Whelp

Draconologists believe that the Wyvern Family was far larger before the D-R Extinction, heralded by a number of winged serpents. Since then, it was believed that one species survived after the cataclysm but that theory has been utterly dismantled. Since the storm receded the interchange between Impolo and Amnisica has increased. Almost overnight, flocks of strange winged creatures from the south have arrived in lower North Ludwag. It’s believed that this sudden arrival is the continuation of old migration patterns that these odd creatures -the Whelps- once did before the storm encircled Ludwag. A return to an ancient habit seen for the first time in centuries…

### Physiology and Anatomy

Whelps are often confused for infant Wyverns and not without reason. Like them they have a coat of fuzzy hair-like filaments, though theirs run along their backs instead of covering their whole body. This coat is more pronounced in males who often spend some time arranging the filaments in unique structures. To hold it in place they secrete a gel which binds the filaments together. This gel covers their entire body in a glassy layer, protecting them from parasites by causing small animals like insects to get stuck and drown. They don’t have scales like other reptiles but instead possess a gecko-like skin. Their skin lets the gel breathe so it doesn’t dry out, though they must collect a substantial amount of water to produce it in healthy amounts.

Unlike their close cousins the Whelps are mostly frugivorous. They spend much of their time in the treetops where they can eat fruits, berries, and nuts. Their teeth are adapted accordingly with a single-most blunt tooth at the front to break open shells. Like lizards their tongues are particularly long, allowing them to drink from flowers and lap up the insects that get stuck to their gel. Given they eat a wide variety of high-energy but low-expenditure food, their metabolism can pay to be a tad slower than their larger counterparts, letting them stave off a few days without food so they may migrate.

Whelps can’t spit acid like Wyverns, nor do they possess any magical armament. Instead, Whelps collect a build-up of various chemicals from the fruits and insects they ingest. This reserve forms a slurry of proteins which the Whelp may flick from glands on their dewlap. This secretion can cause hallucinations in beings with less mental fortitude than Expert+ Psychomancy which muddles their ability to coordinate and see clearly. This only lasts briefly as the proteins rapidly pull apart in the absence of the Whelp, only a few seconds to give the Whelp enough time to escape.

Whelps have a very basal form of flight. Their small wings make for easy turning but complicate long-distance flight. A Whelp must rest frequently between stints of flight, though they maneuver between trees and other obstacles with extreme proficiency. During their great migrations they often have to rest in great masses on uneven terrain. To secure themselves they share the claws of their Wyvern cousins but with an additional prehensile tail so that they may hang from branches.

### Psychology

Whelps are fairly laid-back creatures who dwell amongst forests and urban areas. Though wild specimens avoid sapient species, they can be tamed. Tamed Whelps aren’t particularly useful and are unlikely to follow even basic commands but are appreciated by much of Impolo and now Amniscia.  They’re reasonably social and form flocks in the wild. When aggressed the flock will flick their slurry at the threat before scattering. Whelps won’t attack unless they’re cornered or unable to flee.

Whelps make for comparatively poor parents. They don’t partake in childcare. Instead, they lay their eggs inside the nests of other reptiles or birds. The infants then hatch and assume the former occupants position often by killing the previous hatchlings. This strategy can even extend to domestic species as Amnisican farmers have become increasingly aware of Whelp hatchlings in their hen houses.