Arolos Weyr

The Weyrling Pack

Candidates

Weyrlings

Immediately after Impression:

The Weyrling Master will greet each new pair, teaching the weyrling how to feed their dragonet. As the Hatching continues, he will monitor each new pair, pointing out signs of satiety, and passing on the method of denying an overly-greedy dragonet.

Once all the dragonets are fed, the Weyrlings are taken to the Weyrling Barracks, and the pairs will go through the new process of bathing, oiling and bedding down the drowsy hatchlings .

Once all the infant dragons are safely asleep, the new Weyrlings may join the festivities of the Hatching Feast, for a few candlemarks. "Lights out" comes early for them, however, as dragonets wake with the dawn. Besides, most are made groggy by both the empathic link with their sleeping soulmates, and by the sheer emotional drain of the day. There are few protesters, when the Weyrling Master declares it time for a return to the Barracks and bed.

Those who do not Impress are comforted by Assistant Candidate/Weyrling Masters, and are given the option of returning to their former lives, or of staying at the Weyr for the next clutch and another chance.

A reminder for new Weyrlings who are leaving behind relationships- no intimate contact is allowed for the first ten months, unless otherwise given permission by the WLM. After eight months Weyrlings are generally allowed to move into their own weyrs. They aren't allowed any weyrmates - non-sexual or otherwise - unless given permission by the WLM. Generally Weyrlings are advised not to take in any weyrmates until they finish Weyrlinghood, however after the twelfth month or so it's more acceptable.

Rough Layout of the Weyrling Barracks

The Weyrling Barracks are huge - as they could be housing around 150 weyrlings at a time theoretically. In the wake of an earthquake , they have been strengthened with pillars and supports and less open than they used to be. The primary features are the large dragon couches, which are essentially made of long ledges of stone for the dragons. Initially these may have some furs on them as frequently the young dragonet wants to actually SLEEP with their life mate and after a short period of time the wooden cots that serve as beds are nowhere near big enough.
The lay out is a little different to the Candidate Barracks in that the stone dragon couches stick out at right angles to the wall. with the bed of their rider along side them, and their chest and drawer. When they Impress, these are moved for them into the Weyrling Barracks on their first night and empty ones replace them in the Candidate Barracks. They actually gain another larger set of drawers each for their straps and weyrling gear and the valuables they may have had in the Candidate locked cupboard are issues individually and are their responsibility. In a similar fashion to the Candidate Barracks there are adjoining bathing rooms and latrines. For the dragons there are latrine pits a little distance from the Barracks.
The Weyrling Barracks also have some "study weyrs" linking off, where the weyrlings can study for their assignments and the lectures are held. There are in fact six of these room, spaced down each side of the Barracks. At the front of the Barracks on the left is the corridor and the Office used by the Weyrling Master and the Weyrling Masters Assistants and like the Candidate Barracks the big notice board with Lesson schedules, assignments etc is in the entrance where it can't be missed.
On the right is the main storerooms for oil, brushes, buckets and clothes and once again, the weyrlings are expected to maintain high levels of cleanliness. Once again there are stoves in the barracks, one on each side in the middle where the doors are parallel to each other across the main corridor intersection to the Weyr, for their personal use, as klah is a constant need during Weyrlinghood. There is a large entrance both ways, as well as a Holdside Exit - again, usually locked at night.

The Weyrlings have their own area and training ground in this quadrant of the weyr as they need to have some privacy from the rest of the Weyr, at least for the initial part of their training.

Weyrling Training

Day One:

Dawn brings the first of many unwelcome wake-up calls. The Weyrlings are given their first lessons in butchering carcasses for the needs of an infant dragon. Just as all riders must know how to create their own riding straps from a tanned hide, all Weyrlings need to know how to cut food for their own dragons.

As the dragonets breakfast, the Weyrling Master, and the Master Dragonhealer check over the younglings. After the meat is consumed and all the dragonets are vetted, the pairs are led through bathing, oiling, and if necessary, mucking out, for their soulmates.

Only then are the human halfs of the pairs allowed to bathe and breakfast. A short period after breakfast is devoted to making cots and cleaning the Barracks. After that, the first of an 18 month period of lectures and hands-on lessons begins.

Typical Daily Schedule:

Dawn: 6 to 7th hour

Wake, feed, bathe, oil dragonet

7th to 8th hour:
Bathe, breakfast

Candlemark after breakfast:
Care for human/dragonet bedding, clean quarters

9th to 12th hour:
Lessons

12th to 13th hour:
Midday meal

13th to 18th hour:
Lessons*

18th to 20th hour:
Feed, bathe, and oil dragonets

20th to 22nd hour
Evening meal, study, relaxation

22nd hour:
Lights out

* Breaks are taken during lesson times. More frequently for the younger Weyrlings, who are allowed "recess."

