Wyvern

Wyverns, a subset of draconids, are smaller and faster than their dragon relatives, with two wings and two legs aiding their superior aerial agility. Unlike dragons, wyverns operate on instinct, showcasing predatory behaviors and specialized skills for their specific habitats. Though less intelligent than either of their draconid cousins, their uniqueness forces adventurers and hunters to always second guess what they think they know about their prey.

Physical Characteristics and Lifespan

On average, wyverns are smaller than dragons. The absence of hind limbs results in a lighter frame, allowing for unparalleled speed and maneuverability in flight. Their wings are robust, capable of powerful thrusts to propel them through the air with ease.
An individual wyvern can live as long as 60, but most only make it to around 40. They reach maturity at around 5 years old, after being cared for by their horde.

Rapid Individual Adaptation

Wyverns are unpredictable, both in their actions and their capabilities. They are known to evolve remarkably fast. Within only a few generations, a wyvern can develop adaptive traits and mutations tailor-made to their environment, prey, and predators. Thus, "wyvern" is more of an umbrella term under which countless subspecies dwell.

Behavioral Traits

Wyverns operate primarily on instinct, showcasing typical predatory behaviors. Their heightened senses and specialized abilities, varying significantly between individuals, have evolved to suit their specific environmental niches and hunting techniques.

Sociability

Wyverns lack the advanced cognitive abilities observed in dragons and many civilized races. They are creatures of the wild, driven by basic survival instincts. However, those instincts have led to a unique societal structure.

Function of the Horde

A group of wyverns is known as a horde. They vary in size from as small as 3 to as large as 20. Each horde features a hordemother and hordefather. These two are the only ones allowed to breed; they have been observed killing additional young.
A hordemother can lay a clutch of 2-8 eggs every year, but will only do so when her previous clutch has reached maturity and the horde can afford more mouths to feed. The hordemother seems to have the final say on all topics pertaining to the young of the horde, including the location of the horde itself.
A hordefather is "in command" of the rest of the horde. He makes sure that the young are guarded and trained in methods of survival, befitting their environment.
Although unexpected from such crude creatures, wyvern hordes thrive on cooperation and collective effort. The horde sends out hunting teams, capitalizing on their numbers and varied skills to take down even the toughest prey.
Members of the horde unfit to hunt still have value. Some elder wyverns serve as guards and caretakers, ensuring the young are protected and nurtured.

The Perils of Solitude

The solitary wyvern finds little solace. Lacking the support and protection of the horde, lone wyverns face a precarious existence, with survival far from guaranteed.