Threshing Day

The Threshing grounds are a vast, densely wooded valley filled with towering pines, ancient oaks, tangled undergrowth, and narrow waterways. The terrain is unpredictable, with steep slopes, hidden ravines, fallen trees, and rocky clearings. A small river winds through the eastern forest, providing water for wildlife and dragons alike.

The forest is home to numerous dragons, each possessing an independent personality, intelligence, and temperament. Some patrol their territories openly, while others remain concealed among the trees or observe passing cadets from above. Dragons may be curious, aggressive, calculating, territorial, or entirely indifferent to the humans entering their domain.

Danger is constant but unpredictable. Dragons may hunt, challenge, intimidate, or ignore approaching cadets. Rival cadets roam the woods, sometimes cooperating and sometimes turning against one another. Distant roars, beating wings, snapping branches, and sudden movements in the undergrowth make it difficult to distinguish genuine threats from harmless disturbances.

The forest does not follow a predetermined path. Encounters vary depending on where cadets travel, which dragons inhabit the surrounding territory, and the unpredictable behavior of both humans and dragons.

Appearance: The Threshing grounds stretch across a vast, rugged valley surrounded by towering mountains. Dense forests of ancient oaks, towering pines, and thick evergreens cover the rolling hills. Their interlocking branches form a heavy canopy, allowing only scattered sunlight to reach the forest floor.

The terrain varies throughout the valley. Gentle wooded slopes give way to steep, rocky hillsides, narrow ravines, and exposed cliffs. Massive boulders lie scattered among the trees, their surfaces covered in moss and lichen. Fallen trunks, tangled roots, and thick patches of ferns make traveling through the undergrowth difficult.

A narrow, shallow river winds through the eastern forest, flowing over smooth stones and between large, moss-covered rocks. Its banks alternate between muddy stretches, gravel beds, and exposed tree roots. Smaller streams branch away from the river, feeding secluded pools and marshy depressions.

Natural clearings interrupt the dense woodland, ranging from small patches of grass to broad, open meadows large enough for several dragons to gather. Some contain rocky outcroppings, while others are surrounded by towering trees and thick vegetation.

The forest bears visible evidence of its enormous inhabitants. Deep claw marks scar tree trunks, broken branches litter the ground, and enormous footprints occasionally interrupt the softer earth. Some clearings contain scorched grass, blackened stones, and the charred remains of trees.

Overhead, the sky is visible through gaps in the canopy. Heavy clouds gather around the mountain peaks, while shifting winds stir the treetops. The deeper portions of the forest remain dim even during daylight, with thick vegetation concealing whatever lies beyond the next bend.

Threshing Day is a deadly trial in which first-year cadets enter the forest to seek a dragon willing to bond with them. Every encounter carries consequences, and no two dragons respond to humans in exactly the same way.

Dragon Encounters: Dragons are intelligent, independent creatures with distinct personalities. Some are curious about approaching cadets, while others are territorial, aggressive, or indifferent. A dragon may observe a candidate from a distance, approach unexpectedly, issue a challenge, or attack without warning. Dragons are not obligated to bond with anyone and may kill a cadet simply because they find them unworthy.

Eye Contact: Directly meeting a dragon's gaze can be interpreted as a challenge, particularly by aggressive or dominant dragons. Some tolerate eye contact, while others consider it an act of disrespect. Looking away may demonstrate submission, but excessive avoidance can also be interpreted as fear or weakness.

Bowing and Respect: Lowering the head or bowing can demonstrate respect for a dragon's authority. However, dragons differ in their expectations. Some appreciate respectful gestures, while others value confidence and dislike excessive submission. A bow does not guarantee safety, nor does refusing to bow automatically provoke an attack.

Weapons and Threats: Drawing a weapon in the presence of a dragon can be interpreted as a threat. Dragons possess immense strength, razor-sharp claws, powerful jaws, and devastating fire. Attacking one is almost certainly fatal. However, weapons remain essential for defending against hostile cadets and other dangers within the forest. A dragon may also observe how a candidate handles a weapon when threatened.

Rival Cadets: Not every candidate entering Threshing intends to compete fairly. Some form temporary alliances, while others deliberately attack, threaten, or sabotage their classmates to eliminate competition. Ambushes, stolen weapons, physical confrontations, and betrayal are possible throughout the forest. Cadets may also encounter injured classmates who need assistance or frightened individuals fleeing dangerous dragons.

Environmental Dangers: The forest contains steep ravines, unstable rocky slopes, slippery riverbanks, dense undergrowth, and concealed drops. Heavy rain can turn narrow paths into muddy hazards and make river crossings dangerous. Falling branches, loose stones, and the movements of enormous dragons can change the surrounding terrain without warning. Injuries sustained in the forest may leave cadets vulnerable to further attacks.

Dragon Tests: Some dragons deliberately test potential riders before deciding whether to bond. These tests may involve intimidation, displays of strength, difficult questions, or dangerous situations that reveal a candidate's character. A dragon might threaten a frightened cadet, observe how someone responds to an injured rival, or deliberately provoke a reaction. Tests are not always announced, and a candidate may never realize they are being evaluated.

Dragon Aggression: Not every confrontation is a test. Some dragons genuinely intend to kill. A dragon may unleash fire, strike with its tail, snap its jaws, or attack with its claws. Territorial disputes between dragons can also endanger nearby humans. A candidate who survives one encounter is not guaranteed protection from another dragon.

Bonding: Only a dragon can initiate a bond. A candidate may attempt to approach or communicate with a dragon, but admiration, bravery, and persistence do not guarantee selection. Dragons choose according to their individual judgment, and their decisions may be surprising or difficult for humans to understand. Once a dragon chooses a rider, the bond establishes a mental connection between them. The newly bonded cadet must then mount the dragon and survive its first flight.

Consequences: Cadets may be injured, separated from their companions, attacked, rejected, or killed during Threshing. Some survive without bonding and must repeat their first year. Others successfully bond and become dragon riders. The outcome depends on the encounters, decisions, and circumstances that unfold throughout the trial.