I have been inspired by this thread, and especially the whole-park pictures from Fletch, so I hope no-one will think it presumptuous of me to welcome you all to my Park. I am happy to add anyone who wants to visit my park, but all my daily gems are spoken for, sorry.
Esteriel's Dragonvale Park by
Esteriel, on Flickr
The following guide will help you make the most of your Park visit.
The Park is proud to display representatives from almost every dragon species yet discovered. The exception is the elusive Reindeer, but we are in negotiations with reputable rare-dragon collectors and hope to take delivery of a breeding pair by the end of this year.
Fecundia Fecundia by
Esteriel, on Flickr
As you port in to the main island, Fecundia, you will see to your left the renowned Eggsagon. The 70-egg Eggsagon contains preserved eggs from almost every dragon species in the Park, with the exception of Love, Leap Year, Clover and Sakura, for which we have been unable to secure breeding pairs.
Visitors are encouraged to wander among the eggs to familiarise themselves with the characteristics of each species. Our Gemstone dragon egg displays are not kept in the Eggsagon, but can be found near the Gemstone Island viewing point at the northernmost tip of the island.
On your right, you will see the Fountain of Joyful Infancy, where dragons feeling a little tired and frazzled by the pace of life in the Park can undergo rejuvenating treatments to restore their youthful vitality.
Proceeding along the main avenue, you will come to the plaza displaying the Tree of Gemly Wisdom. At the right time of day, the Tree gleams with rich red gems which are harvested and sent to colleagues in other parks to support their important breeding programs. Unfortunately, the Tree does not fruit to a precise 24 hour cycle, and so a glimpse of the gems is not guaranteed.
From the Tree, we suggest that visitors stroll along the broad, flower-lined avenue to the south to marvel at the creative art of the Twin Temples of the Glorious Flutterby, where our scribes maintain the breeding and veterinary records of the Park.
Returning back towards the Tree of Gemly Wisdom, you may glimpse through the trees the Holistic Hatchery and the Enchanted Breeding Cave, where many of our rare dragons are bred. Can you identify the eggs incubating in the Hatchery?
Take the northern path to the viewing point from which both the Gemstone Island with its rare, but sadly infertile Gemstone dragons, and the Epic Breeding Sanctuary can be seen. If you are fortunate, you may see a pair of dragons cavorting in the Sanctuary, but please do not whistle, clap, snap your fingers, throw treats or call to attract the dragons' attention. We need them to concentrate on the task at hand.
On your way back, you will pass our Hibernation Cave of Restful Peace, where dragons snooze quietly until they are needed for display or breeding. Currently, 133 of the Cave's 200 Slumber Niches are occupied. Viewing is by appointment only, as it is important that the dragons' rest is not disturbed.
You may like to stop at one of our two tea rooms near the Tree of Gemly Wisdom for a light snack before heading back to the portal and travel to the next island. The Western Pagoda has a good view of both the Enchanted Breeding Cave and the Epic Breeding Island, although we suggest that families with small children may prefer the Eastern Pagoda, where the view of the Fountain of Joyful Infancy may provoke fewer difficult questions.
PangeiaPangeia by
Esteriel, on Flickr
Pangea is the westernmost of the Park's islands, and is where most of the wealth of the Park is generated by our 10 Panlong dragons, including the venerable Phydeaux. Phydeaux is the oldest of our Panlong family, and recently achieved his 20th level. You can recognise him by his golden crown, of which we are all immensely proud. The Park has made a substantial investment in Phydeaux and the other senior Panlong dragons, and they share this island with a number of other dragons including our only specimens of Clover and Sakura.
You will notice that Pangeia has few roads, but please feel free to walk on the grass. While every effort is made to keep the Park clean and retain all dragon waste within habitats between cleaning cycles, wandering barefoot is not recommended. We cannot guarantee that the stuff that squishes between your toes is not of animal origin.
On this island, as with all the presentation islands, near each habitat is a small display of the eggs of the dragon species represented in the habitat.
Visitors are asked not to intrude on the privacy of our staff quarters at the northern end of the island. These wizards are responsible for keeping the fire and water boosts in balance, and some of them are a little highly strung. Their quarters are mostly underground for a reason. We like to say that we have old boost-masters and we have bold boost-masters, but we have no old, bold boost-masters. Really, however, it is perfectly safe for visitors. Just don't poke around things you don't understand.
OlympiaOlympia by
Esteriel, on Flickr
As you port into Olympia, you will see the serried ranks of the flags of all the Dragon Nations. It is well worth scheduling your visit to see your favourite dragons compete in friendly contests at the Colosseum and the Racetrack. Event schedules are posted at the Dragon Sports Museum, which also houses a fine display of dragon contest memorabilia.
Only three dragons live permanently on this island - the Gold, Silver and Bronze Olympus dragons for which it is named. They fly in shifts high above the island, and are specially trained to detect illegal substances or evidence of game-fixing. The Park prides itself on the integrity of its sporting events, and you may lay your wagers with confidence that the result will be fair and open. Odds are posted at the Sports Museum. Please choose carefully as refunds will not be given.
