Wyverns

The grossest and least honourable are no doubt Wyverns. Why? Not only do they eat rotting corpses and ambush only injured and weak animals, if they bite ya you are likely to lose your limb or life to infection. Thank Tyrth they are cowards though, do your best roar and they will scatter like rabbits on an open field.

^{Air dragon Clawmaster tutoring junior Clawstoppers.}
Carnivore scavengers living predominantly in Midlands and around Scavenger Peaks, these creatures prefer to flock together for safety from possbile dragon and gryphon intrusions. These scavengers are fairly small, lithe and weak compared to even the smallest of Dragons but they more than make up for it with their numbers and devastatingly infectious bites.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Wyverns are unique in their physiology and actually resemble Tiktiks far more than any Dragons of Midrast Wain. Their body is covered in scales and small horn protrusions that protect them on the outside and a pair of greater horns that sprout from the backs of their skulls. Due to their light weight, they are excellent fliers but their hollow bones are very weak in an actual fight.

Genetics and Reproduction

Their reproduction habits have not been very well documented yet, it is assumed that they breed only in safety of their roosts as they have not been seen mating in an open area. Their shyness seem to correlate with their general great awareness of their surroundings and fear of Dragons and Gryphons.
It is presumed their gestation period is fairly short and similar to ones of Tiktiks - 40-50 days with sexual maturity reached at 1-2 years. It is unknown whether full Moons have any effect on their fertility but it has been documented that well-fed and higher-ranking wyverns seem to have more offspring than others.

Ecology and Habitats

Tall peaks and cavernous areas seem to be preferred by wyverns, their nesting habits similar to ones of most Dragons, which creates a natural tension between the two species, causing Dragons to pressure these out from their homes so they can be reclaimed for themselves.
Currently Wyverns live primarily in Scavenger Peaks named after them.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Whether its food has been left behind by a dragon, gryphon or any other creature, Wyverns carefully wait until said predator sated their hunger to swoop in and try to snatch it for themselves.
Alternatively, when they sense a weakened creature, a small flock of wyverns will attempt to overpower and finish it off. However, they are naturally scared of Dragons and Gryphons and are only extremely rarely attacking either, even if they find an injured individual.
Cannibalism is also very commonly performed on dead members of their own flocks. While rarely performed in the open, wyverns perform a strange series of keening noises before they start eating one of their own departed, seemingly as a means of "honoring" them and filling themselves with sustenance at the same time.

Biological Cycle

Similar to Mud dragons, Wyverns enter a period of inactivity and hibernation during the month of Freezan. Only basic necessities are performed as their entire colonies fall into a deep slumber. Because of this, dragons have been very successful in wiping them out from their own territories.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Wyverns exhibit a pack hierarchy similar to wolves. The alpha male or female of each flock is given priority in getting towards food and leads the rest when they are ambushing a weakened animal. This wyvern generally tends to be the strongest and most capable of the flock. The lesser and younger wyverns tend to be sent out to scour for food individually and report back on their findings to the rest of their flock.

Domestication

No attempts at domestication have been performed yet.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Teeth of wyverns are considered to be one of the most potent poisons in Midrast Wain as they infect their target with a variety of sicknesses and diseases that are difficult to trace and thus are sought after by some individuals, especially Mud dragons for use in subterfuge and assassination attempts.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Centre of the Continent, mainly within Scavenger Peaks and in smaller roosts amongst Midlands

Average Intelligence

Wolf-like intelligence, pack-behavior and great reluctance towards violence unless their advantage is vastly superior over the one of their victim or they are driven into self-defense.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Extraordinary sense of smell that draws them in especially towards corpses and rotten food that would normally smell disgusting for Dragons or Gryphons. They are also able to use their smell to detect creatures weakened by wounds or illnesses such as Clawrot.

Scientific Name

Midrast Sceawinga

Lifespan

23 years

Conservation Status

Endangered - Wyverns outside of Scavenger Peaks are nearly non-existant, only a few smaller flocks live spread out in Midlands but all the main draconic species put great effort towards wiping out these scavengers around their homes as they are seen as pests and potential danger.

Average Height

1.1 m

Average Weight

36 kg

Average Length

2 m

Average Physique

Lithe, fragile

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Earthly colors - mostly shades of green, brown, grey and black