A Field Guide to Dragonkeeping
Ser Ethan of Arrowood · The Royal Academy, Year 1247
Why keep dragons at all?
- Perimeter defense — a single wyrm replaces forty archers
- Metallurgy — forge-grade flame on demand
- Diplomacy — negotiations conclude noticeably faster
- Companionship — loyal for six centuries, give or take
Know your charge
Temperament by breed
- Emberback — placid, food-motivated
- Frostwing — aloof, respects routine
- Stormcrest — do not keep a Stormcrest
Daily provisions
Two oxen, one cartload of coal, and — this is not optional — conversation. A bored dragon redecorates.
Housing: the castle question
Retrofitting your keep
- Widen the gatehouse to at least nine spans
- Fireproof the great hall (stone, slate, zero tapestries)
- Convert the tallest tower to a roost — dragons sleep high
- Warn the village. Repeatedly. In writing.
Never laugh at live dragons, and never sign a lease with one.
The three classic mistakes
Hoard audits
Counting a dragon's gold reads as intent to tax it.
Nicknames
Use the full formal name. All nine syllables.
Knights errant
Post signage. Rescue attempts disrupt feeding schedules.
A well-kept dragon
keeps the kingdom.
Questions? Petitions? Grievances?
Ravens to: keeper@arrowood.example · Office hours: never during moulting season