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Candidates-Young people who are given the opportunity to become a dragonrider.

They are chosen through Search, where a sensitive dragon, usually a blue or green, seeks mentally sensitive boys and girls who are of the correct temperament to match minds with a dragon hatchling.

Usually those searched are young males, aged 12 – 18, although older girls ( aged 16 – 22 ) are sometimes searched if there is a gold egg available.

With the addition of any Weyrbrat aged 12 – 18, the Searched are familiarized with the eggs and are present when the eggs hatch.

The Hatchlings choose, or Impress a Candidate who suits his or her temperamental and / or other ( still unknown ) needs.

The minimum age of the Candidates is decided by the Weyrleaders and may be changed according to the Weyr's needs.

If there is a greater need for older more responsible riders, the age may be pushed back, if there is a lack of Candidates, the age may be lowered.

The minimum age may also be changed depending on whether Pern is experiencing Fall or Pass.

The youngest anyone has Impressed a dragon is aged 10 ( F ' nor ), the oldest seems to be in their early twenties.

There have been periods of time in Pern's history where females have been able to Impress and ride Green dragons.

Whether or not female Candidates are allowed on the Hatching Grounds if there is no gold egg is unknown.