Here we explore the use of dragons in AD&D, not as monster encounters, but as mounts and companions. This territory is not unexplored by any means, and is popular among dragon enthusiasts and role-players in general. The opinions expressed here are of a DM, who has run campaigns involving dragonriders and dragonknights. Within these campaigns I run the personna of the dragons, interacting and sometimes arguing with their riders.
 
Dragons and the people who ride them
  Huge, scaled beasts who breath fire or gas, expel lightning or steam, and cast spells and terrorize entire kingdoms. Who'd have thought anyone would trade in their warhorse for one of these? Dragons as wild creatures see humankind as rodentia, nuisances who greedily seek out their treasure. Dragons who have been raised among humankind and trained as mounts put the little bipeds in much friendlier light.
  It does take a special kind of individual to ride one of these magnificent beasts. For one thing, it helps to not fear heights... You will have to develop either a very comfortable saddle, or a very calloused, uh, tailbone. A dragonrider should have the utmost respect for his dragon, considering it a boone companion rather than just a mount or servile beast. And care should be taken into consideration at all times for it's feeding and comfort, as one would for a fine warhorse. A benevolent dragonrider does not use his mount for rides to impress the local ladies, or barter his services as payment for the rider's own debts. At least, no more than you would abuse the trust and grace of a fellow party member.
  There are also social disadvantages to having a dragon as a mount. Most towns will not welcome you as you glide up to the local pub for refreshment. Archers and mages will likely use the dragon as target practice if it's low enough. And where do you park him when you spend a week in training? The local stables?

Dragon Flight
  Dragons are beautiful while in flight. Most supplement their natural ability with magical levitation, making flight less energy consuming. They are relatively slow to turn, slow to accelerate, slow to take off and slow to land. Other, smaller flying mounts tend to move much more quickly, and can fly circles around most dragons. But, if you can settle for something that ISN'T a dragon, well...

Dragon Logic
  One aspect of communication with dragon mounts which riders find difficult is arguments, and how to win one with a dragon. Many dragons will point up their age and experience to a rider, ignoring the rider's wisdom or personal experience. Some riders will try to influence a dragon with their own tactical arguments when going into battle. Many dragons will ignore advice, even good advice, if it's pushed on them. Don't try to win an argument with a dragon, try for an understanding with them. Dragons don't admit to ego, although it's an integral part of their psychological makeup. Be careful how you stroke a dragon's ego. A woman scorned hath no equal to that of a pissed off dragon.

Dragon Combat
  While armed with an impressive array of personal weaponry, claws, teeth and breath weapons, dragons also possess cunning and the ability to negotiate unusual aerobatic maneuvers when combating other flying creatures or mounts. Mounted dragons must needs abandon some of their more abrupt maneuvers to avoid unseating or disorienting their riders. Even a rider well lashed-in to his saddle could suffer some damage from sudden dives and twisting moves his mount might use if riderless. Where does one go for chiropractic help around here?
  Lancers, or dragonknights, sometimes use lances in aerial combat, for fly-by jousting or impaling of enemies and their mounts. These special lances are sometimes fixed by harness to the neck or back of the dragon until needed. Ofttimes, if the dragon allows it, bits and bridles are used by the rider to spur his mount to use it's breath weapon. Hopefully the rider will know the effects and limitations of the breath weapons his mount employs. A cone of frost shot by a dragon in full flight could produce a rider with a thick layer of frost upon him.

Dragon Care
  Sell your alfalfa stock. Dragons eat meat, preferably still kicking. Many dragons have a love for beef and mutton, though most domestic livestock will do. Horses are not safe, nor are many monsters. If a dragon is about some day to day business, he will usually require a cow every day or two just to keep his strength up. If he is going to hibernate for awhile, he'll usually eat 5 or 6 times his usual diet before dozing off. The smart and thrifty dragonrider will cut a deal with local ranchers to perform some kind of patrol or protection duty in order to adequately feed his mount.
  Grooming is usually not a problem. Not many dragons have hair to comb, and they trim their own nails. No, the dragon who is comfortable with his rider will inform him of good spots to scratch, usually with a dagger or small garden implement.

Getting a dragon of your own
  Good luck. Wild dragons with even a few years behind them already relish their freedom and have no desire to share their days with a mortal. Eggs are the best bet, but unguarded dragon eggs are not easy to come by. Then, if you are lucky enough to get an intact egg, it must be kept warm enough until the time of hatching. After hatching, you must care for the foundling constantly, feeding and cleaning up after it, for a bond to be formed between you. Such care will take years out of your life/career, for leaving it in the care of another will likely allow it to bond with that other caregiver.
  Some lucky individuals may find dragons who have lost their rider and prefer the kin and companionship of humankind. Such dragons as these may respond to offers of friendship from earnest individuals. Do not underestimate the perceptive nature of dragonkind. If your purpose is exploitive or insincere when talking to a dragon, you may end up on his wrong side.

  Obviously, different people have different ideas about dragonkind. If you don't like these, apply your own ideas. I consider them magnificent, complex creatures, with flaws and imperfections like any other creature. If your character needs one, write to me and I'll see if there's one out there with your name on it...
 

Flying dragon image by Malathar's Dragons
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