Dragonslayer is a title given to any individual who slays a Dragon singlehanded.
History[]
Since the Era of Heroes and Legends, Dragons were considered extremely dangerous animals. Their ability to fly, coupled with their fire breath and great appetite made life for commoners dangerous, as well as putting their cattle and crops in a very vulnerable position, which also jeopardized the ability of the noble families to collect taxes. Similarly, Sea Dragons with their powerful tails and Water-breath possed a massive threat to ships and therefore, traveling and trade. This made dragon hunting a dangerous but extremely lucrative business engaged by Aera Arts Masters.
Anyone who managed to slay a Dragon single-handedly became known as a Dragonslayer, and earn the respect of many their prowess as warriors would become legendary. This was regardless of the actual way the killing was performed, either a shot with a ballista or a scorpion or if the Aera Master engaged the beast in close combat.
Though the prestige that came from killing a dragon was great in all of Uthopos, this was even more so in the Draco Kingdom. The danger posed by Dragons also made hunting them the ultimate sport, especially for Dracos, who saw defeating a Dragon as the ultimate test to prove mastery over their fire abilities. Many of the senior members of Dragon Hunters reached the rank of Dragonslayers.
The custom of hunting Dragons for glory came to an end with the crowning of Bowein I Aldrake as the first Dragon King and the outlawing of dragon hunting as a sport, coupled with the emergence of Dragon Riders. Since this cultural shift, the term Dragonslayer has had a more negative connotation among Dracos, and has since been used as an insult in the same vein as calling someone a bastard. This pejorative term is used even if the dragon killer did it in self-defense or during a battle, as dracos believe that the rider is the one who must be killed, and not the actual Dragon.
Known Dragonslayers[]
- Dragonslayer Khasach - The most prolific and skilled Dragonslayer to ever live. Known and revered worldwide as the Legendary Dragonslayer. Singlehandedly responsible for numerous Dragon kills. Challenged the first Dragon Rider Bowein during Bowein's War and was felled in battle.
- Emil Arlett - A direct descendant of Dragonslayer Khasach and a former member of the Draco Royal Guard. Was sent into hiding during Heleanne's Rebellion and singlehandedly killed a Dragon during, securing the title of Dragonslayer. Has extensive knowledge of the old art of Dragon hunting and possesses the Dragonrend.
Trivia[]
- Though not as prestigious outside the Draco Kingdom, the title Dragonslayer may also be used for those from other races who have also slain a Dragon.
- Those who kill Dragonids such as Coatyls, Feygons or Lungtyls are not considered Dragonslayers.