Bestiary
A lesser wyvern size chart. In yellow is the smallest breed, a honey wyvern, and in blue is the largest, a pelagic wyvern. The pink wyvern represents an average size.
Artwork by J-Haskell and Thatsoullessguy.
Lesser wyverns are small, typically reptilian, creatures that somewhat resemble dragons, with a single pair of wings, a single pair of legs, and long tails. They are far less intelligent than dragons and are viewed as similar to monkeys or parrots by them. They are still rather clever animals; some have the ability to mimic speech, do basic problem-solving, and even use tools, like parrots or ravens.
Their wings have one-to-three fingers at most, with a ‘thumb’, and their feet usually have three talons and a clawed thumb. Some breeds have more toes, but extra thumbs rarely occur. Other traits, such as colours, behaviour, and abilities, depending on their breed.
All lesser wyverns are scaled with batlike wings, save for the Skyswept wyvern and domesticated breeds bred from it. The Skyswept wyvern itself still possesses scales on its feet and belly, however, and is not fully covered in feathers. They have large, slit-pupilled eyes.
Their wings have one-to-three fingers at most, with a ‘thumb’, and their feet usually have three talons and a clawed thumb. Some breeds have more toes, but extra thumbs rarely occur. Other traits, such as colours, behaviour, and abilities, depending on their breed.
All lesser wyverns are scaled with batlike wings, save for the Skyswept wyvern and domesticated breeds bred from it. The Skyswept wyvern itself still possesses scales on its feet and belly, however, and is not fully covered in feathers. They have large, slit-pupilled eyes.
Keeping & Breeding Lesser Wyverns
Lesser wyverns are both tamed from wild breeds or domesticated and able to be purchased as eggs or hatchlings - and occasionally the fully-trained specimen - from breeders. There is no official naming scheme for the creatures; what people like to name their pets varies with culture and the personality of the wyvern and person.
They live 10-15 years on average in captivity, and 8-12 if living wild. Lesser wyverns are physically mature and able to breed between 2-3 years of age and remain fertile until age 8-10. For those looking to get many eggs, it is best to provide a warm, safe shelter for your wyverns to make their nests in. Most wyverns will give anywhere between 5 and 8 eggs in a single clutch, while the larger breeds may only give 3 or 4 at most.
Diet varies on breed, but most lesser wyverns prefer to eat other animals, fish, birds, or insects, though there are a few who prefer to sip nectar from flowers.
Despite their diminutive size, lesser wyverns can be terrors if not properly trained. The intelligence and complexity of commands they can understand varies with the breed, but it’s recommended to begin house training at a few months old to prevent bad habits from becoming reinforced. A feral or badly trained lesser wyvern can do a surprising amount of damage to a house.
The homes of a lesser wyvern are referred to as nests/rookeries; most breeds prefer to have a sheltered home at least a meter off the ground. In the wild, hollows in large trees and small caves on the side of cliffs are common choices, though those kept as pets may take to sleeping in cupboards or the back of their owner’s hood if not provided a proper place to sleep.
Lesser wyverns kept as pets do not tend to need much gear, though it’s common for owners of these creatures to tie small bands around their feet for identification. Working breeds may have small pieces of armour, hunting hoods, and other pieces of equipment depending on if they need them, and it’s become exceedingly popular with Meros, Ironbrook and the Republic of the Spire to dress their pets in colourful costumes during holidays.
While many simply keep lesser wyverns as pets, there are also a variety of working breeds (link header when adding to site) that are used for a wide variety of purposes. These range from pest control, herding animals, or even scenting dangerous fumes within the darkness of the Realm’s cave systems.
They live 10-15 years on average in captivity, and 8-12 if living wild. Lesser wyverns are physically mature and able to breed between 2-3 years of age and remain fertile until age 8-10. For those looking to get many eggs, it is best to provide a warm, safe shelter for your wyverns to make their nests in. Most wyverns will give anywhere between 5 and 8 eggs in a single clutch, while the larger breeds may only give 3 or 4 at most.
Diet varies on breed, but most lesser wyverns prefer to eat other animals, fish, birds, or insects, though there are a few who prefer to sip nectar from flowers.
Despite their diminutive size, lesser wyverns can be terrors if not properly trained. The intelligence and complexity of commands they can understand varies with the breed, but it’s recommended to begin house training at a few months old to prevent bad habits from becoming reinforced. A feral or badly trained lesser wyvern can do a surprising amount of damage to a house.
The homes of a lesser wyvern are referred to as nests/rookeries; most breeds prefer to have a sheltered home at least a meter off the ground. In the wild, hollows in large trees and small caves on the side of cliffs are common choices, though those kept as pets may take to sleeping in cupboards or the back of their owner’s hood if not provided a proper place to sleep.
Lesser wyverns kept as pets do not tend to need much gear, though it’s common for owners of these creatures to tie small bands around their feet for identification. Working breeds may have small pieces of armour, hunting hoods, and other pieces of equipment depending on if they need them, and it’s become exceedingly popular with Meros, Ironbrook and the Republic of the Spire to dress their pets in colourful costumes during holidays.
While many simply keep lesser wyverns as pets, there are also a variety of working breeds (link header when adding to site) that are used for a wide variety of purposes. These range from pest control, herding animals, or even scenting dangerous fumes within the darkness of the Realm’s cave systems.
Wild Breeds
Theavian Wild Breeds
Polar Wyvern: The only species of lesser wyvern that naturally calls the tundra home; found in Dutoria’s Polar Province. Have dark blue-black blood and are seemingly unbothered by the extreme cold. Large enough to go after deer and caribou, but prefer smaller animals. Hunt in packs of three to six members. Their colouration changes with the seasons; whitish-blue in the winter, and blackish-blue in the summer. Black eyes. Polar wyvern wings have double ‘thumbs’ with long, serrated claws to grip the ice; their legs also have serrated claws. Their pack mentality makes them surprisingly easy to tame if acquired as a hatchling and can be used as highly effective companions to guards. They have a ‘frost breath’ that’s basically a very, very cold mist. Polar wyverns have a powerful sense of smell and ‘taste’ the air by flicking out a forked blue tongue.
