Dawnriding is a traditional sport that originated with the Ohrinthi of Vesta, combining skilled navigation with aerial racing. Originally developed for practical transportation, it has evolved into a competitive sporting event that preserves Ohrinthian cultural heritage.
The practice began on Vesta, where the Ohrinthi developed intricate sailing routes utilizing the predictable patterns of magnetic winds in their planet's upper atmosphere, known as the Winds of the Dawn. These magnetic currents were initially mastered for transportation between Vesta's floating islands and became integral to Ohrinthian cultural practices.
Following the Ohrinthine exodus to Tempus, Dawnriding was preserved by dedicated Ohrinthians who recognized its importance for maintaining their heritage. The sport was gradually transformed into a competitive sport. While the original magnetic currents don't exist on other planets, Ohrinthian-inspired anti-gravity technology allows pilots to recreate similar conditions artificially.
The sport holds particular importance in Ilipth, the vertical city of the Ohrinthi on Tempus. The mountainous terrain and aerial pathways provide ideal conditions for training and competitions. These racing events serve dual purposes:
The goal is to navigate the course as effectively as possible while charting a route through the complex aerial environment.
Pilots will encounter magnetic wind currents simulated with anti-gravity technology and floating obstacles (e.g., hoops, barriers, or other obstacles to dodge or pass through). Using specialized sails that can be adjusted mid-flight, riders must tune their equipment to catch and ride these currents effectively. Successful navigation requires constant adjustment of sail configuration and positioning to maintain optimal flow through the course.
The most successful pilots are those who can "read" the artificial currents and adapt their trajectory and tuning accordingly, much like their Orinthians did in Vesta's atmosphere. This balance of technical skill and intuitive navigation embodies the essence of traditional Dawnriding.
Scoring is based on navigational skill rather than speed. Points are awarded based on several key factors: