DRAGONS AND DRAGON RIDERS

This will be my general headcanon on Dragons, based on canon information we are given about them in the ASOIAF books series. Unless specified otherwise, this is to be treated as my own takes and ideas for use specifically on interactions in Vaedar’s RP blog. It is not meant to replace, influence, and/or be taken as fact outside of the RP. As I always like to emphasize before proceeding with the information, it’s important to remark that some of the descriptions may not fit the laws of reality because this is fantasy and GRRM himself has stated so when people try to give logical, realistic and scientific explanations to how the ASOIAF world works.

Contents include: physical characteristics, habitat, diet, behavior, breeding and rider bonds. As usual, I like to take inspiration from places/creatures/peoples of our world so for this, I will use Komodo dragons to mix in with already known ASOIAF dragon details.

( NOTE: This is INCOMPLETE, still in progress. I will add more as I continue writing )

DRAGON BREEDS

War Dragons

As the name suggests, these dragons were those dispatched to battlefields or the front lines of conflicts as they were bred to specialize in warfare combat. This is why their bodies are bulkier, as are their heads and jaws ( like that of a T-Rex dinosaur ), which would give them a powerful bite to tear at limbs or bodies whole. This is unsurprisingly useful in combat, because it made them particularly deadly and dangerous to face headfirst. Their thicker builds, thanks to the added ‘muscle’ power of these combat dragons, also made them more resistant to damage. These would be the equivalent to war horses or destriers, and would give their rider the advantage when it comes to direct, close range dragon combat, as it would be wise for their opponents to not let themselves be caught in a war dragon’s powerful jaws. 

However, these dragons were not the first deployed by the Freehold to put down rebellions or uprisings ( such as against the Rhoynar ), as they were not the fastest and so not ideal for first responses. They were best employed as the ‘bulk’ of a valyrian dragon riding host. For this reason, the noble dragonlord families who mostly owned this breed in their force of dragons ( such as House Targaryen, as an example, since it’s mentioned that ‘Targaryen dragons were bred for war’ ) saw themselves swiftly rise in power during times of war ( such as the Ghiscari and Rhoynar wars ), only to see their decline afterwards when they were no longer as necessary. 

Examples of these dragons would be Balerion the Black Dread, Aegon the Conqueror’s mount, and Drogon, the mount of Daenerys Targaryen.

Travel Dragons

These types of dragons were bred for speed and endurance. It’s because of this that they were mostly dispatched for long distance travel, as they would be able to cover the most distance in the shortest time possible, both thanks to exceptional speed and the endurance to remain flying for longer periods. Their heads and bodies were shaped in a more slender, aerodynamic manner ( like that of a horse ), which would enable them to better traverse air currents as well as grant them enhanced agility. They were the dragons that the Freehold sent first when in need of swift action, such as to put down uprisings in its colonies, or the call for help from Volantis against the Rhoynar at the beginning of the wars ( when Valyria underestimated the strength of the Rhoynar ). 

This practice became a norm since the Freehold came to its widespread power millennia ago, and so these types of dragons ( and the families who rode them ), were a needed commodity that granted them power and influence in the Freehold. They were dispatched for brokering trade agreements to far off lands such as YiTi, or as messengers ( especially when the intimidation factor was required ), as well as escorts for transports of important goods. During combat situations, these dragons excelled in agility, which made them particularly skilled in the use of their claws as weapons. 

Examples of these dragons would be Syrax, belonging to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, and Meleys, mount of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. Azaes, Vaedar’s mount, belongs to this breed as well ( which is why he is often sent on these long distance travels on behalf of the Freehold ). 

Scout Dragons

Another name for this breed is that of ‘Hunter Dragons’. Dragons belonging to this breed can be identified by their more convex head shapes, reminiscent of that of a wolf. This enables them to excel in tasks of tracking and scouting miles of land from far distances up-high in the sky. They are also more sensitive to changes in air currents or simply more aware of their surroundings, this includes enhanced sight during not ideal conditions ( such as during a stormy night, or in thick mists ). This adaptation comes from a more cunning nature, which also grants them a more ferocious streak in combat, as they were better suited to gain the upper hand even when facing ‘larger’ dragons or more dangerous opponents.