Western Coastal Wyvern: Native to the warm ocean and sea coasts of the southern half of Theavia. Tawny golden/sand-coloured scales with a paler underbelly and green and blue markings. Western coastal wyverns lack horns. They migrate to the Island of Fire to breed and lay eggs each winter.
Sunflecked Wyvern: Native to the Sunflecked Reaches. Usually bright blue, gold or green with dramatic countershading and white markings. Although they are sometimes the victims of their hunts, they often have a symbiotic relationship with the griffons that inhabit the region, preening their feathers and eating parasites and scavenging from their kills. Wild flocks will usually roost in the griffon aviaries of High Heart; they’re viewed as incredibly helpful, as they also go after rats and other small pest animals that could spread illness. Capable of spitting out a blindingly bright mist if threatened. Takes weeks to recharge, so it’s only used very sparingly.
Blacklake Wyvern: Found predominantly on the islands in Blacklake/Lake Four-Shore, but also in the freshwater rivers, ponds and lakes in the surrounding countries. Primarily feeds on frogs, salamanders, fish and other aquatic critters. Dark blue or black with white or pale blue-green undersides. They have a loud, chittering call they use to communicate with their kind and are capable of mimicking human or dragon speech. Blacklake wyverns are highly intelligent… but also highly mischievous.
Northern Wetland Wyvern: Native to the cool marshes of the Land of Rivers. Smooth, silver, grey or white scales with black markings. Dark blue or violet eyes. No horns but have fish-like fins running down their backs and on their cheeks. Usually have bright red or orange eyes. During their breeding season (the month of August) they get an acidic spit, but otherwise do not have that ability. Some rare ones are born with a ‘healing mist’ - born with bright red markings on their wings and are viewed as having been touched by the Moon Sisters by the more superstitious types in the Land of Rivers.
Western Arboreal Wyvern: Found in the non-tropical woodlands of Theaiva. Ranging from Dutoria’s Forest Province to the northern fringes of Xocrium and the Tyr Kingdom. Dark green with blue, gold, or brown markings and flecks of white on their backs and wings. Usually have spots. Wings have double ‘thumbs’ with long, serrated claws to grip onto tree bark. Capable of flight but largely use it to fly between trees or to drop on their prey from above. Insectivores; come out at dusk to go after moths and other nocturnal insects.
Old Growth Forest Wyvern: Small, nocturnal species of lesser wyvern found only in the Darkling’s old-growth forest. About the same size as a large bat. They roost in caves and primarily feed on insects, although may go after smaller birds and bats. Come in a mix of black, greens, violets, and browns. Have heat pits on their face similar to pit vipers that give them very accurate infrared vision.
Western Rainforest Wyvern: Found in the tropical rainforests of Padwell, Xocrium, and the Tyr Kingdom. Come in just about any colour, although usually eye-scorching shades with complex, marbled markings. They like to eat fruit and berries, although are omnivorous and can eat meat if an opportunity presents itself.
Marsh Wyvern: Native to the tropical marshes of southern Theavia. Black and green with shiny golden stippling along their brows and backs. Bioluminescent tails that they can light up, glowing golden-orange, similar to fireflies. They like to hunt lizards and other arboreal creatures that inhabit the marshes.
Western Honey Wyvern: Native to all regions of Theavia, although those who live in climates that get cold winters migrate to Padwell, southern Xocrium, southern Sundrake territory or the Island of Fire in the wintertime. Feed primarily on nectar and insects. Their colours change depending on what flowers they feed from most often. Can see UV light. They love shiny things and will steal and hoard bits of broken glass, beads, and random forgotten coins.
Western Coastal Wyvern: Native to the warm ocean and sea coasts of the southern half of Theavia. Tawny golden/sand-coloured scales with a paler underbelly and green and blue markings. Western coastal wyverns lack horns. They migrate to the Island of Fire to breed and lay eggs each winter.
Sunflecked Wyvern: Native to the Sunflecked Reaches. Usually bright blue, gold or green with dramatic countershading and white markings. Although they are sometimes the victims of their hunts, they often have a symbiotic relationship with the griffons that inhabit the region, preening their feathers and eating parasites and scavenging from their kills. Wild flocks will usually roost in the griffon aviaries of High Heart; they’re viewed as incredibly helpful, as they also go after rats and other small pest animals that could spread illness. Capable of spitting out a blindingly bright mist if threatened. Takes weeks to recharge, so it’s only used very sparingly.
Blacklake Wyvern: Found predominantly on the islands in Blacklake/Lake Four-Shore, but also in the freshwater rivers, ponds and lakes in the surrounding countries. Primarily feeds on frogs, salamanders, fish and other aquatic critters. Dark blue or black with white or pale blue-green undersides. They have a loud, chittering call they use to communicate with their kind and are capable of mimicking human or dragon speech. Blacklake wyverns are highly intelligent… but also highly mischievous.
Northern Wetland Wyvern: Native to the cool marshes of the Land of Rivers. Smooth, silver, grey or white scales with black markings. Dark blue or violet eyes. No horns but have fish-like fins running down their backs and on their cheeks. Usually have bright red or orange eyes. During their breeding season (the month of August) they get an acidic spit, but otherwise do not have that ability. Some rare ones are born with a ‘healing mist’ - born with bright red markings on their wings and are viewed as having been touched by the Moon Sisters by the more superstitious types in the Land of Rivers.
Western Arboreal Wyvern: Found in the non-tropical woodlands of Theaiva. Ranging from Dutoria’s Forest Province to the northern fringes of Xocrium and the Tyr Kingdom. Dark green with blue, gold, or brown markings and flecks of white on their backs and wings. Usually have spots. Wings have double ‘thumbs’ with long, serrated claws to grip onto tree bark. Capable of flight but largely use it to fly between trees or to drop on their prey from above. Insectivores; come out at dusk to go after moths and other nocturnal insects.
