Terror from the skies
These aerial reptilian predators are distant relatives of Dragonkind. Although they are generally weaker and more mundane than those grand old beasts, they remain dangerous and terrifying creatures, holdovers from the age of myth.
Wyverns are territorial, generally solitary, and highly aggressive. Unlike Dragons, they possess only an animal level of intelligence, but they display an instinctive cunning and volatile temperament reminiscent of large felines.
Wyverns are uncommon, but may live in almost any clime, favouring high peaks where they can roost. They are extremely fast and agile in the air, and prefer to ambush their prey by swooping down on them silently from above.
However, when these tactics fail, they are persistent hunters with very keen senses, and will pursue their chosen targets voraciously. No prey is too large or small, and they will fight viciously if challenged over a kill. They have few natural enemies besides other wyverns (or in rare cases, larger dragons), and they fear nothing.
When not stalking prey, Wyverns communicate through high-pitched keening and shrieks. It is believed by some that they can speak the ancient tongue of Dragonkind, but it's questionable whether they have anything worthwhile to say.
Wyverns may range from 12' - 25' from nose to haunches, with another half of their body length made up by their long tails. Although the largest Wyverns may rival Dragons in size, they tend to be leaner and more serpentine in form, with only 2 pairs of limbs (wings and a pair of legs) unlike the 3 pairs that typically mark Dragons.
They come in a striking array of colours, ranging from drab tones useful for camouflage, to brilliant colours that may be used in dominance displays or to attract mates. Regional species and individuals may be identified by variations in their colours, the presence of shaggy manes, or the arrangement of their spines.
Their most frightening weapon is their long, dexterous tail, which is tipped with a poisonous barb. They use this appendage to lash out at any animal large enough to resist their teeth and claws. Wyvern venom is famous for its fast-acting potency, although Wyverns do not use their tails on other Wyverns, possibly because they are immune to the venom.