Because of this, Valyrians mostly employed the use of these dragons in the hazardous conditions of the mines in the Fourteen Flames. Firewyrms were a constant threat to the slave miners and could cost them precious losses, so these Hunter Dragons were used to take out these often giant creatures, or sometimes to even prevent attacks by scouting ahead in the large tunnels for firewyrm activity. In times of particularly deadly struggle for dominance amongst the noble dragonlord families, these dragons would sometimes be used to ‘hunt’ and kill others that belonged to opponent families. 

Examples of these dragons are the three belonging to Rhaenyra’s children, Vermax, Arrax and Tyraxes. Another example to be considered is Caraxes, the mount of Prince Daemon Targaryen. Though this dragon is a mutation of this breed, it still maintains its traits, such as his cunning and ferociousness, which is what gave him enough of an advantage to face the larger and more powerful Vhagar and tear out the dragon’s throat.

Physical Characteristics

Dragons have come to be both feared and revered by many around the known world. They have different sizes and varying combinations of colors, with four limbs consisting of powerful rear legs and long forelegs that serve as their wide wings. Although in other fantasy worlds, these characteristics would be attributed to Wyverns, GRRM has specified that his dragons are different based on how it would be more plausible in evolutionary terms for this to happen, rather than the six limbs classical dragons often have. As hatchlings, they are about the size of a cat, with black teeth and claws due to their high iron content. The scales covering their leathery skin are soft but as they grow, along with their horns, claws and teeth elongating in size, they harden and become a natural armor that protects them against many menaces, including dragonfire. The scales have sensory plaques that facilitate the sense of touch. Though the more vulnerable and softer areas ( mostly the underside of the creature: neck, belly, what would be the ‘armpits’ where winged legs connect to the body and the eyes ) can still be susceptible to injury, including fatal ones. If injured, their blood has antibacterial properties that protect from bacterial infections ( some ) and also accelerate healing to an extent.

Their internal body temperature is quite high, which causes them to emanate what to some might be an uncomfortable heat when standing too close, to the point where their bodies steam during cooler nights. The older they are, the stronger that internal flame ( perhaps what gives their eyes that characteristic ‘glow’ ) of their ‘fire made flesh’ is, as is the dragonfire they breathe, so hot that it can melt steel and stone. However, age does not play a definite role in the size of them but rather their flight. The more a dragon is allowed to freely take to the skies, the faster and larger it will grow as opposed to those kept in captivity, who will see their growth stagnant. Yet, their bodies do not stop that growth process, even if it slows with age, only halting when a dragon is near its death. The oldest may live for a couple of centuries and if allowed freedom, reach massive sizes. 

They have surprisingly keen senses. Their eyes allow them to see from far distances when in flight, and though their smell is better than that of other creatures ( in how they can identify even subtle ones that humans would have some difficulty with ), it does require a closer range to detect the muted or muddled scents. They do have better awareness and this is somehow connected to those keener senses, able to discern shifts in their surroundings and even in other creatures. It often allows them to identify emotions as well, such as fear, but this is an aspect closer tied to their behavior. 

Diet and Behavior

As hatchlings, dragons will require nurturing and protection. Although it is not a common occurrence at all, other adult dragons can feed on hatchlings, and so need the protection of a parent. However, once grown, they tend to be solitary creatures rather than communal ones, gathering mostly to hunt or feed, aside from breeding ( more on this later ). Their feeding is based on dominance, which is settled by hierarchical behavior. Smaller dragons defer to larger ones but when two are close in size, it’s the heat of their flames that will decide who claims dominance. If this, too, is too close to be decided, then a ‘struggle’ fight will take place with the victor being the definite dominator. They will feed first, and the rest ( following the same chain ) will do so after. However, this is something which wild dragons ( those without a rider ) mostly resort to since they tend to hunt away from wild dragons, if they have to hunt themselves to feed, that is. But this is an instinctual thing, and it can be applied to circumstances outside of feeding. For example, when a dragon happens upon a nest with the parent present who becomes hostile in defense, they declare their dominance through the same actions.