Old Growth Forest Wyvern: Small, nocturnal species of lesser wyvern found only in the Darkling’s old-growth forest. About the same size as a large bat. They roost in caves and primarily feed on insects, although may go after smaller birds and bats. Come in a mix of black, greens, violets, and browns. Have heat pits on their face similar to pit vipers that give them very accurate infrared vision.
Western Rainforest Wyvern: Found in the tropical rainforests of Padwell, Xocrium, and the Tyr Kingdom. Come in just about any colour, although usually eye-scorching shades with complex, marbled markings. They like to eat fruit and berries, although are omnivorous and can eat meat if an opportunity presents itself.
Marsh Wyvern: Native to the tropical marshes of southern Theavia. Black and green with shiny golden stippling along their brows and backs. Bioluminescent tails that they can light up, glowing golden-orange, similar to fireflies. They like to hunt lizards and other arboreal creatures that inhabit the marshes.
Western Honey Wyvern: Native to all regions of Theavia, although those who live in climates that get cold winters migrate to Padwell, southern Xocrium, southern Sundrake territory or the Island of Fire in the wintertime. Feed primarily on nectar and insects. Their colours change depending on what flowers they feed from most often. Can see UV light. They love shiny things and will steal and hoard bits of broken glass, beads, and random forgotten coins.
Cyrian Wild Breeds
Eastern Coastal Wyvern: Native to the warm ocean/sea coasts of the southern half of Cyr. Tawny golden/sand-coloured scales with a black underbelly and bright violet and white markings. Eastern coastal wyverns have a single horn pointing upwards on their forehead. They migrate to the Island of Fire to breed and lay eggs each winter.
Eastern Rainforest Wyvern: Native to the tropical rainforests of southern Cyr. Come in a wide range of extremely bright, fluorescent markings, and often look like someone’s dumped paint all over them. Despite this, in their natural habitat, they are remarkably elusive and often the only way to know that one’s nearby is to hear their melodic songs. They have a double pair of opposable wing thumbs and a prehensile tail that allow them to climb incredibly well and feed on monkeys, jorunkis, fixies, jasai young, springsinger and coboa eggs, as well as a variety of other fish, animals, and insects. Although they lack any natural weapons like venom themselves, eastern rainforest wyverns are immune to most toxins native to Cyr’s jungles. Despite occasionally preying on young springsingers, there has been no recorded instance of an eastern rainforest wyvern becoming a dragonling.
|
An eastern rainforest wyvern. Artwork by GIowbug. |
Eastern Arboreal Wyvern: Native to the non-tropical forest of Cyr. Blue-black with gold, green, and red markings and bright yellow or orange eyes. Their primary pair of wings are smaller, and they have a secondary pair fused with their legs, as well as fins at the base and tip of their tail. Although their speed is somewhat lacking, they are highly maneuverable and capable of making dizzyingly tight turns. They have large, forward-facing ears and keen hearing and sense of smell.
Oasis Wyvern: Native to the tropical oases of southern Cyr’s deserts. They are very small, only about the size of a sparrow, and come in bright blue with green, white or gold markings. They lack horns or external ears but have pronounced heat pits on the side of their faces. Oasis wyverns feed on the fruits of oasis plants as well as catch fish from the water sources and are crepuscular or nocturnal. They’re usually peaceful and harmless unless harassed, in which case they have a highly potent venom in their bite. Thankfully it can be treated with a plant commonly found in oases, but it’s better to avoid getting bitten at all, as if you’re not quick the venom can cause permanent nerve damage.
Savannah Wyvern: Native to the savannah of Cyr, primarily in Hovell. They are dark red-brown with orange, red and yellow markings. Savannah wyverns roost in the tree hollows in the savannah, hunting small animals and scavenging. They’ve adapted well to living in Hovellian cities and will make their homes in attics or human-built wyvern houses, and travel around the town eating rats, mice, food scraps, and random bits of garbage.
Thundercrack Wyvern: Native to the deserts of Cyr and the Thundercrack Cascades. Prefer hot, dry climates. Have gold or reddish-coloured scales with white, black and sky blue markings. They have a large pair of forward-facing horns that give off a small electric shock; these can be used to stun small prey animals, but although uncomfortable, are relatively harmless to larger creatures like dragons and humans. Hunt bats, birds, mice and any other animals that are smaller than them. They’re also more than happy to scavenge from the kills of larger animals.
Upper Brookian Wyvern: Native to Ironbrook’s mountains and although initially wild have found themselves highly suited to modern cities and live there primarily - they’re basically scaly pigeons. Easy to just pick up and tame. They’ll eat anything, including garbage, and those in Brookian cities often pick up magical mutations as a result. Blue-grey and white with iridescent, colourful markings.
Skyswept Wyvern: Partially feathered wyvern that lives in the mountains of windwyrm territory and the northern mountains of Ironbrook. They are viewed as birds twisted by being the vessels of the souls of evil windwyrms and viewed as extremely bad luck. Killing one is said to transfer a curse onto the person who does so, though, so windwyrms mostly agree that it’s best to leave them be. Have ear-piercing screams so loud that it can stun small animals.
Northern Valley Wyvern: Lives in valleys of windwyrm territory and lower ironbrook. Arboreal and likes cooler forests. Hibernates during the colder months of the year rather than migrating; make burrows and fill them with anything soft for insulation and bedding, and then nap. Come in greys, browns and blacks with colourful markings on the undersides of their wings. Both males and females have long fangs that extend past their upper lip.
