Wyverns have long been shrouded in mystery. Hunters whisper of them, dragons mutter about them, and older siblings tell bedtime stories. The two races have been enemies for ages, and history is littered with bloody conflict between them.
Wyverns resemble a drake or a large gargoyle, with lean bodies, conjoined wings and arms, powerful legs, and a long segmented tail ending in a barbed stinger. Their historic Broods were medium-sized breeding colonies, but recent events severed their bond, leaving Wyverns to grapple with individuality.
Background
Wyverns hid in the depths of the world to escape the wrath of their cousins, the Dragons. Unknown even to most Imperials, the Muatana-al Maloveous Lord of the Dernath Woods entered a pact with them, offering a nesting site in exchange for a price never discovered.
Their reemergence near Treehaven was unexpected. A new Brood infiltrated the plains and hunted the Caersach forest. Through the spells of Maloveous and the Dragon Ziraxtan'a, the Wyverns of Caersach were greatly changed: their bond was severed, and individuality took root. Despite the change, their hatred of Dragons remains.
Appearance
A wyvern is a lithe, constantly moving, wyrm-like dragon. A spiny, ridged blunt head houses beady golden eyes, and a beak-like snout hides rows of razor-sharp teeth.
Wyverns range in size between a Monitanian and a drake. Their thick overlapping scales vary in forest hues: green, light brown, brown, gray, and black. Large bat-like wings enable incredible aerial mastery.
Their arms and hands are part of wing anatomy; the hand protrudes from the second joint, making it barely functional. A long sinuous tail ends with a wicked barbed stinger, often held above like a scorpion while the wyvern distracts prey with vicious bites.
Temperament
Wyverns were once at the top of the food chain and still view life through a predatory lens: if it is small enough to eat, it is food; if it competes for food, find a weakness; otherwise, ignore it.
The severing of the Brood bond created fear and confusion, leading many Wyverns to distrust others and seek security among their own kind.
Tendencies
Wyverns tend to keep to themselves. As an exception, they associate with Go-blin-als, using them as ground troops and lackeys. Wyverns manipulate the smaller race, providing a powerful figure to rally around.
Once a pack-like society, they now group with other Wyverns when they can; otherwise they become reclusive, aloof, and almost shy.
Traits
Advantages: ESP at will, night sight, natural scales, powerful bite, barbed tail, strong talons, leathery wings for flight.
Hindrances: Cannot belong to any class. Arms and hands are part of wing anatomy and cannot wield standard weapons or shields. Low carry capacity. Very limited magick. Can only claw during flight. Speak only telepathically or in Wyvern with others of their race.
Abilities: Bite, sting, natural flight, clawing during flight.
Advice on Wyvern Naming
Wyvern names carry meaning. First names describe the individual, while last names refer to their Brood. Some adopt personal last names as individuality grows.
Ekanga Issachar .... bodyguard of the Issachar Brood
Kiran Nysuntom .... ray of light of the Nysuntom Brood
