The Kentucky Irregulars are an American militia that slay dragons. They appear to be remnants of the United States military though whether or not they are taking orders from above, such as the President, is unknown. They were led by Denton Van Zan until the unit’s destruction by the Male Dragon. They are notable, aside from the near impossible to believe feats of being dragon slayers, as boasting a Vickers-Armstrong FV 4201 Chieftain tank and an Agusta A109 helicopter, an exceedingly rare vestige of their time. The jumpers (known as Archangels) are the most vital part of slaying a dragon, typically having an alleged lifespan of only 17 seconds during free fall.
Dragon Slaying[]
The Irregulars use an elaborate 3D mapping system to take down dragons. Their helicopter, piloted by Alexandra Jensen, would take off when a dragon was sighted with a crew of three Archangels, armed with wing suits and net launchers. On the ground, three of the Irregulars, mounted on motorcycles, hastily install vertical sensors into the ground in a triangular area. This creates a 3D map, allowing Alex to track the dragon and her jumpers.
When the dragon is close enough, the archangels withdraw in a pseudo synchronized fashion. The first is bait, flying straight down, luring the dragon into diving after them. When the dragon takes the bait the other two Archangels ensnare the dragon with steel nets, causing it to crash.
At this point the Archangels will deploy their chutes and land, where a waiting Van Zan or other crew would then kill the entangled dragon, usually with a harpoon gun. They prefer to hunt dragons at sunset or sunrise when the changing light hampers the dragon's otherwise excellent vision, but aren’t always afforded this luxury.
History[]
Killing the Bamburgh Castle Dragon[]
The Kentucky Irregulars were first introduced in the Reign of Fire (film) shortly after the female dragon torched the crops of Quinn Abercromby's colony. Van Zan requested the Irregulars be allowed inside Quinn's castle to rest for the night before moving on. Quinn did not believe that it was possible to kill a dragon, even after Van Zan showed him a homemade dragon tooth necklace. He suspected they were marauders that were bad at lying. After a tense discussion, Quinn decides to let the Irregulars in. The sight of Irregular’s signature helicopter was a shock to Quinn and his people.
Later that day, the female dragon previously responsible for the burnt tomato crops at the castle, returned, prompting the Kentucky Irregulars into action. Alex leaves with her Archangels and has a few harrowing encounters with the dragon while the three riders on the ground try to set up the “verticals” for the 3D map. The last of the riders, Piscatella, is killed by the dragon, as Quinn watches the events unfold beyond his control. After learning of what Van Zan’s intentions are, Quinn sets off to assist in the plan. He finds the charred remains of Piscatella and his equipment, successfully planting the needed third vertical for Alex’s tracking system.
The female dragon appears on Alex's radar at last...too late for any evasive maneuvers. The dragon rams the chopper as she flies by, ejecting Archangel Alvarez. The remaining Jefferson and Gideon, quickly give pursuit to save the mission. Alvarez successfully lures the dragon towards him, the pursuing Archangels claiming hits with their net guns amidst the thick clouds. Having slowed the dragon, it appears their hunt successful until the loosed nets unexpectedly sail past Jefferson and Gideon.
The dragon dives after Alvarez, once again giving chase. She very nearly singes the panicking jumper, pulling up at the last second. The confused Alvarez, unable to see past the clouds, does not realize his proximity to the ground until it’s too late. The dragon turns her attention to Jefferson and Gideon, claiming Jefferson in her gaping maw, narrowly missing Gideon. The remaining Archangel deploys his chute, the lone survivor of the ill fated hunt.
Van Zan contacts Quinn through the radio of the dead Piscatella and tells him that he now has to be the bait, luring the dragon to Van Zan’s. It is a dangerous ride with the dragon on his heels, but Quinn manages to make it into Van Zan's sights before the dragon attacks him. The fired harpoon, scarcely missing Quinn, sails past him into the throat of the voracious beast. As her flight spirals out of control, the flailing dragon lets out one last blast of fiery breath, charring Van Zan’s vest, but finally crashing to the her doom.
The people of Quinn's castle celebrate the death of the dragon, but Van Zan, disgusted by their shallowness, says the three of his people that died to kill just one dragon is not a worthy trade, nor cause to celebrate. The rest of the irregulars silently watch the announcement, following the departing Van Zan on his way, their shared distaste evident.
The Destruction of the Kentucky Irregulars[]
Van Zan and Alex then approach Quinn, in need of soldiers, as well as explaining their long trip from home. They go on to explain that, in their travels and experiences, they’ve slain some 200 female dragons but cannot find a male, leading them to believe and ultimately track the only male dragon, presumably to London. Quinn initially scoffs at the claims, having barely survived all previous encounters with the beasts. After hearing of Van Zan’s wishes, he demands the irregulars leave immediately with no conscripts, warning that the male has backtracked and attacked a fortress in nearby Pembury, wreaking untold destruction there.
Quinn soon discovers Van Zan sharing his plans with the inhabitants of the castle, asking for volunteers before drafting a few others. This prompts Quinn to strike the grizzled soldier, who warns against standing between him and his goal. The furious Quinn presses him, but is quickly dispatched.
During the drive to London, in the ruins of Pembury, Van Zan’s convey are stopped by debris and ruination. After a short exchange with Alex, they are ambushed by the Male Dragon. Alex, searching for an alternate route into London, is spared, but the dragon single-handedly defeats the remaining Kentucky Irregulars. Van Zan, having taken refuge under his tank, survives, as well as another two unnamed Irregulars only they and Alex remain.
Members[]
- Denton Van Zan (last leader)
- Alexandra Jensen