Signet

The term **signet** describes the ability a dragon rider receives due to the bond with their dragon.

## General Information

Signet abilities are the result of the unique chemistry between the rider and the dragon, and usually say more about the rider than the dragon. The stronger the bond, and the more powerful the dragon, the stronger the signet. It is believed that a rider's signet is a reflection of their being and overall desires or needs. Dragon Riders abilities, both lesser magic and signet, are superior to Gryphon Fliers due to the fact that dragons are capable of channeling more power.  Dragons are also the only species capable of powering the wards that make all other forms of magic but their own impossible within the borders of Navarre. Their power radiates from the vale and only reaches so far, which is why the borders are circular.

The dragon that the rider is bonded too will start *channelling* their power through the rider, which grants the rider the ability to do lesser magics, like moving objects, and powering an ink pen instead of needing to use quills and ink-pots. But a signet is the unique ability that the rider gains from channeling.

Once a rider starts channelling, they have roughly six months in which their signet should manifest. If they do not produce a signet within that time, the power usually backfires, causing the rider to lose control and killing them in the process. This was the case of Vedie, a rider in Violet's graduation class, whose signet manifested in the middle of a class, when he burst into flames and died. Considering the circumstances of his death, it was assumed that he was to be a fire wielder in the short time that he was able to wield his signet.

Riders must be cautious of the amount of magic they channel, as their bodies have a limit and drawing more from their dragon causes them to burn out and die. An example would be a rider using their signet to levitate a kilogram of fruit. Even though they would not be carrying the fruit, it would still feel like they did, because magic requires energy. In some cases, riders have channeled more power than they can handle by taking it from the ground, thus turning them into Venin.

\*\*Please note the categorization method is not canonically confirmed\*\* however in the interest of properly documenting the current list of signet's within The Empyrean Series, they have been listed under the four following types; *Elemental, Healing, Physical, and Psychic.*

Some of the most common signets are fire, ice and water wielding, which are specific and useful signets that can make a rider's career.

## Known Signets

### Undocumented Signets

* **Precognition Signet** has never been recorded
* **Resurrection Signet** has never occurred, and *will never* occur as a signet.

### Characters with Unknown Signets

* Amber Mavis †
* Aura Beinhaven
* Caroline Ashton
* Ciaran †
* Colonel Aetos
* Eya †
* Garrick Tavis
* Jack Barlowe
* Masen †
* Nyra Voldaren †
* Professor Devera
* Professor Emetterio
* Professor Grady
* Soleil Telery †
* Tara
* Visia Hawelynn †

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Fourth Wing, Chapter 5
2. ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 6
3. ↑ Fourth Wing, Chap 29
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Fourth Wing, Chapter 8
5. ↑ Iron Flame, Chap 56
6. ↑ Rebecca Yarros, Entertainment Weekly Interview, Pub. Nov 22nd, 2023. https://ew.com/rebecca-yarros-empyrean-series-book-three-8405856