Wyvern

Dragon by Jaemin Kim

Wyverns are dragons that lack front claws, and instead balance themselves on the ground using the knuckles of their wings. Most wyverns are smaller and lighter than true dragons, and are particularly suited for flight. They are primarily aerial hunters, and they typically roost in high altitude mountains, deep chasms, and cliffsides where it is difficult for other creatures to reach.
While wyverns are incapable of the elemental breath of true dragons, they do possess a tail stinger capable of delivering a potent poison.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Wyverns have two strong back legs, two large wings, and a long, sinuous body. Quills, horns, and assorted spikes are very common, but vary depending on region and individual. Most range in length from 25 to 35 feet from tip of nose to tail, and a wingspan of up to 50 feet. Their tail generally makes up more than half of their body length, and at its end is a venomous barb.
Wyverns have the ability to regrow a large portion of their tail and stinger, though it tends to take a long time and leaves them without their most potent weapon. Additionally, they are resistant but not immune to other wyverns' venom.

Growth Rate & Stages

Wyverns typically lay their eggs in clutches of 3-5, and hatch over the course of a few days several months later. Baby wyverns, or 'wyvlings', are roughly the size of a large cat. They spend the first few weeks of their lives clung to a parent's body, and learn to fly by during their second month. Most are able to learn to speak fluently by their fourth year, and grow to full size by ten years old. Wyverns are one of the shortest lived dragonkin species, with most having a lifespan of around 550 years.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

Wyverns are as intelligent as the average humanoid, though their tendency to roost far from other creatures means they are unlikely to become a font of knowledge from the experiences of their long lives. Wyverns tend towards living together much more frequently than other dragon kin, though they are generally rather isolationist when it comes to other sentient creatures.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

As aerial hunters, wyverns have excellent vision, but are less suited towards hunting by scent.

Civilization and Culture

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Wyverns are generally reclusive, and stay high in the mountains. Humanoid populations occasionally have issues with wyverns stealing livestock, but they can often be bargained with.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Dragonkin

Lifespan

550 years

Average Height

9-13 feet

Average Length

30-40 feet

Geographic Distribution

• Calamest Mountains

Related Ethnicities

• Draconic Culture