Eastern Honey Wyvern: Native to all regions of Cyr below the tree line, although those who live in climates that get cold winters migrate to Hovell, the Republic of the Spire, Springsinger territory, the Whaletooth Archipelago or the Island of Fire in the wintertime. Feed primarily on nectar and insects. Their colours change depending on what flowers they feed from most often. Can see UV light. They love shiny things and will steal and hoard bits of broken glass, beads, and random forgotten coins.
Oasis Wyvern: Native to the tropical oases of southern Cyr’s deserts. They are very small, only about the size of a sparrow, and come in bright blue with green, white or gold markings. They lack horns or external ears but have pronounced heat pits on the side of their faces. Oasis wyverns feed on the fruits of oasis plants as well as catch fish from the water sources and are crepuscular or nocturnal. They’re usually peaceful and harmless unless harassed, in which case they have a highly potent venom in their bite. Thankfully it can be treated with a plant commonly found in oases, but it’s better to avoid getting bitten at all, as if you’re not quick the venom can cause permanent nerve damage.
Savannah Wyvern: Native to the savannah of Cyr, primarily in Hovell. They are dark red-brown with orange, red and yellow markings. Savannah wyverns roost in the tree hollows in the savannah, hunting small animals and scavenging. They’ve adapted well to living in Hovellian cities and will make their homes in attics or human-built wyvern houses, and travel around the town eating rats, mice, food scraps, and random bits of garbage.
Thundercrack Wyvern: Native to the deserts of Cyr and the Thundercrack Cascades. Prefer hot, dry climates. Have gold or reddish-coloured scales with white, black and sky blue markings. They have a large pair of forward-facing horns that give off a small electric shock; these can be used to stun small prey animals, but although uncomfortable, are relatively harmless to larger creatures like dragons and humans. Hunt bats, birds, mice and any other animals that are smaller than them. They’re also more than happy to scavenge from the kills of larger animals.
Upper Brookian Wyvern: Native to Ironbrook’s mountains and although initially wild have found themselves highly suited to modern cities and live there primarily - they’re basically scaly pigeons. Easy to just pick up and tame. They’ll eat anything, including garbage, and those in Brookian cities often pick up magical mutations as a result. Blue-grey and white with iridescent, colourful markings.
Skyswept Wyvern: Partially feathered wyvern that lives in the mountains of windwyrm territory and the northern mountains of Ironbrook. They are viewed as birds twisted by being the vessels of the souls of evil windwyrms and viewed as extremely bad luck. Killing one is said to transfer a curse onto the person who does so, though, so windwyrms mostly agree that it’s best to leave them be. Have ear-piercing screams so loud that it can stun small animals.
Northern Valley Wyvern: Lives in valleys of windwyrm territory and lower ironbrook. Arboreal and likes cooler forests. Hibernates during the colder months of the year rather than migrating; make burrows and fill them with anything soft for insulation and bedding, and then nap. Come in greys, browns and blacks with colourful markings on the undersides of their wings. Both males and females have long fangs that extend past their upper lip.
Eastern Honey Wyvern: Native to all regions of Cyr below the tree line, although those who live in climates that get cold winters migrate to Hovell, the Republic of the Spire, Springsinger territory, the Whaletooth Archipelago or the Island of Fire in the wintertime. Feed primarily on nectar and insects. Their colours change depending on what flowers they feed from most often. Can see UV light. They love shiny things and will steal and hoard bits of broken glass, beads, and random forgotten coins.
Oceanic Wild Breeds
Central Coastal Wyvern: Believed to be the progenitor species for most other lesser wyverns. They live on the island year-round in large flocks, travelling the coasts. The Fireworm Clans of the coast view them as worse than seagulls, and also will admit they’re useful for getting rid of food waste. Tawny golden/sand-coloured scales with a paler underbelly and black and red markings. They have a small pair of upwards-pointing horns over their eyes.
Volcanic Wyvern: Large species that inhabits the volcanic highlands of the Island of Fire. They live in pairs and are highly territorial. Slightly smaller than the pelagic lesser wyverns, but bulkier. Have thorny spikes that they can bristle or lay flat in a threat display. Come in reds, dark blue-greens, and blacks, with bright turquoise, gold or white markings. They will fight anything, especially if their young are threatened, and are extremely dangerous due to the sharp spurs both males and females have on their feet. Spit a false fireworm lava spit - it is visually the same but lacks any heat, and is used as a threat display. They will hunt and eat anything smaller than themselves, including other lesser wyverns or the young of other volcanic wyvern pairs.
Volcanic Wyvern: Large species that inhabits the volcanic highlands of the Island of Fire. They live in pairs and are highly territorial. Slightly smaller than the pelagic lesser wyverns, but bulkier. Have thorny spikes that they can bristle or lay flat in a threat display. Come in reds, dark blue-greens, and blacks, with bright turquoise, gold or white markings. They will fight anything, especially if their young are threatened, and are extremely dangerous due to the sharp spurs both males and females have on their feet. Spit a false fireworm lava spit - it is visually the same but lacks any heat, and is used as a threat display. They will hunt and eat anything smaller than themselves, including other lesser wyverns or the young of other volcanic wyvern pairs.
Pelagic Wyvern: One of the largest wild lesser wyvern species; it has a similar lifestyle to an albatross, with long wings that allow them to coast for hours. Their wingspan is usually 11-15’. Sometimes mistaken for dragons and killed by Xocrian sailors. May be found on the islands of the southern Gaping Sea, as well as the coasts of Theavia, Cyr, and the Island of Fire. Primarily eat fish and squid. Typically unafraid of humans and are the bane of fishermen, as they have a habit of stealing their catch. Off-white with grey and black markings, somewhat infamous for their dramatic “eye shadow” markings.
|
A pelagic wyvern. Artwork by Thatsoullessguy. |
Domestic Breeds
Pet Breeds
Lesser wyverns specifically bred for being kept as pets.
