> I've suggested before that the animal genes don't actually > affect the Dragaeran development; they are merely there as markers. > Aliera merely mentions the presence of the genes; she doesn't > go into how, or even if, they affect Dragaerans. I think we have ample evidence that the animal genes DO have an effect. The courage of the Dzur, the ferocity of the Dragon, the subtlety of the Yendi.. These things are "built-in" to each member of that House. They aren't merely social constructs. They're an essential trait the members of that House are born with to a greater or lesser extent. If the genes themselves were just markers, then the Houses would eventually become homogenized, with only a few exceptional members of a House being talented enough to give more than lip service to that House's "gimmick".