The Dragon Knights are a knighthood formed in Taladas, that is centered on a symbiotic relationship between copper dragons and elves, half-elves and humans. The knighthood came about following the withdrawal of copper dragons from civilization during the early part of the Age of Despair. The people of The Conquered Lands province of the Imperial League knew that the dragons once dwelt in abundance in the area, and some hardy souls went in search of them.
One such adventurer, Torloch Half-Elven managed to find the lair of the copper dragon Duranoc, and whilst the dragon refused to kill the charming half-elf, he also did not want to let him go to reveal the location of his lair. The dragon and half-elf became firm friends over a short time, and Duranoc eventually advised Torloch he was free to leave…. However the half-elf instead chose to remain, building a rapport between Duranoc’s clan and humanoids that would eventually blossom into a knighthood.
Originally the first dragon knights dwelt in the rocky caverns where the Othlorx laired, however as numbers grew, the knights have since built walled settlements near the lairs instead, of which Carrendown is one of the largest. The bulk of the knighthood resides in the Conquered Lands province; however there are some isolated members in other locations across Taladas.
There is minimal hierarchy in the knighthood, although the knight who is bonded to the eldest Othlorx in any community, is considered the leader of the Dragon Knights. Most knights wear warm undergarments, tanned leather tunics and pants, as well as leather gloves, bracers and caps. They commonly all wear thigh boots, have long hair swept back in a braid, and the male knights are clean-shaven with long mustaches. Female knights are freely accepted into the ranks, as opposed to some of the knighthoods on Ansalon.
Knights live by a strict code of honor, never giving their word to anything lightly, and will give their lives to follow the honorable path. They are brave in battle, fighting both on foot, and in the air atop their bonded dragons. When traveling abroad, knights do not disclose anything about their dragon or the knighthood, preferring to keep the lairs of the Othlorx a secret.
Dragons and knights are only paired through mutual agreement by each party, that they are well suited. Once paired, the dragon and knight remain together until either of them is killed or dies of old age. Once this occurs, a mourning period of several months is normally conducted, before a knight or dragon will take another partner. The knights are trained in combat and magic by their draconic partners, who normally begin with how to ride and fight in the air. The dragons also teach their partners the Draconic Language, as well as various bits of ancient lore. Some of the most senior knights will occasionally train newer knights certain combat skills.
Dragon Knights[]
References[]
- DLA1: Dragon Dawn, p.53-54