Xocrian Domestic Wyvern: A graceful ‘catlike’ wyvern with smooth belly-scales and small spikes lining the back of their body that aren't all that sharp. These numerous spikes are naturally resting on the body, but when they are spooked or trying to appear more intimidating; they lift and spread out. Many of them come with small triangular horns on their heads, and a variety of colorations similar to cats; with the most popular in Xocrium households being the ‘orange tabby’. They are natural-born pest hunters, and great companions.
Lesser Auguries: Brookian breed completely covered in feathers, come in a number of varieties with similar features to rare pigeon breeds. As pets, they're curious and delightfully affectionate with people and dragons alike, though some may argue that they’re one of the more dumber, less intelligent breeds. Anyone who owns one knows that behind their pretty, sometimes flashy looks, into their beady little black eyes; there is nothing, and that's ok.
Lepidus Wyvern: A breed of lesser wyvern bred for its beauty by Riverlander people. They come in several colour varieties, similar to koi fish, often white with black and/or orange spots. They are small and very delicate, with fine smooth scaling and wispy tendrils curling like whiskers above their eyes. Their temperament is best described as ‘passive’ or ‘serene’ generally, but of course, there are exceptions within individuals. The Lepidus Wyvern is a common contender in wyvern beauty shows taking place all around Theavia, but very popularized in wealthy parts of Meros.
Glittering Wyvern: A hornless, spikeless lesser wyvern with long, elegant reptilian features and a bumpy scaly body. These scales slightly protrude from the skin like beads similar to a Gila monster’s scales, but are incredibly shiny and ‘glitter’ with the light. They come in simple metallic colours with little to no markings, rarely do you see one that is pure white or black. They are kept mainly by nobility or the wealthy in the Tyr Kingdom as pretty pets that are used to show their status.
Belly Wyvern: A closely related breed to the Beloved Wyverns of the nomadic Stormheralds, but much more suited to be just pets. They’re called ‘Belly Wyverns’ because they are commonly overfed and grow big fat bellies due to how cute they are. They have smooth small scales, looser skin, dopey big eyes, and a distinctive smiling face even at default. They’re comparable to Golden retrievers, but reptiles. They come in sandy-golden-orange colours and white accents.
Xocrian Domestic Wyvern: A graceful ‘catlike’ wyvern with smooth belly-scales and small spikes lining the back of their body that aren't all that sharp. These numerous spikes are naturally resting on the body, but when they are spooked or trying to appear more intimidating; they lift and spread out. Many of them come with small triangular horns on their heads, and a variety of colorations similar to cats; with the most popular in Xocrium households being the ‘orange tabby’. They are natural-born pest hunters, and great companions.
Lesser Auguries: Brookian breed completely covered in feathers, come in a number of varieties with similar features to rare pigeon breeds. As pets, they're curious and delightfully affectionate with people and dragons alike, though some may argue that they’re one of the more dumber, less intelligent breeds. Anyone who owns one knows that behind their pretty, sometimes flashy looks, into their beady little black eyes; there is nothing, and that's ok.
Lepidus Wyvern: A breed of lesser wyvern bred for its beauty by Riverlander people. They come in several colour varieties, similar to koi fish, often white with black and/or orange spots. They are small and very delicate, with fine smooth scaling and wispy tendrils curling like whiskers above their eyes. Their temperament is best described as ‘passive’ or ‘serene’ generally, but of course, there are exceptions within individuals. The Lepidus Wyvern is a common contender in wyvern beauty shows taking place all around Theavia, but very popularized in wealthy parts of Meros.
Glittering Wyvern: A hornless, spikeless lesser wyvern with long, elegant reptilian features and a bumpy scaly body. These scales slightly protrude from the skin like beads similar to a Gila monster’s scales, but are incredibly shiny and ‘glitter’ with the light. They come in simple metallic colours with little to no markings, rarely do you see one that is pure white or black. They are kept mainly by nobility or the wealthy in the Tyr Kingdom as pretty pets that are used to show their status.
Belly Wyvern: A closely related breed to the Beloved Wyverns of the nomadic Stormheralds, but much more suited to be just pets. They’re called ‘Belly Wyverns’ because they are commonly overfed and grow big fat bellies due to how cute they are. They have smooth small scales, looser skin, dopey big eyes, and a distinctive smiling face even at default. They’re comparable to Golden retrievers, but reptiles. They come in sandy-golden-orange colours and white accents.
Working Breeds
Lesser wyverns specifically bred for certain tasks, such as herding, military work, and pest control.
Dutorian Guard-Wyvern: bred from the wild polar wyverns native to Dutoria’s coldest regions, these are large and bulky wyverns that mostly resemble their wild cousins, although with a much more manageable temperament. They are easy to train and behave surprisingly similar to a dog, and as such may also be kept as useful family pets. Their primary use is, however, as guard-animals; they can be trained to protect a specific person, place, or item.
Ferran Guard-Wyvern: Bred in Acies Ferro using pelagic and sunflecked wyverns and one of the primary breeds of lesser wyverns used for guarding properties; they are quite large, with a broad wingspan and long tails. Ferran guard-wyverns are white with striking black and gold markings, and red-orange or pink eyes.
Carissian Wyvern: Bred in Carissima and widespread across Theavia and even into parts of Cyr, the Carissian wyvern is used to aid in herding livestock. They were bred from a cross of western arboreal and blacklake wyverns, and are usually dark blue-green with pale underbellies, gold markings, and spots of white. They are just as intelligent as blacklake wyverns and form strong social bonds with their flockmates and human/dragon handlers and take well to the nomadic lifestyle of a shepherd. Without a challenging enough task to complete they can become troublesome and play pranks on their owners, and due to what they were bred for will attempt to herd smaller animals and even their handler’s children if not well-trained. When herding they know no fear and are just as happy dealing with small goats as they are with adult cows.
Emberrock Guard-Wyvern: Bred in the Xocrian city of Emberrock for use as guard beasts to assist the knights in keeping order in the local prison, as well as general use in Xocrian banks or protecting private properties. They were bred from polar wyverns imported from Dutoria and volcanic wyverns from the island of fire, and are extremely hardy and strong with a keen sense of smell. They can be trained to react in specific ways to certain substances.
