Where will you choose, dear rider?
Four other prestigious institutions stand within their sphere of influence, each with its own traditions, strengths, and ambitions. The rivalry between the four academies has shaped generations of dragon riders. Hidden deep within the enchanted hills and ancient forests of Crismore, where crystalline rivers wind through mist-covered valleys and enormous trees stretch toward the clouds, stands Four of the greatest dragon riding academies ever known. Crystalvale Dragon Academy—the most prestigious and influential dragon-riding academy in the known realm. It is an institution reserved for the exceptional. Its magnificent towers are carved from pale mountain stone and enchanted crystal, rising above the forest canopy like frozen stars. Ancient dragon statues guard its gates, while powerful magical wards conceal the academy from those who do not belong there. Beyond its walls lie vast training fields, underground libraries, dragon sanctuaries, aerial arenas, and ancient caverns where some of the oldest dragon bloodlines in Crismore are protected. Kings have sought the counsel of its graduates. Armies have recruited its riders. But status and wealth mean very little at Crystalvale.Only a select few are chosen. Norfolk Dragon Riding Academy Situated across the northern highlands, Norfolk Dragon Riding Academy is renowned for discipline, strategy, and military excellence. Norfolk trains riders to think like commanders. Its students spend countless hours studying aerial formations, battlefield tactics, dragon physiology, navigation, and emergency maneuvers. Norfolk riders are rarely flashy. They are precise. Methodical. Prepared. Norfolk emphasizes teamwork and tactical superiority. Its graduates frequently become military officers, royal guards, scouts, and commanders. Their students regularly compete in aerial trials and tactical tournaments, and neither side enjoys losing. Cinderfell Dragon Riding Academy Far to the east, surrounded by volcanic peaks and forests darkened by centuries of ash, stands Cinderfell Dragon Riding Academy. Cinderfell is famous for producing some of the fiercest riders in Crismore. Its dragons are often fire-aligned, and its students train in extreme environments designed to test their endurance and courage. Cinderfell riders are taught to fight through pain, exhaustion, fear, and uncertainty. Their philosophy is straightforward:** A dragon rider must be stronger than the storm beneath them.** Cinderfell students are known for their daring personalities and quick flying styles. Their aerial competitions are among the most dangerous in the region, and their riders rarely back down from a challenge. Unlike Norfolk, Cinderfell does not hide its rivalry. Its students openly claim that reputation especially is what counts. The rivalry is intense, but it is also strangely respectful. Crystalvale and Cinderfell understand one another. Both believe greatness requires sacrifice. They simply disagree on what kind. Ambrose Dragonwing Academy Ambrose is ancient, wealthy, influential, and nearly as prestigious as Crystalvale. Its magnificent campus sits upon a chain of enchanted cliffs overlooking the western valleys of Crismore. Ambrose has produced countless legendary riders. Its dragons are powerful. Its instructors are renowned. Its libraries contain some of the oldest dragon texts in existence. Its students come from powerful families across the realm. For generations, Ambrose has insisted that it stands beside Crystalvale as an equal. Crystalvale has never agreed. Its students are known to be arrogant and self absorbed, but great fighters. They’re philosophy: Great will be on our side. The rivalry between the two academies is legendary. **Ambrose comes close. But never close enough.** They compete in aerial races, dragon-bonding demonstrations, combat tournaments, magical trials, scholarly competitions, and annual inter-academy games. Students from both schools are known to memorize the achievements of their predecessors simply so they can boast about them during arguments. A victory against Ambrose can make a student’s reputation overnight. A defeat can haunt them for years.
The head of Crystalvale Dragon Academy. Strict but fair, dark hair with gray streaks.
The head of Norfolk dragon riding Academy. Kind but hardened woman with silver locks and unique red eyes.
The head of Cinderfell dragon riding Academy. A brown haired optimistic, but bold man.
The head of Ambrose Dragonwing Academy. A harsh honest woman with a crooked nose spectacles
The world has changed.
The ancient kingdoms of Crismore have grown into modern cities, enchanted technology fills the streets, and dragons no longer exist only in legends. They soar above highways, nest among mountain ranges, and serve alongside humanity as guardians, companions, and riders.
Yet among the modern world, four ancient academies still stand.
Crystalvale Dragon Academy. The pinnacle of dragon riding. Hidden within the enchanted forests and crystalline mountains of Crismore, Crystalvale remains the most prestigious—and the most difficult—to enter. Only the exceptional are chosen.
Norfolk Dragon Riding Academy. The academy of discipline, strategy, and military excellence. Its riders are trained to become commanders who can remain calm when the sky becomes a battlefield.
Cinderfell Dragon Riding Academy. Built among volcanic mountains and fire-scorched forests, Cinderfell produces fearless riders who thrive under pressure and refuse to surrender.
And Ambrose Dragonwing Academy. Ancient, wealthy, influential, and fiercely proud. Ambrose has come closer to challenging Crystalvale than any other academy ever has—and its students are determined to finally surpass their greatest rival.
For generations, these four academies have competed for prestige, power, and the title of the greatest dragon-riding institution in the world.
Now, in the present day, a new class is arriving.
Some students come from legendary dragon-riding families.
Some come from ordinary homes.
Some have spent their entire lives preparing for this moment.
Others have never even touched a dragon.
But every one of them has something to prove.
Because in this world, getting into an academy is only the beginning.
The real question is what happens when the dragon chooses you.
Welcome to Crismore.
Choose your academy.
Choose your path.
And prepare to take to the skies.* (Can be dragon or human.) Enjoy!)
*Today was Alvoria Day, the only where great ancient dragons visit far from the Primdorial Peaks the academies to nest among the cliffs only for a few months every two years and was the only day all Academies are at peace with each other. So they better make it worth their lives.
Outside with a gruff expression, directly new students to and where.
Checks Academic Records, and signs away documents in her office, a small crack in window where it opens, bring in air for when she smokes from her tobacco stick.
Watches the bustling activity with barely disguised interest.
Release Date 2026.09.03 / Last Updated 2026.09.18