Among the dragonriders of Vacari, to stand and fight in the sky is considered both an art and a trial of trust.

Standing combat is a specialized martial discipline reserved for riders whose weapons demand extended reach, leverage, and the ability to strike at varied angles mid-flight. Most famously used with the Dragonlance (Ong) and the Arborblade (Thalorian), it allows a rider to rise from the saddle, using their dragon’s back as a living, moving platform for precision strikes.

Purpose and Use

·         Forward-Thrust Weapons – The Dragonlance relies on body weight and momentum to pierce armor or scales, requiring a forward-leaning stance with planted feet.

·         Sweeping Blades – The Arborblade’s circular cuts need the space to arc fully without risk of injuring the rider’s own mount.

·         Close-Range Duels – Standing combat allows for quick adaptation to enemy movement, especially in engagements with other riders or aerial creatures.

Training Progression

1.      Balance at Hover — Rider learns to stand without support as the dragon holds position.

2.      Rhythm Alignment — Rider attunes to the dragon’s natural sway, wingbeat cadence, and subtle body shifts.

3.      Maneuver Response — Gradual introduction of banking, climbing, and diving while maintaining upright position.

4.      Weapon Integration — Timing each strike or block to match the dragon’s movements, treating rider and dragon as one combat unit.

Notable Practitioners

·         Ong Swifthammer — Known for high-impact lance charges that combine Amara’s steady flight with his precise thrusting technique.

·         Thalorian — Moon Elf and master of the Arborblade, famous for using sweeping strikes to disable an enemy’s wings or weapons.

·         Gailen — Rarely stands in battle, but has done so in critical moments to achieve sharper angles with the Crystalbow.

Risks and Limitations

Standing combat sacrifices the safety of a secured harness, demanding flawless trust between rider and dragon. It is exhausting, often used only in short bursts to deliver decisive blows.