Traits

The Independent gene must be active to gain the benefits of the mutation (not Recessive). This is a trait exclusive to auctions, events, sales, and dragons bred from one of those.

By nature, Elemental Dragons use much of their own essence to create their magic, which leaves them reliant on a Rider of some sort. Every now and then, a miracle happens, and a dragon is born which can support itself without the assistance of a Rider. These dragons are called Independent Dragons, and without their dependence on a Rider, they can take a far more active role in the world around them. 

Special Activities

• Den Founding - A dragon may found their Den immediately upon hatching. Den items that expand Familiar availability do not work for dragons, as they are limited by magical means, rather than physical space.
• Familiars & Rite of Summoning - After a dragon founds a Den, they may perform a Rite of Summoning to gain their first Familiar. Den items that expand Familiar availability do not work for dragons, as they are limited by magical means, rather than physical space.
• Joining Affiliations - After a dragon founds a Den and completes their Rite of Passage, they may join an Affiliation.
• Jobs - Independent dragons may take one Job: they may unlock their first Job after undergoing their Rite of Passage, may gain a promotion at level two, and may become a master at level four. 
• Challenges - Dragons may compete in Races and Expeditions on their own, though they may be at a disadvantage without a Rider helping them. For Taming, they may invite a Rider of their choice to assist. If their chosen Rider swaps, they will still keep progress from previous attempts. They must have some sort of Rider accompanying them during Tamings.

Co-existing with a Rider

These dragons do not require a Rider, but they may still choose to bond with one. When they do bond, they do not need to match the elements of the Rider. There are a few caveats to bonding with a Rider, listed below.

• Dens and Familiars - A dragon may share their Familiars with the Rider, but not the Rider's other dragons. In example, if a dragon has a Blue Sea Dragon, the Rider may use them in the rolls, but not another of the Rider’s dragons. They are only shared between the dragon and Rider. The same applies to Dens–a Rider is considered an inhabitant of their Dragon’s den, but other dragons belonging to that Rider are only visitors.
• Political Affiliations - When bonded to a Rider, the dragon will take on the Affiliation of their Rider. If they were previously Independent and a member of the same Affiliation, then the dragon’s currency will be moved to the Rider’s wallet. If they were different Affiliations, then the dragon’s old Affiliation currency will be lost. If an Independent dragon separates from a Rider, they do not take their currency with them, and will have to re-enroll into an Affiliation to begin duties alone again.