After the excitement of watching an event or two, relax by ambling among the shrines celebrating the dragonic elements, and take advantage of the gourmet menu at the Racetrack Restaurant. Contrary to the scurrilous rumours that sometimes surface in the more irresponsible sections of the media, dragons that lose at the races are not shot and eaten, but gently counselled, nurtured and helped to regain their self-esteem in their own familiar habitats or the Hibernation Cave of Restful Peace.
AgrariaAgraria by
Esteriel, on Flickr
Growing dragons have healthy appetites, and dragon treat growing is a full-time job for our agricultural specialist wizards. All 11 of our treat farms are located on Agraria, surrounding the village of the same name where our farmworkers live. Students come from far and wide to learn about our leading edge growing techniques, staying in on-site dormitory accommodation.
The three earth habitats on Agraria house several earth-element dragons, including the Park's five Paper dragons, known for the quality of their excreta. An Earth Boost not only keeps the dragons healthy, but its earth-magic is a key element in our success in producing clean, organic and nutritious treats for our dragons - along with dragon poo, of course.
The Village Library has an extensive collection of reference material on dragons and the history of the Park, or the children may like to venture to the charming Clover Cottage where they can play hide and seek among the giant mushrooms in complete safety while their parents enjoy one of our famous Dragonshire Teas.
VariensisVariensis by
Esteriel, on Flickr
As its name suggests, Variensis provides a fine display of dragons representing multiple elements, including our Love and Butterfly dragons.
Variensis is also home to the Seasonal dragon which changes its appearance dramatically with the season. Currently Saffron is sporting her spectacular autumn colours. She is quite particular about style, and our gardeners have worked hard to replant her habitat and its surroundings to colour-coordinate with her plumage. She does get a little tetchy when they don't get it quite right, but the Park has an excellent medical insurance plan for employees. This year, however, you can rest assured that Saffron is very happy with the efforts of the gardening team and she will preen for your admiration.
SpectaculusSpectaculus by
Esteriel, on Flickr
The unique design of this island came about as a result of the creativity of a former Park director. Faced with a brief to design an island where the dragons could be seen clearly, she had the innovative idea of hiring an optometrist rather than an architect. The layout of the paths is a lasting memorial to this bold experiment in Park design.
Spectaculus houses most of our cold and metal dragons. The concentration of these remarkable beasts, along with the cold and metal boosts, has facilitated the installation of a super-conductive pond, which is home to our Current and Plasma dragons, as well as the Quicksilver. The Rust dragon also lives in the pond, as the other metal dragons get nervous in the presence of a Rust.
On Spectaculus, you will also see our very own Park Volcano. It is quite safe when treated with respect, but please do not let your children climb on it as we cannot be held responsible for injuries resulting from slipping into the caldera.
CelestiaCelestia by
Esteriel, on Flickr
Celestial is the jewel in our crown, home to our celestial and treasure dragons. As you step off the portal stones, you may see our only Leap Year Dragon parading overhead. Louis is keenly aware of his unique status, and his position as role model to the Rainbows on the island, and never conducts himself with less than magisterial dignity. Please refrain from looking him in the eye - he finds it disrespectful.
In contrast, at the far end of the Celestial Way, our mischievous and energetic Equinox Dragon is the showman of the Park. He loves nothing better than to have an appreciative audience, and will astound you with his aerobatic performances. Try not to stand underneath him - sometimes his sense of humour can be a little scatological and dragon poo does tend to stain.
The Park does not display many baby dragons. Our babies usually live in a special secure area reached from the Hibernation Cave of Restful Peace. In the Pandemonium, the babies happily socialise, nap and learn to get along with each other and the wizards.
You may think you can see mother and baby displays of Gold and Silver dragons on Celestia, but you are actually witnessing the incredible results of the Fountain of Joyful Infancy. Guarding treasure can be quite stressful, and Gold and Silver dragons have a tendency to paranoia, but we have found that rejuvenation in the Fountain restores them to their sunny baby nature, which even has a beneficial effect on other dragons in their habitats.
Marvel also at our epic celestial dragons: Sun, Moon, Solstice and Blue Moon. Breeding pairs are held of all these species, but celestial dragons do not like to share their habitats with others of their kind. The Park therefore ensures that these dragons are rostered for display, dividing their time between Celestia and the Hibernation Cave of Restful Peace.
This brings us to the end of our self-guided tour. We hope that you have enjoyed your visit to Esteriel's Park, and that you have perhaps learned a little about dragons along the way. We are indeed fortunate to share our world with such amazing creatures.
As you leave through the main portal of Fecundia, please consider leaving a small donation in the wishing well. All proceeds go to Lady Ramkin's Sunshine Sanctuary for Sick Dragons in Ankh-Morpork.
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