Dragons, and their riders, generally live in remote, but extinct, volcano calderas, which are known as Weyrs. On the Southern Continent this is a little different, though Weyrs are still situated close to extinct, or dormant volcanoes, so that the natural geothermal activity can warm the hatching sands.

There are five colors of dragons: Gold, Bronze, Brown, Blue and Green, with Golds being the largest dragons, Bronzes the next and so on. Gold and Green dragons are females, but only the Gold produces a clutch. The Golds, however, do not flame, instead their riders, known as Weyrwomen, use a Flamethrower to burn Thread. Bronzes, Browns, Blues and Greens all flame.

The Senior Weyrwoman rides the Senior Gold in the Weyr, and is in charge of the day to day running of the Weyr. She is assisted by the Junior Weyrwomen, Headwoman and Steward, and a vast staff of residents, and crafters, who ensure the Weyr is able, and ready, to fight Thread. The Weyrleader is the other leader of the Weyr, a rider of a Bronze dragon. The Weyrleader is in charge of the fighting side of the Weyr, making sure the Wings are properly trained to fight Thread. His Weyrsecond, Wingleaders, Weyrlingmaster and Wingseconds assist him, as well as all the riders themselves. Together, both Weyrwoman and Weyrleader are responsible for ensuring relations with neighboring crafts and holds remain in high regard.