Such a disappointment to the game. An Escort mission that defines whether u complete the game or not? seriously??? There are some ppl that are not that good with excorts and i am one, thus i shall never finish this game to the end. I have tried 4 times, not ONE dragon skill book was given during the whole coarse of FOV and yet its the dragon that must save the ending. Not one piece of dragon armor or leveling opportunity was provided, and yet, its the dragon that must save the day.
Very disappointing and Very bad game design.
First of all, you do not need any dragon skill books as they are all or most set to maximum level, second, you import your dragon armor from DKS/ED, third, you get new powerful skill which you should use wisely.
you didn't really expect you could just tackle all head on? As in most part of the game, some strategy is required, also you being able to transform into the dragon is most powerful and unique feature of the dragon knights, so of course dragon must "save the day".
I also had problems on my first playthrough, second time i played on nightmare and had no problems at all. I go ahead of the zeppelin and destroy everything i can. Use eye of the patriarch on big islands, they usually have lightning towers in the center, summon wyveryns and use lots of healing potions combined with dragon spirit, combine dragon sphere with dragon breath, and don't forget dragon shield.