What's the weaponry in your clan like? Do your dragons use swords and other close-range weapons, go long-range with bows and arrows, prefer big and bulky things like maces? Is a particular weapon common (ex. a group of guards all using the same kind of spear) or does each individual have their own specialty?
There are no standards, but the most common weapons would be long-range ones, such as spears or arrows. Most, however, prefer to use magic or traps, or their own teeth and claws. Everyone has their own preferences and are not required to use a specific weapon, but some individuals may be banned from using a certain type of weapon.
Hatchlings, of course, are not permitted to use
any unless they are
Shea. The slingshot is their signature weapon, and they manage to use it with surprising accuracy.
sss has magic cards, and she throws them like shurikens, which consequently makes her a pro at frisbee.
Does your clan scavenge weapons from defeated foes, buy/trade for them, and/or make their own? What's the quality like, are they just good enough to get the job done or is there skilled craftsmanship and artistry involved?
Anything is valid, though crafting one's own weapon is a symbol of competence. Stealing those of defeated foes is the most convenient strategy, though lower quality ones will be sold/traded to less established clans. They don't
need the money, but they have even less use for inferior weaponry.
Weapons are often crafted out of wood or jade. Rock and metal are the most common materials, however. Only skilled dragons craft weapons of wood, as they are susceptible to destruction in many ways, especially with how much it rains in the region. Jade weapons are of the highest quality. Common dragons cannot use these weapons without first being trained well, as they are often guarded by various enchantments. One spear, owned by clan patriarch
Wolfsong, is over two centuries old and is still lethally sharp. It is both extravagant and efficient, and never misses its target.
How prevalent is magic? Are weapons imbued with any magical effects? Major or minor?
Magic is very prevalent. Starting with the aforementioned jade weapons, they are first enchanted with a basic protection spell - the equivalent of "don't shatter". If they are to be used by a high-ranking or otherwise important dragon, other spells will be cast upon it. These can range from hiding it from the eyes of outsiders to lengthening its range/power.
Other weapons, such as wooden or rock ones, may be imbued with an "insurance" effect, where it cannot splinter/chip for a length of time. These spells have to be renewed every moon or so, however, as they do wear off with time.
Several NotN familiars are weapon mimics. Is this something your clan has to worry about?
No. The mimics are free to wander around as they like, so long as they aren't a hazard to vulnerable creatures and stay out
How important/common is armor? What about shields? As with weapons, is there any special quality (or lack thereof) in their make?
lmao what kind of idiot needs
armor? Such incompetence. *stereotypical superior prodigy vibes*
Seriously though, unless someone is training and they're new at it, no one wears armor. Since most dragons use magic and/or long distance weapons, armor is completely unnecessary. Some set traps and others go for an ambush attack, but most of the time the worst you'll get is a bad scratch or twisted ankle. If you get mortally wounded,
Permafrost is always there to turn you into a plant.
How common are warriors in your clan? Is combat/defense a large focus, or are clan efforts focused elsewhere? Is there a specific group that handles combat/related activities?
No. The clan has a whole freaking magical labyrinth to defend it. Of course, everyone
can fight, even if not well, but it's not a main focus at all.
What's combat training like? How long does it last? What about effectiveness, are trainees taught well or do instructors employ questionable methods? Does your clan train their own warriors, or are they hired/otherwise pulled in from other areas (ex. mercenaries)?
Once they reach one year of age, dragons are taught for six months in basic combat skills. If they wish to continue in any areas of battle, a dragon skilled in that form of combat will tutor them until they no longer require teaching or want to focus on something else. Training is very flexible, and up until "advanced" lessons they aren't very intense. All lessons are highly precise, however, and focus much on the "why" of things as well as the "how" and "when".
Most dragons only take on at most three "advanced" courses at any given time, to prevent burnout.
If your clan does train their warriors, is a specific individual or a group in charge of overseeing it? Or is training handled by whoever volunteers/has free time?
