The Dragon Riders of Riddenvale are a myth spread throughout the lands, a story of massive winged beasts ridden by powerful beings capable of incredible feats of magic to scare children into behaving. Once, they made Erindae a place to be feared, a warrior country intent on ruling the world, but, one day, they just disappeared. Without their riders, Erindae was pushed back into their borders and, after a time, the world found peace again.

But, unbeknownst to the world, the dragon riders didn't fully leave. Seeing the war they caused and the destruction they wrought, the dragon riders realized that they were only being used as weapons, tools to cast down those who fought for their right of freedom. Acknowledging the tyranny they had caused, they retreated from the world. They built a refuge in the mountains of Erindae, high amongst the clouds where only riders and their mounts could reach.

Here they built Emberstone, a massive academy for upcoming dragons and their riders to learn the ways of old. It is too dangerous for Dragons and Riders to exist amongst the mortals; countries wouldn't hesitate to destroy or enslave them, so they reside in Emberstone, a safe haven for the few that exist today. When Emberstone was first built, there were many new riders and dragons to fill the halls, but as the years wore on, the class sizes grew smaller and smaller. Today, there are but a few dozen pairs, and there hasn't been a new pair in 3 years. The elders grow worried that the existence of the riders truly will become myth.

Since they retreated to Emberstone, the riders have been bonding eggs with their children, creating generations of dragon riders, but the eggs have stopped hatching and turned to stone. Children are born without magic and hope is running thin. With nowhere else to go and one egg remaining, the riders look to the mortal lands as they once did to find hope again.

Riddenvale, the mortal lands. Four countries beginning their 400th year of peace; Erindae, Valorys, Havenwood, and Fendriel.

Erindae is a land locked country, surrounded by the three other countries. Due to its central location, Erindae is the economic center, home to the largest trade cities in the world. It also has the highest abundance of natural resources with mountain ranges and rivers running throughout. Thanks to this, Erindae remains one of the most powerful, controlling most of the wealth as well as all trade routes. Should they shut their borders, Riddenvale as a whole would devolve into chaos.

Valorys is a wasteland with no king. Tribes wander, battling for dominance, food, and control of the mines. It is from Valorys that precious metals and gems hail, but also an abundance of mercenaries. Forced to fight to survive in Valorys, many a talented sellsword makes their way to the pockets of wealthy men and cowards in Erindae's cities. Orcs and dwarves hail from the dusty wastelands, dwarves in their massive stone cities and orcs in their herds, moving from place to place.

Havenwood, home of the elves and fairy folk. They are a docile people, in harmony with nature and producers of the finest silk and clothing. Often in the woods, you can hear them sing to the trees, and the trees sing back. But do not take them as weak, for they are also some of the fiercest warriors in Riddenvale. They are blessed with an extended life, but they too are mortal. Their queen is nearing her end times, and her twin heirs will soon battle for the crown.

Fendriel is a land wrought with flame. Great mountains of fire split the county, spewing ash into the sky and lava upon the ground. Their land yields no fruit and the water gives no fish, but in the great forges of the fire mountains, the best weapons and armor are made. Hardened warriors come from Fendriel, able to survive the crushing gaze of their fiery mother, Mora, the tallest peak in the land. It is from here they say the first dragons came roaring forth from the belly of the world and eventually, one day, they will return.

In a few months time, Riddenvale will celebrate their 4th century of peace in Keylrin, the great capital of Erindae. Preparations are heavy throughout the land, but whispers of a growing darkness has begun to spread with it.

You are a dragon rider, a student at Emberstone. An honor it is, to be one of the few. A few things to know about the academy and who you are.

The academy hosts many lessons, including but not limited to: magic, flying lessons, aerial combat, history, fighting, etc. Most classes have subsections, and eventually you will be able to choose a certain subset of magic to focus on and master. You and your dragon will train separately the first half of the day and together the second half. We know it is difficult to be separated from your soul bonds, but we promise it will be alright.

You are a dragon rider, an immortal blessed with incredible power and responsibility. Not only do you have boosted endurance, but you now have an innate access to the magical channels within yourself. You also have a deep emotional and spiritual bond with a dragon. As you know, you can speak with your dragon mentally, as well as other dragons, should they choose to let you. Dragons can also speak to each other through these mental channels. Being able to control these mental powers will be one of your biggest challenges and greatest assets.

As was stated earlier, there hasn't been a new pair of rider and dragon in three years, therefore, for your characters, they have been at Emberstone for a minimum of 3 years, a maximum of 8. Your race will be one of the four countries, but due to Emberstone's exclusivity, they will be a part of a generational family at the academy unless you ask and have good enough reason otherwise. I will be taking the newcomer and the last egg.

You *can* create mortals, but you cannot use them until we return to the surface at a later part in the story.

These instructors/elders are up for grabs, feel free to name as you see fit.

- Combat master (Equi)
- Earth magic instructor
- Water magic instructor
- Healing magic instructor
- Scroll and tome magic instructor (ILD)
- Elders 2, 3, and 4

Erindae and Fendriel are human countries
Havenwood is elves
If Valorysian, state whether you're an orc or dwarf

You also get to create your dragons, but there are no special breath types in this thread, just fire. It can be different colors though. Dragons are usually hatched and bonded when the rider reaches age 10, they start school when the rider is 13.

CS:
Name:
Race:
Age: (16 or older)
Appearance:
Bio: (please give description of when you first met your dragon/what family you come from)
Extra:

Dragon:
Name:
Appearance:
Bio: (personality, what they think of their ride/etc)