Scorching

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The Scorching, as shown in The Lost Heir Graphic Novel

The Scorching was an early period of time in Pyrrhia when the dragon tribes warred and overthrew the Scavengers, the dominant life form at the time. It was mentioned several times throughout the Wings of Fire series (The Dragonet Prophecy, Moon Rising, and Darkstalker (Legends)).

Dragons use it as a measure of time, since they refer to the current year as 5,012 years since the Scorching (5,012 AS). Moonwatcher mentions this to Darkstalker in Moon Rising. The seven dragon tribes were formed afterward based on their according abilities and habitats. Each tribe appointed a queen, allowing dragons to form complex societies, which made it extremely tough for scavengers to kill individual dragons.

Nearly five thousand years later, a scavenger managed to kill Queen Oasis, proving that scavengers still hold the potential to kill dragons. This hints to a future where the scavengers unite to overthrow the dragon tribes.

In Moon Rising, Webs mentions that scrolls contain many versions and interpretations of the Scorching -- some versions have even been described as "legends" and "fairy tales".

Trivia

• Clay once accidentally called the Scorching "The Scalding" in his dream while Starflight was dream visiting him, much to Starflight's annoyance.
• Dragons in the present use the events of the Scorching to keep track of time. (for example, 5012 years After Scorching or A.S. for short)
• The Scorching occurred 5,012 years before the events in Moon Rising, according to Moonwatcher. This would make The Dragonet Prophecy happen roughly 5,011 years after the Scorching.
• This also makes the events of Darkstalker (Legends) set around  3,000 A.S.
• It is said by a young Darkstalker's talking scroll that after the Scorching, Pyrrhia was in a state of almost constant warfare. 
• It is revealed by Webs in Darkness of Dragons that for 500 years transformation and resettlement occurred after the events of the Scorching. However, Webs was interrupted by Thrush and never got to finish the details.
• It is possible the scavengers will overthrow the dragons and claim the spot as the dominant life form in Pyrrhia once more, although this is unknown and most likely won’t be happening anytime soon.
• Tui would likely make a Legends book about the Scorching.
• It is possible it is called The Scorching because dragons could have 'scorched' the major scavenger cities or settlements since it was the time dragons overthrew scavengers.