Searchriding

Searchriders

written by Heather

What is a Searchrider?

A Searchrider is a rider who meets these criteria:

1. an adult dragonrider (at least 21 Turns old with a dragon who is at least 2 Turns old)
2. who has trained with an already established Searchrider and shown the skills necessary to perform successful Searches
3. who is regularly assigned to go to Holds and Halls for Search.

What is Search sensitivity?

Blue and green dragons who have shown an affinity for picking out people who are likely to Impress are referred to as Search-sensitive dragons. Search sensitivity is usually discovered during weyrlinghood testing or the Turn immediately following it. (Note: Brown and Bronze dragons can have the potential, but it is much more limited and rare than in blue/greens)

No one knows exactly what it is that the dragons pick up on when they look at people. The dragons can't explain how they do it, beyond saying that they just know someone is a potential.

Note that not all pairs with Search ability are assigned as Searchriders. When a rider with a Search-sensitive dragon takes up a rank like Wingthird or Weyrlingmaster, their dragon still has the potential but they stop being assigned as an active Search pair. It is difficult to manage both duties at once, though Weyrlingmasters and Wingleaders may allow their staff additional Search duties if necessary.

How does my persona become a Searchrider?

If this is a new persona, submit a persona sheet that meets the minimum qualifications: persona 21+ years old, dragon should be a minimum of 2 Turns old, preferably a green or blue rider with no other rank.

If this is an already existing persona, your persona should meet all of the qualifications above.

What if my persona is interested in becoming a Searchrider but doesn't yet meet the qualifications?

Your persona can partner with a Searchrider in-character to shadow them and 'train' to be a Searchrider :) The Searchrider you partner your persona with can be PC or NPC, and does not have to be the same Searchrider each time. As long as they're out there ICly with a partner!

Can my Searchrider have wing rank?

In the turns before Thread returned, the Weyrholds very rarely sent riders on Search. Because of this, it was possible for a Search pair to fufill other duties, including such responsibilities as Wingthird.

With the Holds and Halls once again open to Searchriders, the Weyr no longer has this luxury. It is difficult to be both a Searchrider and a Wingthird, and Wingleaders may ask their 'thirds to refrain from Searchrider duties until they step down from their rank.

The only real exception to this is the Weyrling wing, where the Weyrlingmaster might see an advantage to sending his 'Second or 'Third out on Search... as long as he can balance it with his other duties. This depends on the individual Weyrlingmaster's preferences.

What happens on Search?

written by Avery

Wingleaders schedule the times for a pair to go on Search. When there are no eggs on the Sands, a Searchrider may alternate between regular wing duties such as sweeprides and the occasional Search ride. Once eggs are on the sands, their assigned workload shifts to accommodate more Searching. Often two Search pairs will visit a Hold or Hall together.

The Search pair visits a Hold or Hall location to look for Candidates. They land and announce themselves and their intentions to a local ranker. Many locations will parade out youth of an eligible age to be inspected by the dragons, while other places may be more coy about it and keep some individuals back, especially heirs or girls.

When a dragon tells their rider they've found a potential Candidate, the rider provides the lucky person with a Search token, which will be presented to the Headwoman as proof they were Searched. If the Candidate does not immediately go to the Weyr, perhaps because they have business to resolve, they can hang on to the token and show it to a visiting dragonrider in exchange for passage to the issuing Weyr.

A Searchrider has the right to remind the ranking holder or crafter that dragonriders on Search cannot be turned away and forbidden to Search. A Searchrider does not have the right to take a potential Candidate who does not wish to go to the Weyr, as potentials have the right to refuse. Searchriders do have the right to take a potential Candidate of majority age who desires to be a Candidate, but whose parent(s) object to them going to the Weyr. However, they should also be mindful of political concerns when considering whether to accept someone who might be controversial. It is best for a Searchrider to know their Weyrleader's opinion on such matters before a complicated case happens.

Searchriders should keep a record of who they have given a Search token, this record can then be turned into the Headwoman so she may check this when Candidates arrive at the Weyr.