Knight’s Wyvern: A large species of lesser wyvern bred in northern Xocrium for use as companions for dragonslayers while in the field. They are typically trained to help locate lone dragons on hunts and to warn their person of potential dangers. They were bred from Western Coastal Wyverns and Volcanic Wyverns. They are deep red with pale or tawny gold and blue markings and a thorny mane.
Aether Wyvern: A deep black wyvern with small white speckling scattered on parts of its body, bred to help herd animals in the more agricultural parts of Xocrium. They’re frankly quite frightening, with horns and spikes all over their head and tail, giving them a more rocky appearance. If they were any larger than a medium-small sized dog, they may have been used for a different purpose. They make loud, booming calls to scare their herds into moving; combined with their speed, makes them excellent for the job. It is extremely important to introduce them to the animals they’ll be herding and ‘protecting’ early on, so they learn not to kill or chase them without good reason.
Grand Harbour Wyvern: A breed recently developed from the Emberrock wyvern in Xocrium for use by the dock guards in Grand Harbour. They are similar in appearance and abilities, although smaller in size and bred to rely on their sense of smell foremost. They are primarily used to sniff out illegal substances being smuggled in or out of Xocrium.
Canoe Wyvern: A breed of wyvern bred by fishermen in marshland Padwell to assist in their hunts. They are extremely intelligent and can mimic the calls of other animals, as well as occasionally pick up on parts of human speech. They have large, finned ears and eyes and are extremely good at locating schools of fish swimming through the swamp, focusing all their attention on their prey to alert their human companion to where best to strike.
Jewelled Wyvern: A breed of lesser wyvern kept by farmers and gardeners in Padwell. They are about the size of a hummingbird, small enough to comfortably fit in the palm of a person’s hand, and come in a variety of jewel-bright colours. They dine on a mix of nectar and common garden pests, though make easy prey for any predator of even middling size.
Aviary Wyvern: Bred from wild sunflecked wyverns by griffon-keepers in High Heart, aviary wyverns act as pest control within the roosts and nests of griffons. They work with smaller breeds to eat parasites and pests, as well as to groom the feathers and fur of their larger companions. They are bright blue with pale golden bands across their wings; unlike wild sunflecked wyverns, they have no blinding spit, however, due to crossbreeding with marsh wyverns can make their undersides glow golden. Griffon-keepers will often train aviary wyverns to activate their bioluminescence on command, using them as lanterns when doing work after dark.
Little Firemaws: A breed of lesser wyvern kept by warriors of Fireworm Clans. Bred from the fiercest and most loyal volcanic wyverns, little firemaws are surprisingly large and have extremely sharp spurs on their legs, though lack the false ‘lava spit’ of their wild cousins. They are trained to harry prey and enemy dragons alike, going after soft, vulnerable areas like the eyes and fire vents.
Austringer’s Wyvern: An extremely feathery wyvern kept in the Windwyrm territory as essentially; larger hunting falcons. They’re bred to be quite intelligent and easy to train. The only parts of their bodies not covered in feathers are the lower portions of their legs which are covered in small scales, similar to birds. Their colorations can look very similar to falcons and hawks.
Hawkshaw Wyvern: Bred from Thundercrack Wyverns in Hovell, they’re used primarily in Darkhaven and Goldegard by bounty hunters to chase down their targets. They usually have a scaly, mottled, heavily spotted appearance, with Pale sandy colors or rusty reds. Like the Thundercrack Wyverns, they have two forward-facing horns that can generate electricity, but are very thin and sharp in comparison to their cousins much larger horns. Their electric shock; despite their overall smaller size and thinner horns, is actually much more powerful and can stun humans if ‘stabbed’ with them.
Felon Wyvern: A very clever breed from Whaletooth Archepeligo, their intelligence is like that of a magpie and that comes with plenty of problems…for everyone else. If you train them well, they can sneakily rob for you. If not, they are complete menaces to everyone involved, including you. They have beak-like long heads and a frill curling around their faces and down their spines, otherwise they’re mostly black and white with stripy markings.
Eep Wyverns: Bred in the Darkling territory, these smaller wyverns with colourful bioluminescent faces and necks are trained to alert their owners to avoid toxins and gas leaks within caves. They make sharp, rhythmic ‘eep’ sounds to alert their owners and their bioluminescent markings flicker. They’re mostly scaly, long-limbed, and feature primarily dull darker colours. They have an extremely sharp sense of smell and taste, but lack decent eyesight. This type of wyvern is also in demand in the Sundrake territory through the miners, to make sure they aren’t mining in a potentially life-threatening place.
Beloved Wyvern: A closely related breed to Belly Wyverns of the city-dwelling Stormheralds, suited for desert survival. It’s a prized pet for nomadic Stormheralds thanks to its ability to sense changes in weather patterns and warn of incoming sandstorms. They have camel-like noses and third eyelids to protect themself from the sand if they’re caught in bad weather. Like their closely related Belly Wyvern breed; they’re sandy colours, but instead of white accents, it’s black.
Foster Wyvern: A larger, lesser wyvern breed in the Springsinger territory to protect and occasionally care for their eggs. Springsingers have an abundance of large predators that go after them, especially their eggs; so they bred a fairly large-scaled lesser Wyvern with a frightening ‘crown’ of feathers behind their head, bright colours and a deep instinct to defend weaker, smaller creatures. They are fierce protectors, and great ‘foster parents’ for many other species smaller than it.
Dutorian Guard-Wyvern: bred from the wild polar wyverns native to Dutoria’s coldest regions, these are large and bulky wyverns that mostly resemble their wild cousins, although with a much more manageable temperament. They are easy to train and behave surprisingly similar to a dog, and as such may also be kept as useful family pets. Their primary use is, however, as guard-animals; they can be trained to protect a specific person, place, or item.
