Messages From the Paranet 4: How To Train Your Dragon

[Siegfried]

From: SibilantSteward
Subgroup: InfoDump
Title: Dealing with Dragons
Posted: 10-12-2005

Dragons. Everyone loves them, right? Majestic creatures soaring through the sky, possibly bearing a rider, possibly snatching up a helpless princess to carry her off until she is rescued by a knight in shining armor. They're basically the cornerstone of magical existence, one of the most powerful symbols of magic ever created.

Should you find yourself in a position to care for a dragon, even for a brief period of time, this guide will help you acclimate to your new position as Dragon Keeper as easily as possible.

Ground Rules
First, let's start with some ground rules:


Hang on, my dragon wants something. I'll finish this thread later. 

-------------------------------------------
You have received this message because you subscribe to InfoDump on Paranet. To unsubscribe, click here. To view this message on the web, click here.

[PhineasTroy]

From: PhineusTroy
Subgroup: InfoDump
Title: Dealing with Dragons
Posted: 10-12-2005

I apologize but if the above so far is true, then why would a dragon require someone to watch them. I was under the impression that-

Sorry, apparently that was not what was meant to be said. PT wanted to ask how you managed to keep a very large, fire-breathing dragon anywhere, especially with all the hubub about people seeing some of them in various places in the world.

Personally, I was more curious as to how you would be a 'Dragon Keeper' and if that is something else caused by the Awakening.
-------------------------------------------
You have received this message because you subscribe to [forum name] on Paranet. To unsubscribe, click here. To view this message on the web, click here.

[Siegfried]

From: SibilantSteward
Subgroup: InfoDump
Title: Dealing with Dragons
Posted: 10-15-2005

Sorry about the delay, folks. Seems like what my dragon wanted today was the power cord to the computer I was using, which was unfortunate because I was in an internet cafe. Oh well, you know the rules

You asked about becoming a dragon keeper? Well, the answer is simple. To become a dragon keeper, a dragon has to choose you to keep it. Sorry, I can't help much beyond that! I was just in the right place at the right time.

As for keeping it somewhere: Dragons large enough to burn down cities don't need keepers, silly! Everything's small once, even our majestic draconian overlords.

Whoops, somebody's hungry! At least, that's what I assume the nibbling on my hand is about. Until next time!

-------------------------------------------
You have received this message because you subscribe to InfoDump on Paranet. To unsubscribe, click here. To view this message on the web, click here.

[PhineasTroy]

From: PhineusTroy
Subgroup: InfoDump
Title: Dealing with Dragons
Posted: 10-15-2005


I see! That's actually really interesting. I've been spending a good amount of time learning about other, possibly no longer unrealistic beings and it's actually been quite facinating. Granted PT isn't exactly the most thrilled with what he conciders me 'experimenting' on him. I'm fairly sure making notes about eating times isn't an experiment, right?

Oh, and speaking of which, he wished to ask if they really tend to hoard things, since he doubts that those with gold coins can't need to use internet cafe's
-------------------------------------------
You have received this message because you subscribe to [forum name] on Paranet. To unsubscribe, click here. To view this message on the web, click here.

[Siegfried]

From: SibilantSteward
Subgroup: InfoDump
Title: Dealing with Dragons
Posted: 10-18-2005

Note to all: hungry dragons are cranky dragons, and cranky dragons are flamey dragons. That was one really unhappy librarian!

Yes, dragons do tend to hoard things. Thankfully, mine has agreed to hoard things small enough to fit in my rucksack, though he does sometimes bury things in caches to come back to later. I'm not entirely sure he'll remember where they're buried, but he swears he's got a mind like a steel trap, so I'll trust him on that.

Hoarding is a natural instinct to them, much like curling into the fetal position is a natural thing for humans to do when seeing an angry dragon coming at them. It's not really a compulsion -- you can decide to run away instead -- but in the absence of a good reason, they pretty much collect things they enjoy looking at, chewing on, or eating. Sometime they collect people, too, though not usually until they're a bit bigger than my pal here is.

Speaking of chewing on, I see my pal eyeing the network cable in our hostel, so I'm going to bounce before I lose connection. Stay safe, folks!
-------------------------------------------
You have received this message because you subscribe to InfoDump on Paranet. To unsubscribe, click here. To view this message on the web, click here.

[PhineasTroy]

From: PhineusTroy
Subgroup: InfoDump
Title: Dealing with Dragons
Posted: 10-15-2005


That's actually rather interesting! I had wondered if that was the reason that PT had started to collect things for no reason other than they looked nice.

I've also been informed that he was NOT gathering shiny things like he some sort of magpie. I think he took offence to the comparison. Thankfully, he was willing to forgive me if I got him something a bit more special for dinner. Actually does anyone know what sort of treat you would get for a bird of prey? Note: He's still a bit squeemish about raw stuff.
-------------------------------------------
You have received this message because you subscribe to [forum name] on Paranet. To unsubscribe, click here. To view this message on the web, click here.

