Post by fallinrayne216 on Nov 17, 2005 19:39:57 GMT -5
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Terms
[/glow]Aftstrap
This is the term applied specifically to the aftward neck strap that encircles the dragon's neck. It is approximately 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) wide and 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.5 meters) in length, depending on the size of the dragon.
Aft Ridgestrap
This strap is used in fighting straps to stabilize the aftstrap, keeping it from slipping forward or twisting around the dragon's neck. It is usually only used on fighting straps. It is usually about 5 to 6 inches wide (12 to 15 cm) and about 7 to 14 feet (2 to 4.5 meters) in length.
Forestrap
This strap is the forward neck strap that encircles the dragon's neck. It is approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) wide and 14 to 24 feet (4 to 7 meters) in length.
Fore Ridgestrap
The fore ridgestrap stabilizes the forestrap, attaching to it on either side and resting in front of the neckridge. It keeps the forestrap from slipping back, or from twisting around the neck. It is usually only used on fighting straps. It is about 5 to 6 inches (12 to 15 cm) wide and 4 to 8 feet (1 to 2.5 meters) in length.
Keepers
These are long laces firmly attached to the neckstraps to which items such as firestone sacks or other cargo can be affixed. Also called laces.
Laces
These are long laces firmly attached to the neckstraps to which items such as firestone sacks or other cargo can be affixed. Also called keepers.
Neckstrap
This could be either of the two straps that typically encircle the dragon's neck -- the forestrap and aftstrap -- or in plural refer to both. Weyrlings often have only one neckstrap, and basic riding straps may also use only one.
Neckplate
This is a large plate of stiffened leather that is formed to the neck of the dragon. It is padded on the side that fits against the dragon's neck. The neckstrap(s) pass through it.
Ridgestrap
This refers to one of the fore or aft ridgestraps or, in plural, both. They are primarily used on fighting straps and act to stabilize the neckstraps, keeping them from sliding forward or backwards, or twisting around the neck.
Riding Belt
The rider wears a thick, padded belt around his waste to which the safety straps are connected. The belt is wide enough that when stressed, it won't cut into the rider's waist.
Safety Straps
These are thick, tough straps that hook from the riding belt to the neck strap or straps. There will be at least two, though the rider can have as many as they like. It can include the thigh strap, but doesn't always. Generally about 4 inches (10 cm) wide and about .5 inches (2cm) thick.
Thigh Strap
The thigh strap is a special strap that runs from the aft strap to the forestrap across the rider's thigh. This strap is what allows a rider to brace against when the dragon makes a sharp turn. It is generally padded as it can easily dig into the flesh. It is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) wide.
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Daily Care
[/glow]Leather requires frequent oiling and less-frequent cleaning. The oil keeps the leather supple, preventing it from drying out and cracking. Should a dragon take a dip with the straps on, they'll need to be air-dried and re-oiled. If the water is salt water, you'll need to wash (see below) the leather, then let it dry, and then oil it.
Leather is washed with a sponge or two cloths, leather soap and water. Leather soap is often stored in a tin, although it may be a cake. First wet the soap enough that it can be smeared off onto the sloth or sponge. Then begin to scrub the leather with the soaped sponge in a circular motion. The point is not to soak the leather, merely moisten it. After doing a small section, take the cloth, which should be wet, and wipe any soap residue from the leather. Rinse the cloth, then continue. Once the leather has dried, oil is applied with a cloth until the surface shines and water is repelled. A good coating of oil can help protect it in rain or if the dragon does choose to take a bath with the straps on. As you oil or wash the straps, you will be inspecting them, tugging on rings and buckles as you look for any imperfections, torn stitching or ingrained dirt that may compromise the strength of the hide or irritate the dragon.