Weyrling Lessons Plan

Hatching to One Month
Size: Approx. 3 ft tall at shoulder

Care and feeding of dragonets

Oiling, and the diagnosis and treatment of common hide problems

The empathic bond-- utilization, effects on both lifemates, cautions, and advantages

Draconic anatomy. *

Basic Draconic first aid, including the treatment of digestive and elimination problems.

Weyr etiquette and customs**

Duties of Riders***

Pernese history and basic politics****

Recognition of rank knots and badges****

* Taught by Dragonhealer
** Taught by Weyrwoman
*** Taught by Weyrleader
**** Taught by Weyr Archivist

Suggestion for IC play:- Concerns about young dragon. Washing, oiling troublesome dragonet.Threads that emphasis the strength and needs of the young dragon. Please note, interaction with the general Weyr will be limited. The newly Impressed pair will be required to stay within visual range of each other at the outside at all times for at least this month. Possible IC material in over-eating or preventing over eating. Many of the lectures will involve people coming to them and food will be brought to them rather than them leaving their life mate for the first couple of sevendays. Bear this in mind when RP-ing.

Month Two
Approx. twenty percent of adult size

First involvement with Threadfall assisting healers (to get them used to possible draconic reaction to scores etc.)
First Basic Ground Drills
Politics, history, geography and weather patterns of Arolos territories
Initial Firestone training - How to select, size, bag firestone tailored to a dragons capabilities
Action in Fall -maintaining firestone supplies for the Dragon wings.
Frequent testing of knowledge through tests, written, oral and practical
Suggestion for IC play :- During a Fall - with Healers - as ground crew. Lessons as designated by the AWLM. Possible tests on dragon knowledge. Revising this knowledge for an exam in a study group. Heavy emphasis on the dragon and rider pairing still. The dragonets will be clumsy but there will be trips to the Lake for washing etc

Third Month
Approx. forty percent of adult size
Continuing education regarding politics, history, geography and weather patterns of associated Southern territories.
Working with the Dragon-Rider bond. Trust exercises. Blindfold - utilisation of each others eyes.
Continued ground drills with more complex formations and development of understanding of a three dimensional flight
Swimming lessons for the dragonets to begin strengthening of wing muscles early
Communication in Fall. Mental Protocols, physical fall backs.
Firestone pick up from dragonback (on ground but practicing the ability so Fall riders do not have to land to "refuel")
Frequent testing of knowledge through tests, written, oral and practical

Suggestion for IC play:- Swimming is popular. The AWLM may well come up with different "trust" exercises but the blindfold one is a good one to RP. Possible Fall experience. Hand signals etc

Fourth Month
Approx fifty percent of adult size
Politics, history, geography and weather patterns of other Weyrs
Fitted for flight jackets and gloves
Introduction to leathercraft to create personalized riding straps and harness
Continued Dragon-Rider bond exercises
Ground drills continue and increase in time spent and complexity
Continued Swimming
Frequent practical testing across all topics
Review meeting with the Weyrlingmaster/Assistant Weyrlingmaster on progress

Suggestion for IC play:- Swimming is an activity not available in a lot of Weyrs so we make the most of it! If relevant you may RP your interview.

Fifth Month
Approx fifty five percent of adult size

Continued exploration of social structures and Weyr territories.
Required that first set of personal riding straps and harness completed to appropriate standards
Detailed Threadfall notation and theory of charts. Reading and Interpretation
Lectures on threadfall - different composition, and pattern
Dragonrider Etiquette and public behavior - lectures by Junior Weyrwomen
Complex Ground drills and starts of Wing work
Continued Dragon-rider bond work, reaching out to include other riders
Problemsolving - individual and group work.
Frequent testing.
IC:- Problem solving task may be assigned by your WLMA. The connecting with other Riders in a wing is a good one to RP as it helps links between writers as well.

Sixth Month
Approx sixty percent of adult size

Continued exploration of social structures and Weyr territories.
First flights - just a short glide, then farther every day
Strengthening of wing muscles resulting in flight within the Weyr
Maintenance of harness, straps and threadfighting equipment if relevant.
Advance interpretation and creation of Threadfall Charts
Begin working on recognition points and principles of visualisation.
Ground drills - flight sequences run internally by nominated Weyrlings for that session (assessing leadership potential)
Individual and group problem solving
Self defense training introduction. Rules of Honour Duels and associated responsibilities.
Selection/ assigned personal Weyr by the headwoman and Weyrwoman. They do not move in for another month.
IC:- Selecting a Weyr - earmarking it as it were. A Weyrling run ground drill. A Self defense class. Possible problem solving exercise. Of course… First time off the ground riding your dragon…

Seventh Month
Approx sixty five percent of adult size

Continued exploration of social structures and Weyr territories.
Able to draw up, interpret and translate a Thread Fall chart into practicalities
Draconic First Aid - Emphasis on Fall related injuries and general condition (especially overflying) - lectures from dragonhealers
Flying straight errands within close Weyr territory begin
More complex activities with the Dragon-Rider bond
Dragonrider Ethics - Introduction - Problem solving in this regard
Self defense training begins. Introduction to blade worked
Complex ground drills with a minimum of external commands
Continual testing as appropriate
IC:- Errands provide more scope for..individual expression of flight (hence the lectures on strains). Self defense classes. Similar to previous months

Eighth Month
Approx seventy percent of adult size
Reviews of political, social and Weyr territories - including assessments.
Review maintenance of Threadfighting equipment and riding straps - assessments
Beginning first aid for humans - emphasis on Fall injuries and Thread scores by Weyr Healers.
Ground drills, but lessened as many subjects being assessed in this month.
Flights around the Weyr to strengthen dragon and human muscles. More frequent errands.
Hand to Hand combat, wrestling and more complex blade work.
Review exams covering all areas.
Following the exams an interview with the Weyrlingmaster on progress to date.
If the Weyrlingmaster is satisfied with the progress of the weyrling, dragonet and rider are allowed to move from the Weyrling Barracks to a private weyr.
Two days to transfer to their assigned personal Weyr.
IC:- Exam anxiety. Entering own Weyr feeling like a proper Dragonrider. Interview with WM or WLMA. Potential for RP similar to previous months.

Ninth Month
Approx seventy five percent of adult size
Continued exploration of social structures and Weyr territories.
Flight exercises increased . Flying styles differentiated. Sprint and stamina flights worked on
Ground drills continued but lessen in proportion to flying and concentrate on translating ground sequences to the air
Advanced Dragon-Rider bond work.
Problem Solving, practical, theoretical and ethical
Self defense training, sparring in pairs.
Continued co-ordinate work, with maps and review of Threadfall charts
IC:-similar options to before. Possibly discovering their dragons strengths and weaknesses in flight and in the wing.

Tenth Month
Approx eighty percent of adult size

Comprehensive exams on Pern-wide politics, history, geography and weather patterns.
First training Wing flights outside the Weyr
Learn to hunt with their dragons
Advanced Self defense techniques
Begin drills on recognition points around the Weyr
First jumps between one on one with the Weyrlingmaster and Assistants

IC:- Jumping between is probably the big one to RP here and hunting with ones dragon. Potential loss of a fellow Weyrling

Eleventh Month
Approx eighty five percent of adult size

Formation flying drills begin. Ground drills rarely used unless working through a new formation
Learn the firestone refueling in air technique
Advanced Dragon-Rider bond exercises - in Flight and Wing context
Problem Solving at all levels
Self defense training continues
Assigned Holds to fly to and return between to the Weyr
IC:- Again, between is a good one. The Firestone In flight refueling is good for comedy as well as any of the standard RP possibilities.

Twelfth Month
Approx eighty five percent of adult size
Formation flying drills continue and become more complex
Dragons learn to chew firestone
Flame first aid, then control and flame variation
Flaming whilst in flight and in wing formation
Continue training on between
Principles of Sweep Riding - shadowing Sweepriders
Personal interview with the Weyrlingmaster or WLMA on progress to date
IC:- Firestone. Feeding the dragon firestone and the inevitable problems that occur as a result of inexperience. Too much, too little…no control etc.A sweep ride has potential to be interesting in the South. Interview RP if necessary.

Thirteenth and Fourteenth Months
Approx ninety percent of adult size
Flying practice becoming more varied and longer sustained, gradually moving time aloft up to Fall length
Some drill practices take place with the exisitng Wings to integrate them and learn from their experience
Emergency rescue training - falling rope drills, bronze and queens learning how to catch an out of control dragon.
Hand to hand sparring extended to group co-operation
Flaming in Wing formation
Between training continues, beginning recognition point drills to other Weyrs, Halls and Holds
IC:- Emergency rescue drills have a lot of potential to RP. The opportunity to mix with existing riders also is a good RP area.

Fifteenth and Sixteenth Months
Approx ninety five percent of adult size

Continued Fighting Wing formation drills
Rescue maneuvers practice
Continue training on between, introducing skip betweening for fall and deep betweening for scores etc
Groups assigned Sweep duties
Fitted with Threadfighting gear
Conferences with Weyrlingmaster and Wingseconds begin, prefall preparation and strategies
IC:-Getting Fall gear would be a turning point for many, an introduction to a reality as a dragonrider. Group Sweep duities would also hold a good RP potential

Seventeenth and Eighteenth Months
Approx ninety five to hundred percent of adult size

Begin flying the trailing edge of Threadfall. Limited flaming of live Thread
Perform firestone refuelling directly to fighting Dragonrider
Continued inclusion in pre-Fall and post-Fall breifing and de-briefing
Final Assessments - to determine graduation based on results and WM and WMLA report to the Weyrleaders.
IC:- Ahh the anxiety of exams and first Thread flying..!

Graduation
If the Weyrleaders permit the new dragonriders are assigned to a lower level and as they competence and experience increases they are moved to the higher first Fall contact wings. If they do not pass they are held in Weyrling classes until they are deemed ready and not a danger to other riders.

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.