Wyverns

Wyverns are native to the Western Continent, and it is unknown why their biology differs from their draconic relatives on the Eastern Continent, though there is still some connection. Wyverns commonly breathe fire, but the breath sometimes varies. The type of breath also identifies the subspecies of Wyvern

## Biology

A Wyvern is distinguished from other dragons with through its limbs. A Wyvern will have 2 wings in the place of arms, and 2 hind legs. A Wyvern has a typical length of around 20 - 40 feet, half of which is attributed to their long tail. The wingspan of these dragons is usually around 12 - 20 feet. Their powerful hind legs give the Wyverns a large amount of momentum that allows them to take off quite suddenly. This takeoff stirs the air around the Wyvern in such a violent manner that creatures too close to the Wyvern get knocked back and topple over. The head of a Wyvern is topped with horns, with can vary in pattern. The Wyverns eyes are located a little further down from the horns and face forward, indicating the predatory nature of these creatures. The skull of a Wyvern is one of the thickest bones in its body. This skull often gives a Wyvern's head a shape as if it were covered in scaly armour. In addition to scales, Wyverns have feathers on parts of their body. These feathers are prominently on the Wyvern's wings, and where the neck connects to the head. A Wyvern's wings are made up of these feathers, which give the Wyvern their ability to stay in flight like birds.

The greatest feature of a Wyvern are their elemental breath. Each subspecies of Wyvern is tied to a unique breath, which is generated in different organs. Wyverns have evolved to be incredibly resistant to most forms of elemental damage. Their scales and feathers are particularly fireproof, except for the feathers one of the subspecies, are surprisingly not. Wyvern breeding habits are not known, but it is known they hatch from eggs. It is said that a Wyvern's element is not tied to their genetics, as a Fire-Breathing Wyvern may give birth to a brood of Frost-Breathing Wyverns. It is clear that there is an unknown magical force that influences Wyvern biology. Upon death, it seems that this energy leaves Wyverns as their feathers and scales quickly degrade and lose their Fire-Proofing, leaving nothing but skeletons in a matter of days. Wyverns tends to live up to 150 years.

Wyverns seem to be fully carnivorous, and have never been observed eating anything but their prey. Common prey include bears, deer, and occasionally sentient creatures. It is believed that Wyverns are at the top of the terrestrial food chain, as nothing in its right mind would hunt them.

## Behaviour

Wyverns are highly territorial and tend to be loners. Fortunately or not depending on what end you're on, Wyverns tend to migrate from place to place all across the Western Continent. You know the gods are on your side when a Wyvern migrates away from your land, but there is a good chance a Wyvern will just plague others lands. Wyverns stay alone for most of their life, apart from when they are looking for a mate. Different Wyvern subspecies can mate. Even when they find a mate, once the eggs hatch, the mates separate and the offspring are left to fend for themselves. These offspring tend to eat small critters, and move on to bigger creatures as they grow.

As highly territorial creatures, Wyverns often clash with each other. This may be one reason their population is so low, to the point where one may not be seen for years at a time. Fascinatingly, while one may not be seen, Wyverns make their presence known with their bloodcurdling roars. These roars are often a sign of a Wyvern coming across a worthy adversary, typically other Wyverns. Wyverns use both their teeth, claws, and breath weapons against other Wyverns. While Wyvern scales are highly resistant to fire, their insides can still overheat. A Wyvern would sooner boil alive than catch on fire while living.

While migratory, Wyverns typically make their habitats in mountainous regions or deep forested areas.

## Subspecies

### Hellfire Wyverns

This specimen of Wyvern is found almost exclusively around Mountains and Grasslands. This species of Wyvern is by far the most common, and has the most variance in size among the subspecies. Each and every part of this Wyvern has evolved to be entirely fire and heat proof. The backs of these Wyverns are usually covered in non-poisonous small spines. The scales on this beast are often coloured Red or Orange.

These Wyverns use fire for their breath weapons. These Wyverns have a specialized compartment of gas within their lungs that stores a highly flammable compound. To breath fire, these Wyverns emit this gas and, through a specialized organ in their lower jaw, ignite the flame with a spark, engulfing the entire surroundings in flames.

