Dragons of Pern FAQ

Dragons of Pern - Frequantly Asked Questions

How do I Join

Contact Soo Novi, Ryu Darragh, Kath McGill or Buckaroo Mu; or drop a notecard in the dropper at the spawning point of the Gianfar sim for entry into the group.

What's Pern all about?

The Dragonriders of Pern (r) books by Anne McCaffrey is a good place to start. Google Pern Dragon to find out more topical information, or come to the Gianfar sims in Second Life. You can also hang out at the Isle of Wyrms and ask around. Dragons of Pern members are quite friendly and willing to help.

What do I do once I am here?

Jump in and participate!

How do I find help?

Contact a Brown or Bronze Dragon, in that order. Brown Dragons are charged with helping new members of the Clan, or those interested in joining the clan.

Can I use non-Isle of Wyrms dragon avatars?

Originally the DoP required only Isle of Wyrms avatars for their dragons. Recent expansions and the wish to include more players has allowed the clan to open its membership to other creators. It is our opinion, however, that Daryth's avatars are still the most suited to Pern roleplay. Because we originally started using only the Isles dragons, we currently have more resources available to folks with those avatars for mods and such. But we no longer limit play to only Daryth's dragons. We just think it's a good idea and suggest it.

Why are there no crafter and holder roles?

Originally these roles were with held for many reasons, but with the increased resources we have now opened the role play to a full complement of dragons, weyrfolk, riders, holders, halls and crafters; as well as a plethora of the non-dragon beasts one might commonly find on Pern.

I want to help. What can I do?

"I don't know, is there anything you can do?" Either contact a Bronze Dragon and let them know what skills you have or drop a notecard in the dropper at the spawning point of the Gianfar sim. We can put any skilled and enthusiastic Pern fan to good use!

What is Thread?

Thread is an omnivorous fungoid mass. It comes from the "Red Star", a rogue planet in an eccentric orbit around Pern's Sun. Every 200 years these two planets come close enough for the thread spores to be drawn across the gulf of space and into Pern's atmosphere, where it burns off its protective shell and falls in predictable patterns across the landscape for a period lasting 50 years. Left alone, Thread will burrow into the ground and eat anything it comes in contact with.

What are the Clan Roles?

Originally the roles were Queen Dragon, Bronze Dragon, Brown Dragon, Blue Dragon, Green Dragon, Dragon Rider, Wing Leader, Weyr Leader, and Weyrling.

Now that we are constructing six sims for expanded role play, the roles will be significantly expanded upon launch.

Why is it called a Clan?

It is called a clan due to the format of the Isle of Wyrms Role Play Clans.

What is a weyr?

A weyr (with a lower-case 'w') is a cavern which is used as a Dragon's nest. A Weyr (with a capital 'W') is a large structure - sometimes an extinct volcano, sometimes a carven cliff - used as the home base for a large group of Dragons. Weyrs will typically have hundreds of individual weyrs for the resident Dragons, as well as support spaces for the riders, meeting chambers, barracks, and of course, a Hatching Ground heated by geothermal energy where Gold Dragons go to lay and protect their eggs as they near hatching.

What is a hold?

A Hold is roughly equivalent to a city, or more specifically, the central fortress of a city. Holds are traditionally made from non-organic material - stone with metal shutters - to protect against threadfall. They serve as the seat of regional government, as well as shelter.

What do the colors of the dragons mean?

The Colors of dragons are their ranks. See the Roles section of the Wiki for further explanation. *Link to section*

How can I move up?

Everyone has a fair chance to move up in the ranks. Though the higher you go the harder it is to get to the next level.

Why don't we have all the members of Pern Society?

This is no longer relevant, as much has changed with the expansion of our facilities.

If I am a Dragon, how do I get a rider?

The easiest way is to get to know the membership and find out who you get along best with. Soon we will have flip titlers for use for those who are seeking a riding partner that will be freely given in the group only giver.

When our expanded facilities launch there will be gathers, searches and hatchings that are role played. Get involved with these activities. You never know who you might "impress."

If I am a rider or how do I get a dragon to ride?

You can find a dragon in the same way a dragon can find a rider, of course!

Can i use a Wyvern?

They are not a suitable choice in Pern. You may use the dragon if it's the only one you have, but you will probably feel out of place trying to role play a quadropedal Pernese dragon. You may not role play a wyvern as there were no wyverns on Pern.

Can I be a White Dragon?

There was only one white dragon on Pern, and that dragon is a character that belongs to Anne McCaffrey. We in the Dragons of Pern clan are committed to not diluting the McCaffrey copyright and trademark and, therefore, there will be no playing of characters from the books. As such, you may not play a white dragon, although you may reference Ruth in your roleplay, ie: "I heard that an oddity in dragonkind was hatched. Ruth, impressed by Jaxom, is an all white, small dragon unlike any other. Some are calling him a freak of nature. We will see."

How do i become a dragon?

Dragon avatars are avaliable in the Cathedral on the Isle of Wyrms.

Can I be both a dragon *and* a rider?

Yes.

I dont know anything about Pern. Can i still join?

Yes, but you must be willing to learn, work and try and do some research about Pern before we get into deep play. Currently, while our new facilities are being constructed, we are adding all new people to the group as "Dragon Rider." We suggest you use the construction time to do your research and consider what role you may like to play when the sims are launched.

I know everything about Pern. Can I be a Bronze?

No, Bronze rank is a combination of knowledge, experience, leadership ability, and proving your willingness to commit to the group and follow through with your commitments. Bronze rank is an officer in the group.

How do I learn more about Pern?

Go to your local book store or online book shop and search for Dragon Riders of Pern (r) by Anne McCaffrey, google for Pern Dragon on the web, visit Ms. McCaffrey's website, come to Gianfar Peaks sims or Limbo at Isle of Wyrms in Second Life, ask questions of members, participate, read a few books; you will be in the groove in no time.

Why are Bronzes girls too?

We are an off-canon role play group, dedicated to creating as close a recreation of Pern as we can within in the logistical constraints of Second Life and Real Life. In our clan color is a denotion of rank only, and any gender may rise through the ranks with dedicated participation.

I can't see when I'm in mouselook! What do I do?

This means you probably have something you need to change in your Preferences menu. Go to Preferences, then Graphics and then make sure the Show Avatar in Mouselook box is unchecked. This will make your avatar invisible to you when you are in mouselook. If you have it checked then you will see prims in mouselook.