"The sky has no walls, no borders — only the limits of a rider’s skill." — Skyblade Instructor Veyrana

Specialized aerial techniques push dragonriders beyond the basics, forging skills that turn the tide of battle. From the precision balance of Standing Combat to the lifesaving discipline of Aerial Recovery, these arts demand absolute trust between rider and dragon. Mastery is rare, for each technique requires the rider to surrender fear, embrace the wind, and move as one with their mount in the unforgiving theater of the open sky.

The ground is not the greatest threat in a fall — panic is.

All dragonriders in Vacari, regardless of their primary fighting style, are taught aerial recovery. This shared discipline is designed to save lives when the unexpected happens — an enemy strike, sudden turbulence, or a failed maneuver that unseats the rider.

Core Training Elements

·         Freefall Control — Learning to position the body to reduce spin, maintain awareness, and brace for recovery.

·         Impact Preparation — Protecting vital areas and adjusting posture for magical or dragon-assisted interception.

·         Mental Discipline — Training the mind to remain calm, even during rapid descent.

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.