### Blizzard Wyverns

This specimen of Wyvern are found at the southernmost and northernmost parts of the Western Continent. They typically reach larger sizes. They are never seen in summer seasons as they only hunt when the white snows blanket their hunting grounds. This Wyvern's scales are excellent at retaining heat for the purpose of keeping their muscles moving in the below zero climate they hunt in. Blizzard Wyverns are covered in scales that range from silver to light blue.

These Wyverns use icy air for their breath weapons. These Wyverns take in snow, cold air, and water vapour into their lungs and store it. These Wyverns need to charge their breath weapon longer than other Wyvern since they still need to breathe in between uses. This Wyvern expels the concentrated freezing air at their prey, which frostbite within seconds.

### Storm Wyverns

This specimen of Wyvern are found along coastlines and lakesides. They tend remain hidden most of the time, and only hunt during storms. When a storm rolls in and a Wyvern is in the area, they have the ability to increase its severity. Beware these Wyverns when sudden thunderstorms roll in.

These Wyverns are usually smaller than most, but are the swiftest and most magically attuned of the subspecies. This Wyvern is the only subspecies that doesn't have inherent fire resistance in their feathers and scales. They are also covered in more feathers than other subspecies, which increases their flight speed. Their scales often range from Dark Blue, to Dark Grey, to Pitch Black.

These Wyverns harness the power of lightning as their breath weapons. There is no obvious organ for generating electricity, and it is believed that this is the only Wyvern to produce their breath weapon through solely magical means. The theory is that these Wyvern build up static electricity within them to release it in a large burst of devastating lightning. These breath weapons are the most destructive and devastating of all the subspecies

### Deathblood Wyverns

This specimen of Wyverns lurk within the deep forests and caves. They are ambush predators and scavengers, unique among other Wyvern subspecies. They are among the smallest of Wyverns like the Storm subspecies. Their back and wings are covered in sharp spines that are venomous. Deathblood Wyverns are covered in scales that range from light to dark green in colour. These Wyvern's bites contain a bit of their poison, which has the capacity to paralyze their target quickly.

These Wyverns spit acid as their breath weapon. These Wyverns have a special compartment in their abdomen that creates and stores a specialized acid that is highly corrosive and poisonous upon consumption. They force specific muscles to squeeze the acid out of their mouths. Their mouths, insides, and scales are immune to corrosion.

### Plague Wyverns

This specimen of Wyverns tend to stay in one spot most of their lives. Their habitats are often hidden, and they emerge under the cover of fog or darkness to hunt. These Wyverns are usually medium in size. This Wyvern can make their habitat in regions that have plenty of cover. Plague Wyverns are purple or slime green in colouration.

These Wyverns emit a bio hazardous gas as a breath weapon. These Wyverns have specialized bacteria in their throats and digestive tracks. This bacteria has a symbiotic relationship with these Wyverns, but is horribly deadly to creatures that aren't Plague Wyverns. The only creatures recorded that resist their breath attack are other Wyverns or other species with poison resistance. These Wyverns emit these bacteria in a dark purple cloud from these mouths. The bacteria catch on water vapour that gets expelled from the Wyvern. These bacteria can cause total organ failure in minutes at high concentrations, like directly in front of the Dragon's attack. This gas is known to linger and keep the bacteria alive for 10 minutes in afflicted areas.

### Albino Wyverns

These are by far the rarest Wyverns. They can be found all over the continent. They are not known to hunt as they are born without a Dragon's signature scales. These dragons are the smallest Wyverns since they are never known to reach maturity. They can also fly, but only in small bursts due to their weak feathers. Their exposed flesh is snow white in colour. These Wyverns are vulnerable to all predators, and try to skulk in the shadows for survival.

These Wyverns don't have breath weapons. However, if one is reached to maturity, who knows what magical properties are made available to these creatures.

## Hunting Strategies

DON'T

Also I know that some of your are thinking it, DON'T TRY TO RIDE THE WYVERNS