. This is because Dragons are treated as citizens in China. Instead, large buildings called "Pavilions" exist for dragons to live in. These can be both privately owned by a single dragon, or shared amongst many. | |
− | In China, | ||
− | |||
− | . These | ||
− | |||
{{expand}} | {{expand}} | ||
[[Category:A-Z]] | [[Category:A-Z]] | ||
[[Category:Dragons]] | [[Category:Dragons]] |