[GamesMaster]

From: BetterThanBetsy
Subgroup: InfoDump
Title: Dealing with Dragons
Posted: 10-15-2005

Well, Harry Potter fed his owl bacon and evidently that's actually okay for them (in moderation of course!). Though I would actually suggest sushi. It's raw, yeah, but humans eat it all the time without issue so it's not that big a deal. Just a thought.
-------------------------------------------
You have received this message because you subscribe to InfoDump on Paranet. To unsubscribe, click here. To view this message on the web, click here. 

[PhineasTroy]

From: PhineusTroy
Subgroup: InfoDump
Title: Dealing with Dragons
Posted: 10-18-2005


Huh...maybe I'll try that one dish with the fish cooked by putting it in lime juice. It's been a rather...busy time with him being a more official roommate. Though on that topic, are there any other ingrained instincts? I imagine breathing fire and flying were included. PT has stated he feels much more comfortable sleeping in an elevated position.
-------------------------------------------
You have received this message because you subscribe to [forum name] on Paranet. To unsubscribe, click here. To view this message on the web, click here.

[PhineasTroy]

From: PhineusTroy
Subgroup: InfoDump
Title: Dealing with Dragons
Posted: 10-22-2005


I also realized we may have assumed some things. Is the dragon you are caring for of the european or asian variety?
-------------------------------------------
You have received this message because you subscribe to [forum name] on Paranet. To unsubscribe, click here. To view this message on the web, click here.

[Siegfried]

From: SibilantSteward
Subgroup: InfoDump
Title: Dealing with Dragons
Posted: 10-28-2005

Greetings again, dragon-lovers! 

To the person who asked about sushi: My dragon *loves* sushi! Unfortunately it's the kind of treat that costs serious money, so I try to avoid Japantown wherever I can, just in case he gets a hankering. 

To the person who asked about varieties:I'm not sure the definitions apply, exactly. There are all sorts of different dragon families, and they all can look very different from each other. My dragon definitely has wings, if that's what you're asking. 

Now, on to one of the crucial jobs a dragon keeper has: grooming. Dragon scales are made of a hard, yet flexible substance, much like your fingernails. However, dragons do not produce much in the way of saliva. I've been informed that cats licking their butts is "gross" and "unhygenic", and that dragons are majestic creatures who would never be caught dead doing something so embarrassing. 

My dragon then went back to playing with a bit of used gum he found under the table. It has glitter in it, and this fascinates his majesty. 

Some dragons may be swimmers, but many are built for more of a desert climate and do not like to be fully submerged. Not to mention, as you all well know by now, running water messed up magic. Dragons require a lot of ambient magic in order to exist, so while I'm not allowed to talk much about the particulars, running water can be very frightening to a small dragon.

(I say small instead of young; never assume a dragon is young in a mental way despite being small in size. Dragons take a long time to grow to physical maturity, which impacts their instincts and some of their attention span, but they rapidly exceed the intelligence of human children long before they attain the size of, say, a ten year old child). 

Many dragons would have you believe that nothing short of a sandblasting followed by a steaming and a hot-stone massage will do for their scales. However, I have found Wet-Naps to work in a pinch for getting sticky stains off of their elegant scales. They won't make that adorable chirping purr noise for a Wet-Nap, but it can get them to settle down and stop snorting smoke at you over letting their ice cream cone melt. Or whatever the problem is. 

I wanted to get into claw care, but the little timer in the corner of my screen is down to almost 0, so I'll submit this and see if I can scrounge up more quarters in the meantime. Happy preening! 
-------------------------------------------
You have received this message because you subscribe to InfoDump on Paranet. To unsubscribe, click here. To view this message on the web, click here.

[PhineasTroy]

From: PhineusTroy
Subgroup: InfoDump
Title: Dealing with Dragons
Posted: 10-18-2005


Well, that is a good point on the grooming. While PT isn't nearly that bad in demeanor, he can be a bit...frustrating with grooming. Not that I mind helping him, but bathing with feathers is somewhat difficult, not to mention that he insists that air drying feels better. Thankfully, he's gotten better about just grabbing things while 'out'.

I look forward to hearing about claw care. Talons can be pretty bad on hard floors that scratch, but PT isn't wild about having them trimmed or 'capped' as it's called when I put socks on them.
-------------------------------------------
You have received this message because you subscribe to [forum name] on Paranet. To unsubscribe, click here. To view this message on the web, click here.

