WingridersEntered by: Mandy Date: 2006-08-25 Relevant to: Arolos and DF Summary: Description of what a wingrider is and does along with responsibilities of the role. For a complete picture of the Wing see the articles on Wingleaders, Wingseconds, Wingthirds and Searchriders. Article: Basic informationThe majority of dragon riders are going to be Wingriders whose key responsibility is to fly Thread as part of a wing. They might also be Searchriders, Wingleaders or perform roles such as Candidatemaster but ultimately they are all still Wingriders.
ResponsibilitiesRP opportunities initiated by their ranking officersOther RP opportunitiesThere are numerous opportunities but there are a few basic ones listed here to start you off The Dragon HallThe Dragon Hall is a social area for Dragonriders only. Even weyrlings are not allowed in until they have graduated. There is often a game of dragon poker going on, drinking or on occasion entertainments. It the equivalent of a dragonriders tavern in the weyr and can get a little raucous and physical in there. There are plenty of opportunities for RP here, from general talking through to drunken arguments and admiring the server staff etc. FightingA dragon rider can call insult on another rider for an honour duel. This is a duel that does not involve knives and is based on wrestling more than anything. The basic rules are forcing opponents shoulder to the ground for the count of three, getting them out of the Dueling circle or a confession to yield. This is the only legitimate fighting that can take place. Dragon transportsThere are official needs for transport in an around the weyr. A dragonrider might be sent north to bring in coal, or firestone. They might be asked to go with an official message to one of the craft halls or to send messages to the other weyrs. They might be needed to look for supplies or additions or to take non dragonrider passengers to places. All of these can be RPed on the assumption that it is cleared with the Wingleader and has been requested. Extra IncomeThe weyr also turns a semi blind eye to Dragonriders earning a few extra marks from transporting goods or passengers. The price will depend on the load but a green or blue could earn one or two marks for a round trip north. These can be RP'd and there is a lot of potential in those trips for involvement with non-weyrfolk, and potentially dubious characters! Visiting the KidsRegardless of the sexual preferences of the rider, there is always a chance of there being offspring. Though Dragonriders do not have a lot of free time, some riders may chose to spend it seeing or hosting their children. In some ways it could be likened to a situation in a divorce where the Creche has custody of the child and the dragonrider parent has visiting rights as and when they can. It should be remembered that one of the prime reasons for Dragonriders not raising children is not just lack of time but the high injury and mortality rate. With a one in three chance of a serious injury every time they fly Fall the ability to parent effectively and consistently is limited. Because of all this, free time with the kids is liable to be a fun time. Reporting conflicts and emotional tiesIt is the responsibility of every rider to bring to his Wingleaders attention any conflict of interests that might be caused in Threadfall. This would include if two riders in the same wing are courting, related, or emotionally attached in some way. Conversely, if two riders are not talking to each other or are argumentative in each other's company then this too should be brought to the Wing leaders attention so that it can be dealt with. All references to worlds and characters based on Anne McCaffrey's fiction are copyright© Anne McCaffrey 1967,2005, all rights reserved, and used by permission of the author. The Dragonriders of Pern® is registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, by Anne McCaffrey, used here with permission. Use or reproduction without a license is strictly prohibited. |