Basic combat training can be offered by whoever is available and capable. While hatchlings will usually stick to one coach, the available trainers cycle all the time.
If they choose to continue their training, though, there
are set teachers. These are the most capable dragons in the clan willing to spend time tutoring others in the ways of...
CLAW COMBAT - The art of using one's own body to defeat an enemy. Weapons range from teeth and claws to elbows and tails.
Darke used to teach this, but has now mostly passed it on to his daughter
Strikae.
ARCHERY/DARTS - The art of using arrows to
vaccinate defeat an enemy or subdue a creature. Taught by
Prism, probably.
SPEAR/HARPOON/JAVELIN COMBAT - The art of using a long stick to defeat an enemy.
Moonflower teaches this. Strikae could too, provided she had time.
DAGGER/KNIFE COMBAT - The art of using a short, sharp object to defeat an enemy. Also taught by Moonflower, and sometimes Strikae.
SCYTHE COMBAT - The art of using a curved blade to defeat an enemy. Taught by Strikae.
MACE/AXE COMBAT - The art of using a spiked or bladed bludgeon to defeat an enemy
or crack open a coconut. Taught by
Wild. He's a questionable teacher at best, but no one else wants to teach hatchlings how to properly wield an axe.
WHIP COMBAT - The art of using a long rope or string to defeat an enemy or subdue a creature. Taught also by Wild, because he's the only one that enthusiastic about it.
CARD/SHURIKEN THROWING - The art of tossing a flat, sharp object like a frisbee to defeat an enemy. Taught by sss.
Let's all take a moment to applaud Strikae's patience in dealing with these young whippersnappers.
MAGIC AND MELEE - The art of using magic to bolster your chances of victory. Can be mixed with any other form of fighting, especially physical. Taught by no one in particular; any mage willing to teach can.
SCRATCH-BASED SORCERY - The art of using the adrenaline of battle to build up a solid foundation of breath for magical attacks. Taught by
Miyu,
Delwyn, and
Eleint.
MEDITATIVE SORCERY - The art of using the calm between attacks dodged attacks to build up a solid foundation of breath for magical attacks. Taught by Miyu, Eleint, and Prism.
FORTE SORCERY - The art of using raw talent or skill to generate a solid foundation of breath for magical attacks. Though the name is rather odd, forte sorcerers require no preparation to fight and are very skilled in many magical subjects. Taught by Permafrost.
Dewdrop also teaches, but prefers to work with only one student at a time, to hone their skills as best as possible.
Is there a cohesive combat style, or does each dragon do their own thing? Are there any tricks or techniques unique to your clan's fighters?
Be fast. If you are incapable of this, be strong and unmoved. With this basic rule in mind, teaching is honed to the dragon learning's abilities, and not the other way around. There are many tricks to learn, some of which could save your life, but the most important one is carved into the "plaza" section of the lair:
Be like the sky. Never know your next move, only your opponent's vision.
What about strategy? Do warriors approach combat with solid tactics in mind or do they take the "hit it until it dies" route to debatable effect?
There's various working strategies, but if you've been taught by Wild, or if you are Wild, then "hit it until it dies" would be the go-to option. Dragons are taught to assess a situation clearly before jumping to fighting, as talking your way out of trouble is much easier - and safer in the long run - than immediately attacking a questionable dragon. If you are ambushed, however, Wild's advice to "fight like a cornered skycat" is correct.
What traditions or customs are there, if any? (Regarding training, weapon-/armor-making, combat itself, etc.)
Jade weapons are crafted with impossible precision. Each often has intricate designs carved into the blade, shaft, or handle, and the materials are of the highest quality. They are streamlined to perfection and stored in their own cases in their own vault, as an extra precaution.
In combat... I don't know why there would be traditions instilled. Afterwards, perhaps, as respect to the opponent, but not during. If one must fight dirty, there are no consequences.