Wyvern

Despite the urgings of my colleagues, I have elected to not use wyverns as the pack beasts for my caravan. They're too hard to care for, they're disobedient if you don't handle them correctly, and I will never be able to trust a beast that will just as soon eat me as carry a load of spices.

- A Dracarii Merchant

Wyverns are large, draconic beasts that dwell in warm, mountainous regions all across Prilira. They stand taller than a man at about 12 to 15 ft in height, with large bat-like wings and thick scales that are difficult to pierce. Unlike their dragon cousins, they are bipedal, lack a breath weapon, and possess only animalistic levels of intelligence.
There are two distinct varieties of wyverns, wild and domestic. Wild wyverns tend to be smaller with tan or brown scales that come in natural hues. Their heads are more serpent-like in appearance and can form hood flares along the sides of their necks, simliar to a cobra. They are solitary creatures, and are nigh impossible to train. Domestic wyverns on the other hand have far brighter scales that match one of the ten draconic ancestries in color, and are bred to be larger than their wild counterparts. Their heads are much closer to those of a dragon, with spinal ridges that run along their backs. They are much more social creatures, and will quickly form bonds with the humanoids around them. If a domestic wyvern grows up in the wild though, it is almost impossible to tame them once again (not that they survive long with their coloration and size).
During the height of The Dracarii Empire, wyverns were one of the most important types of beasts the vast nation had in their possession. They were essential in both the military and economic sector. In war, specialized riders were trained to mount these scaly beasts and ride them into battle. Their purpose was to provide aerial support for ground troops and conduct guerilla raids on their enemies. In the business realm, they were used by messengers and merchants to quickly deliver goods and information all across the empire. Some of the most famous to use these beasts were members of the Bardic College of the Wing. They were heralds in service of the Emperor who had the task of delivering news, proclamations, and edicts all across the empire.

Lifespan

30 years

Average Height

12 - 15 feet

Average Weight

600 - 800 lbs