Classification of Higher Dragons
First Words
Dragons are ancient and intelligent creatures. Despite popular beliefs, they are not your average pet puppy or kitten, and while most dragon riders and humans cannot understand their growls and the sounds they make, dragons understand us perfectly. Insulting a dragon is not a good idea, whether it is a Terrible Terror or an unpredictable Night Fury, and in case of a bonded dragon (for they detested the word "tamed"; they are dragons, not animals), insulting its rider is putting your head willingly into the dragon's mouth.
There are three classifications of dragons in the world: Lesser, Common and Higher. In this volume, you will find detailed profiles about the Higher Dragons, the greatest and most noble of the winged reptiles, the most intelligent and the closest ones to actually think before eating you – if it isn't hungry and if you don't piss it off, which, take our advice, AVOID AT ANY COST.
The dragons listed in this guide most likely don't take on just any rider. They don't consider riders as their "masters", like Lesser or some Common dragons do – the riders are their equals, their friends, and if you so displease one with outrageous requests, expect it to turn on you, however unwillingly. Don't be a total asshole and treat it like a dumb pet. Any dragon is dangerous. Size or shape doesn't matter. They are born to hunt, to fight, and they will.
In the profiles, we will include details on how to impress and bond with a dragon, pieces of history about their kinds and first accounts of actual permanent riders, along with how to bring one down, how to capture one (if you dare) and how to not piss one off. Not too badly, at least.
Note that some dragons cannot be ridden, for they are a) too tiny, b) too big, c) too violent, or d) too elusive to find, let alone talk to one. If we say don't try to ride it, DON'T. Otherwise we will not grieve for you if you die. We will not grieve for morons.
Sincerely,
The Apprentice