Weyrleader

The Weyrleader is the military head of the Weyr. They are always riders of bronze dragons. On a global scale, a Weyrleader was considered to be equivalent in rank to a Lord Holder or a Craftmaster.

Role and Responsibilities

While a weyr can have multiple Weyrwomen, one senior and several junior, each weyr has only one Weyrleader. The position of Weyrleader is determined by the outcome of the senior queen's mating flight; the weyrleader is the rider of whichever dragon flies the queen. This typically limits the position to riders of bronze dragons, as they are the only males with the stamina to compete for the queen over a long mating flight. In order to remain in power, the Weyrleader's dragon must continue to fly the queen for each successive mating flight. Should a different dragon fly the queen, the change in leadership happens immediately without question. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent an incompetent Weyrleader from assuming the position if their dragon legitimately flies the queen. A Weyrleader can step down at any time. In the event of a sudden death or retirement, a Weyr will often be led by a group of capable bronze riders until a mating flight can determine a new leader.

As the military head of the weyr, Weyrleaders are primarily responsible for combating the threat of Thread. Thus, Weyrleaders are expected to be highly educated in the characteristics of Thread and on fighting tactics. During a pass, they are responsible for leading the weyr during Threadfalls. When not flying Thread, they ensure that the weyr remains prepared through training, such as drills. They also assign regular responsibilities, such as patrols and Searches. Weyrleaders are also able to choose Wingleaders, which are typically other bronze riders.

Weyrleaders have the ability to declare the mating flight of a queen to be open, meaning that riders from other weyrs can participate. They Weyrleader may choose to do so at the request of the weyrwoman in question, or if they feel that such a flight would be beneficial for improved bloodlines. The Oldtimer Weyrleaders had a tradition of declaring an open mating flight when the Weyrleader retired, to allow the best possible replacement to succeed them.

Weyrleaders also represent the Weyr in interactions with Holds, Crafts, and other Weyrs, a responsibility that is shared with the Weyrwoman. Weyrleaders are independent of each other, in keeping with views on Weyr autonomy. However, they will gather together for meetings to discuss common issues and concerns on occasion. A Weyrleader could participate in a formal trial, alongside a Craftmaster and a Lord Holder. In the Ninth Pass, Weyrleaders would participate in the confirmation of a Lord Holder.