Ferran Guard-Wyvern: Bred in Acies Ferro using pelagic and sunflecked wyverns and one of the primary breeds of lesser wyverns used for guarding properties; they are quite large, with a broad wingspan and long tails. Ferran guard-wyverns are white with striking black and gold markings, and red-orange or pink eyes.
Carissian Wyvern: Bred in Carissima and widespread across Theavia and even into parts of Cyr, the Carissian wyvern is used to aid in herding livestock. They were bred from a cross of western arboreal and blacklake wyverns, and are usually dark blue-green with pale underbellies, gold markings, and spots of white. They are just as intelligent as blacklake wyverns and form strong social bonds with their flockmates and human/dragon handlers and take well to the nomadic lifestyle of a shepherd. Without a challenging enough task to complete they can become troublesome and play pranks on their owners, and due to what they were bred for will attempt to herd smaller animals and even their handler’s children if not well-trained. When herding they know no fear and are just as happy dealing with small goats as they are with adult cows.
Emberrock Guard-Wyvern: Bred in the Xocrian city of Emberrock for use as guard beasts to assist the knights in keeping order in the local prison, as well as general use in Xocrian banks or protecting private properties. They were bred from polar wyverns imported from Dutoria and volcanic wyverns from the island of fire, and are extremely hardy and strong with a keen sense of smell. They can be trained to react in specific ways to certain substances.
Knight’s Wyvern: A large species of lesser wyvern bred in northern Xocrium for use as companions for dragonslayers while in the field. They are typically trained to help locate lone dragons on hunts and to warn their person of potential dangers. They were bred from Western Coastal Wyverns and Volcanic Wyverns. They are deep red with pale or tawny gold and blue markings and a thorny mane.
Aether Wyvern: A deep black wyvern with small white speckling scattered on parts of its body, bred to help herd animals in the more agricultural parts of Xocrium. They’re frankly quite frightening, with horns and spikes all over their head and tail, giving them a more rocky appearance. If they were any larger than a medium-small sized dog, they may have been used for a different purpose. They make loud, booming calls to scare their herds into moving; combined with their speed, makes them excellent for the job. It is extremely important to introduce them to the animals they’ll be herding and ‘protecting’ early on, so they learn not to kill or chase them without good reason.
Grand Harbour Wyvern: A breed recently developed from the Emberrock wyvern in Xocrium for use by the dock guards in Grand Harbour. They are similar in appearance and abilities, although smaller in size and bred to rely on their sense of smell foremost. They are primarily used to sniff out illegal substances being smuggled in or out of Xocrium.
Canoe Wyvern: A breed of wyvern bred by fishermen in marshland Padwell to assist in their hunts. They are extremely intelligent and can mimic the calls of other animals, as well as occasionally pick up on parts of human speech. They have large, finned ears and eyes and are extremely good at locating schools of fish swimming through the swamp, focusing all their attention on their prey to alert their human companion to where best to strike.
Jewelled Wyvern: A breed of lesser wyvern kept by farmers and gardeners in Padwell. They are about the size of a hummingbird, small enough to comfortably fit in the palm of a person’s hand, and come in a variety of jewel-bright colours. They dine on a mix of nectar and common garden pests, though make easy prey for any predator of even middling size.
Aviary Wyvern: Bred from wild sunflecked wyverns by griffon-keepers in High Heart, aviary wyverns act as pest control within the roosts and nests of griffons. They work with smaller breeds to eat parasites and pests, as well as to groom the feathers and fur of their larger companions. They are bright blue with pale golden bands across their wings; unlike wild sunflecked wyverns, they have no blinding spit, however, due to crossbreeding with marsh wyverns can make their undersides glow golden. Griffon-keepers will often train aviary wyverns to activate their bioluminescence on command, using them as lanterns when doing work after dark.
Little Firemaws: A breed of lesser wyvern kept by warriors of Fireworm Clans. Bred from the fiercest and most loyal volcanic wyverns, little firemaws are surprisingly large and have extremely sharp spurs on their legs, though lack the false ‘lava spit’ of their wild cousins. They are trained to harry prey and enemy dragons alike, going after soft, vulnerable areas like the eyes and fire vents.
Austringer’s Wyvern: An extremely feathery wyvern kept in the Windwyrm territory as essentially; larger hunting falcons. They’re bred to be quite intelligent and easy to train. The only parts of their bodies not covered in feathers are the lower portions of their legs which are covered in small scales, similar to birds. Their colorations can look very similar to falcons and hawks.
Hawkshaw Wyvern: Bred from Thundercrack Wyverns in Hovell, they’re used primarily in Darkhaven and Goldegard by bounty hunters to chase down their targets. They usually have a scaly, mottled, heavily spotted appearance, with Pale sandy colors or rusty reds. Like the Thundercrack Wyverns, they have two forward-facing horns that can generate electricity, but are very thin and sharp in comparison to their cousins much larger horns. Their electric shock; despite their overall smaller size and thinner horns, is actually much more powerful and can stun humans if ‘stabbed’ with them.
Felon Wyvern: A very clever breed from Whaletooth Archepeligo, their intelligence is like that of a magpie and that comes with plenty of problems…for everyone else. If you train them well, they can sneakily rob for you. If not, they are complete menaces to everyone involved, including you. They have beak-like long heads and a frill curling around their faces and down their spines, otherwise they’re mostly black and white with stripy markings.
Eep Wyverns: Bred in the Darkling territory, these smaller wyverns with colourful bioluminescent faces and necks are trained to alert their owners to avoid toxins and gas leaks within caves. They make sharp, rhythmic ‘eep’ sounds to alert their owners and their bioluminescent markings flicker. They’re mostly scaly, long-limbed, and feature primarily dull darker colours. They have an extremely sharp sense of smell and taste, but lack decent eyesight. This type of wyvern is also in demand in the Sundrake territory through the miners, to make sure they aren’t mining in a potentially life-threatening place.