A dragon’s preferred diet consists of meats be it from domesticated or wild animals, such as goat, sheep, aurochs ( usually for the largest of them ), horses, etc., but this also includes all kinds of sea life. The meats they cook with their fires before eating. Younger dragons, due to their more accelerated metabolism and swifter growth, eat more frequently than older dragons, who can go for long periods ( months even ) without feeding due especially to their stretched periods of sleep and hibernation, and how their growth is slowed. Their bodies also have the ability to metabolize water from stored fat ( specifically in their tails ) which also helps in this. Although they can and will feed on humans, it’s not part of their common diet at all so they will not hunt humans to feed themselves. They will attack them if they feel threatened in any way, or if humans they are not approving of try to subdue them. This takes us to their acceptance of those individuals who are not their riders. 

DRAGON AND RIDER BOND

It's widely known that only those with the 'blood of the dragon' are able of riding dragons, though the reason behind this is up for debate, but it hints to some kind of connection ( be it to the genetic level or through bloodmagic sorcery ) between Valyrians ( specifically, Dragonlords ) and dragons. 

What is also known is that Dragonlords did use magical objects such as horns, to more effectively control their dragons. These were intelligent creatures with their own wills and whims, so they did disobey their riders often enough, especially if the bond was still weak. In time, as the bond is fortified, then these instances occurred less. Horns and spells were sung in an attempt to fortify that bond and prevent this 'disobedience' through magical control. However, it was not necessary, as Targaryens and their 'dragonseed' could bond with dragons without the use of them. 

A dragon bond is in itself a magical connection, which is why Valyrian Dragonlords practiced incest to preserve the magical quality of their blood as pure as possible, to maintain that ability to bond with and ride dragons ( aside from political reasons, of course ). The bond does not only involve the rider but the dragon, so this means that the dragon also must 'choose' the rider, and this depends on each of them individually. For the rider, the bond may begin first as an allure of sorts, an affinity to a certain dragon or even a developed interest, which can happen when they have been exposed to the frequent company of one. An example of this can be how Targaryens placed dragon eggs in the cradles and the dragons that hatched ( if they did ) were bonded to the babies. 

Aside from being able to ride dragons, the bond allowed for the pair to be connected on an emotional and subconscious level. Dragons learn commands initially through the emotional communication with their riders as they are being taught/trained, associating the words with what they can subconsciously perceive from the rider ( their 'will' pretty much ) when the word is spoken. Afterwards, as highly intelligent ( in ways people cannot understand ) creatures, this will enable them to better learn and understand the human language of their rider. They would also grow aware of where the other is ( though very large distances may hinder this to an extent ), if they are in danger or alarmed, as well as feel their pain as their own. This merger also seems to benefit the rider's health, perhaps triggering magical properties in their blood, which could render them immune or resistant to diseases or illnesses. They can even feel as the other passes away, which would be an incredibly tormenting and traumatic event.

From this subconsciously emotional connection can also come new challenges for both of them. When the bond is being developed, there is a clash of 'wills' so to speak, in which one part may push against the subconscious of the other, influencing their actions or even moods. For example, while a dragon is in the middle of the hunt, its rider may feel hunger, a surge of adrenaline, more violent tendencies, or altogether be repulsed by certain foods due to what the dragon is eating. If the rider is upset, the dragon may become violent and prone to disobedience, as it may confuse the emotional turmoil and act on it or against it. As the bond develops and solidifies, a balance will eventually come in which both dragon and rider will be able to distinguish their individual 'wills' by consolidating them into the bond. It will form a more effective communication, to the point where those more deeply forged bonds will allow for the rider to fly upon the dragon without even needing to voice instructions or commands of where to go or what to do. 

Usually, the stronger bonds are formed when both rider and dragon have grown together, since they were an infant and a hatchling, respectively. But there have been instances where older riders have bonded to mature dragons, and developed a strong and deeper connection quickly. Since the bond tends to depend on each individual rider and dragon's character and circumstances, then it's near impossible to set a standard for its intricacies. But what is known is how a rider may not claim another dragon, even if their own has perished, although a dragon may accept another rider if their previous one died. This may be due to the differences in the lifespans of human and dragon, the former expected to not reach old age and the latter being able to live over two centuries ( likely longer still ). Or it could also have to do with how the rider's blood has already forged a connection with the one dragon, and is unable of doing so again with another. It's yet another of the mysteries surrounding this bond.