[Siegfried]

From: SibilantSteward
Subgroup: InfoDump
Title: Dealing with Dragons
Posted: 11-04-2005

How's life out there in the wild lands? I found another library, this time in the cradle of Western civilization: Greece! His Majesty has blessed me with a space of time to myself while he conducts his business in this fine city. I have assured him that I will be at his beck and call in an instant should I hear his trill -- or the screams of the head librarian he's locked up with  

I have been informed that talon caps are specifically called out in the Geneva convention, alongside Elizabethan Collars and icky-tasting potions. Dragon claws are a magical artifact, like all other body parts; therefore, his nail trimmings are placed in a small locked box along with shed scales and lost teeth. He needs his nails trimmed fairly often; like a cat's claws, they are comprised of many layers designed to be scratched off on trees and rocks, so in the absence of a proper scratching post, he needs the outer layers removed from time to time to keep them sharp. He has graciously allowed me to blunt the back claws with a small sander, but will only allow the front claws to be done if I am going to put on a decorative covering that will make them sharp again. 

Speaking of artifacts, almost every part of a dragon's body is a contraband substance, forbidden from trading due to magical potency and the possibility of poachers. This includes their droppings; I have to collect these and burn them, just in case anyone finds us by the traces he leaves. I'm told they make great fertilizer for magical gardens, but since we are a travelling pair, we cannot recycle them in this way. 

Uh-oh, I hear trilling! Back later.
-------------------------------------------
You have received this message because you subscribe to InfoDump on Paranet. To unsubscribe, click here. To view this message on the web, click here.

[Jill "Kenzie" Mackenzie]

From: BrokenCrown666
Subgroup: InfoDump
Title: Dealing with Dragons
Posted: 11-04-2005

I can't imagine what you must put up with. I have a familiar that's way smaller and he's still a massive pain. Does your dragon ever try to get you in trouble?

-------------------------------------------
You have received this message because you subscribe to InfoDump on Paranet. To unsubscribe, click here. To view this message on the web, click here.

[PhineasTroy]

From: PhineusTroy
Subgroup: InfoDump
Title: Dealing with Dragons
Posted: 11-07-2005

Greece? How long are you planning on staying? I ask because PT used to live in a small town near Athens and could probably give you some tips on places to avoid. He DID mention that a lot of historical sites are barring tourists to keep people from trying to contact the greek gods for favors.

He also brought up something else. What, exactly, do you get in exchange? Not that he thought you would abandon your dragon if you chose not to, but that most significantly powerful magical beings tend to give their minders something in exchange for their service. Or is that part of the things you've mentioned you can't talk about.

He also mentions that your dragon would probably enjoy having some food it had to chase around a little. I also might have to agree, though PT's been having a slightly better week than the last one. I think he's still trying to sort out any odd thoughts as instincts. It's kinda been stressing him out a bit.

Anyway, let us know and maybe we can lend a hand finding things if you're not too far away.

-------------------------------------------
You have received this message because you subscribe to InfoDump on Paranet. To unsubscribe, click here. To view this message on the web, click here.

[MORDEN]

From: MORDEN
Subgroup: InfoDump
Title: Dealing with Dragons
Posted: 11-14-2005

YOUR TECHNOLOGY MAY BE FORMITABLE, BUT IT IS NO MATCH FOR ONE THAT HAS SPENT SEVERAL MILLENNIA LEARNING YOUR WAYS.

IT IS, HOWEVER, DIFFICULT TO MANIPULATE, AS YOU ONLY HAVE ONE SLATE ON WHICH TO CREATE TEXT AND YOU HAVE NOT SPACED IT WELL.

I DO NOT SEE HOW THIS WORKS, AS YOU ALSO HAVE TINY HUMANS THAT WOULD ALSO MAKE USE OF THIS DEVICE.

IT IS ALSO VERY FRAGILE. OBVIOUSLY IT HAS A LONG WAY TO GO BEFORE IT CAN COMPARE TO THE ARCANE ARTS.

AS THIS APPEARS TO BE A PLACE TO ADD INFORMATION ABOUT THE IMPORTANT DUTIES OF THOSE CHOSEN TO SERVE WITH DRAGONS, I WILL ADD THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP A SUPPLY OF FOOD IN PLACES IN CASE YOU MUST SEE TO OTHER DUTIES.

WHILE WE ARE MORE THAN CAPABLE OF FEEDING OURSELVES, IT IS MORE POLITE TO BE SURE THAT YOUR CHARGES ARE COMFORTABLE BEFORE GOING TO THE FOOD STORE.

I BELIEVE YOU CALL THEM GROCER'S STILL? I AM NOT SURE, AS YOUR LANGUAGE SEEMS TO CHANGE ALMOST IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE.

THAT IS ALL, AS MY MASTERY OF THIS DEVICE HAS LEFT ME SLIGHTLY DIMINISHED AND MUST NOW FIND SUSTENANCE BEFITTING A BEING OF MY STATURE.

-------------------------------------------
You have received this message because you subscribe to InfoDump on Paranet. To unsubscribe, click here. To view this message on the web, click here.