Beloved Wyvern: A closely related breed to Belly Wyverns of the city-dwelling Stormheralds, suited for desert survival. It’s a prized pet for nomadic Stormheralds thanks to its ability to sense changes in weather patterns and warn of incoming sandstorms. They have camel-like noses and third eyelids to protect themself from the sand if they’re caught in bad weather. Like their closely related Belly Wyvern breed; they’re sandy colours, but instead of white accents, it’s black.
Foster Wyvern: A larger, lesser wyvern breed in the Springsinger territory to protect and occasionally care for their eggs. Springsingers have an abundance of large predators that go after them, especially their eggs; so they bred a fairly large-scaled lesser Wyvern with a frightening ‘crown’ of feathers behind their head, bright colours and a deep instinct to defend weaker, smaller creatures. They are fierce protectors, and great ‘foster parents’ for many other species smaller than it.
A greater wyvern size chart.
Artwork by J-Haskell.
Greater wyverns have been bred with alchemical supplements over multiple generations to increase their size and strength to the extent that they are now large enough to bear a human rider. Most lines have their beginning in Ironbrook or the Merosian City-State of Chrysos. Extremely rare and expensive.
The average lifespan of a greater wyvern is much longer than that of its smaller cousins, and with proper care can live up to seventy years. They have one clutch, of two to three eggs, every seven years; greater wyvern eggs require incubation and must be turned once every two days, for two years before they’re ready to be hatched. They reach physical maturity at age four and are able to start reproducing at age ten. They usually start to become infertile at age fifty and will have smaller clutches the closer they are to that age.
The average lifespan of a greater wyvern is much longer than that of its smaller cousins, and with proper care can live up to seventy years. They have one clutch, of two to three eggs, every seven years; greater wyvern eggs require incubation and must be turned once every two days, for two years before they’re ready to be hatched. They reach physical maturity at age four and are able to start reproducing at age ten. They usually start to become infertile at age fifty and will have smaller clutches the closer they are to that age.
Greater Wyvern Breeds
Over the years, six breeds of Greater Wyvern have been developed. You can read more about each below.
Chrysoan Wyvern
A breed of greater wyvern entirely developed in the Merosian city-state of Chrysos as an answer to Ironbrook’s Grand Brookian Wyvern (although the Grand Merosian Wyvern already existed at that time) and bred entirely from Theavian lesser wyvern species; the western arboreal wyvern, sunflecked wyvern, and the polar wyvern. Iridescent gold with strong countershading and dark green, black or brown markings and flecks of white. Double ‘thumbs’ on their wings with long, serrated claws from the western arboreal and polar wyverns. Gives them a strong grip on slippery surfaces and makes them the bane of hardwood floors. Exhale a mix of the sunflecked and polar’s abilities in the form of a glowing drool that’s incredibly cold to the touch. Leaves cold burns but loses its effect quickly, so anything other than a direct hit is a bit useless. Often used to work on Merosian skyships and are considered a symbol of Chrysos as a city-state. Usually 6’ to 7’6 at the shoulder.
Grand Merosian Wyvern
Bred from Grand Brookian Wyverns imported from Ironbrook. Rare, but more common than the Xocrian royal wyverns; primarily found in Acies Ferro, Concido and Chrysos. White with black markings and banding of gold, red and sky blue on the edges of their wings. Have very, very long wings and a strong love for seafood, although they’ll eat just about any meat or fish. More docile than the royal wyverns, and have a pair of fangs similar to that of a northern valley wyvern. Have the same horns as Grand Brookian Wyverns, although they’re normally smaller. Usually 6’ to 7’ at the shoulder.
Royal Wyvern
Extremely rare; bred in Xocrium from Grand Brookian Wyverns imported from Ironbrook. Usually come in orange and gold, although are often bred in the colours of the noble House they’re being given to. They have a ‘crown’ shaped set of horns similar to the ‘halo’ horns of a Sundrake, with long, sharp prongs. About 6’ to 7’ at the shoulder on average, and large enough to be ridden. Royal Wyverns are extremely dangerous to keep, as they usually only accept care from their person and can be hostile towards strangers who approach them without warning.
|
A royal wyvern, in the colours of House Phoenine. Artwork by Coldfrontdrawz. |
Grand Brookian Wyvern
The first breed of greater wyvern, created through collaboration between the Talons’ alchemists and Ironbrook’s military to make a large species of mount to serve in northern Ironbrook against any hungry windwyrms. Bred from a mix of pelagic wyverns, thundercrack wyverns, and northern valley wyverns. Black or dark blue with gold, red, and sky blue markings. Usually have paler underbellies and dark brindled patterns along their backs. Large pair of forward-facing horns. 6 to 7’ at the shoulder on average.
Accursed Wyvern
Another breed of greater wyvern, created after the Grand Brookian Wyvern; named for the primary use of Skyswept Wyvern specimens, which are viewed as ‘cursed’ by windwyrms. Thus the idea was to breed very large versions of them to station with soldiers at the border to discourage attacks. Range from 6’ to 8’ at the shoulder. Have grey or black feathers and scales with darker barring and white underbellies. They also have the ability to let out ear-piercing shrieks, although as they’re much larger, theirs is capable of breaking glass.
Goldgarde Wyvern
A breed of greater wyvern bred in the Hovellian city of Goldegarde. The alchemists living and working there heard about the Grand Brookian Wyvern and started a project of their own to match it, using savannah wyverns, thundercrack wyverns, and oasis wyverns. They have dark red-brown scales with black markings, and accents of one to two of the following colours; white, sky blue, green, gold, orange or yellow. Females have a large, brightly coloured ‘fan’ on their heads that they can fold and unfold at will. Goldegarde wyverns inherited a weaker version of the oasis wyverns’ venom; not enough to kill a grown person, but it will make you sick and dizzy for an hour or two. They’re usually 6’ to 7’ at the shoulder.