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Description

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Size Class: Large

Classification: Dragon

Environment: Hills or Mountains

Organization: Solitary

Lifespan: 50-70 Years

Native Language: N/A

Alignment: Neutral

Threat Class: B

Wyverns are Lesser Dragons with two wings and two legs. Unlike their more powerful ancestors, their bellies aren't as protected as the rest of their bodies. Unlike Wyrms or the various types of Drakes, they lack a breath weapon, instead relying on their venomous bite and the venomous barb on the end of their tail. They are not as intelligent as True Dragons, being animals driven more by instinct, lacking stronger magic, and unable to speak. Some species of Wyverns can be trained to be mounts. Though they cannot speak, Wyverns respond best to commands given in Draconic. Since they are not True Dragons, they don't have nearly as long of a lifespan nor do they have distinct growth stages, their growth stopping upon reaching adulthood.

As their name implies, Common Wyverns are the most widespread species of Wyvern. They live in warm and temperate climates and make their lairs in caves located in mountains and hills. The only continent they can't be found on is Borea. Their scales are bronze, yellow, gray, or brown and have a dark pattern running down the length of their bodies. They're 20-30 feet long, have a 45-65 wingspan, and weigh up to a ton. When rearing up, they can stand 10-15 feet tall. Their venom is lethal, capable of killing an adult human within minutes.

Like all dragons, Common Wyverns have a compulsion to hoard treasure. They collect anything shiny from coins to pieces of armor. They're mostly solitary, only getting together to mate. As with all dragons, Ichneumons are their mortal enemy. The musk of an Ichneumon disorients them, making it hard for them to fly away. If confronted and unable to flee, a Common Wyvern will try to use its barbed tail to defend itself. It will avoid using its fangs as it would mean getting its neck within striking range of the Ichneumon's own teeth and claws.

While they avoid large and cluttered cities, Common Wyverns can be a threat to farms, small villages, and travelers. These attacks necessitate the existence of dragonslayers. But they can be trained to be mounts, and their riders are referred to as "Dragon Riders." It takes a lot to properly train Wyverns, and having one as a mount is very prestigious. Dragoons can use them as their mounts, but they prefer to ride the larger species of Wyverns. Common Wyvern hide is also used for leather and their meat is edible. Their venom is popular among assassins, who use it to coat their blades and use it in blow darts.

Notes:
The word "Wyvern" means "Viper." Because of this, I based the Common Wyvern on the Common European Adder. I also gave it an avian beak and the horns of a Horned Desert Viper.
Since their wings are also their arms, I gave them "hands" on their wings like Smaug in the film adaptations of The Hobbit. This hand is composed of the thumb and the "index finger" of the wing.
According to Dungeons & Dragons, Wyvern meat is delicious, having the taste and texture of pork mixed with rabbit and turkey.

Description

Back to the Index

Size Class: Large

Classification: Dragon

Environment: Hills or Mountains

Organization: Solitary

Lifespan: 50-70 Years

Native Language: N/A

Alignment: Neutral

Threat Class: B

Wyverns are Lesser Dragons with two wings and two legs. Unlike their more powerful ancestors, their bellies aren't as protected as the rest of their bodies. Unlike Wyrms or the various types of Drakes, they lack a breath weapon, instead relying on their venomous bite and the venomous barb on the end of their tail. They are not as intelligent as True Dragons, being animals driven more by instinct, lacking stronger magic, and unable to speak. Some species of Wyverns can be trained to be mounts. Though they cannot speak, Wyverns respond best to commands given in Draconic. Since they are not True Dragons, they don't have nearly as long of a lifespan nor do they have distinct growth stages, their growth stopping upon reaching adulthood.

As their name implies, Common Wyverns are the most widespread species of Wyvern. They live in warm and temperate climates and make their lairs in caves located in mountains and hills. The only continent they can't be found on is Borea. Their scales are bronze, yellow, gray, or brown and have a dark pattern running down the length of their bodies. They're 20-30 feet long, have a 45-65 wingspan, and weigh up to a ton. When rearing up, they can stand 10-15 feet tall. Their venom is lethal, capable of killing an adult human within minutes.

Like all dragons, Common Wyverns have a compulsion to hoard treasure. They collect anything shiny from coins to pieces of armor. They're mostly solitary, only getting together to mate. As with all dragons, Ichneumons are their mortal enemy. The musk of an Ichneumon disorients them, making it hard for them to fly away. If confronted and unable to flee, a Common Wyvern will try to use its barbed tail to defend itself. It will avoid using its fangs as it would mean getting its neck within striking range of the Ichneumon's own teeth and claws.

While they avoid large and cluttered cities, Common Wyverns can be a threat to farms, small villages, and travelers. These attacks necessitate the existence of dragonslayers. But they can be trained to be mounts, and their riders are referred to as "Dragon Riders." It takes a lot to properly train Wyverns, and having one as a mount is very prestigious. Dragoons can use them as their mounts, but they prefer to ride the larger species of Wyverns. Common Wyvern hide is also used for leather and their meat is edible. Their venom is popular among assassins, who use it to coat their blades and use it in blow darts.

Notes:
The word "Wyvern" means "Viper." Because of this, I based the Common Wyvern on the Common European Adder. I also gave it an avian beak and the horns of a Horned Desert Viper.
Since their wings are also their arms, I gave them "hands" on their wings like Smaug in the film adaptations of The Hobbit. This hand is composed of the thumb and the "index finger" of the wing.
According to Dungeons & Dragons, Wyvern meat is delicious, having the taste and texture of pork mixed with rabbit and turkey.