“When mounted on the back of a wind rider, one sees that its reputation for strength and speed is well earned.” — Tal A wyvern, also known as a wind rider and war rider, is a sentient wolfish-lion with bat wings and a scorpion tail native to Kalimdor. They can speak and understand Orcish and Taur-ahe, but cannot understand Common. Both males and females have beards. Wyverns share a common ancestry with both dragons and gryphons and hail from some of the most inhospitable regions of Kalimdor, making them masters of adapting to any environment. They can be found living in the harsh cliff-terraces of the Barrens, Stonetalon Mountains, and the Thousand Needles, as well as parts of Feralas. They hold great enmity for harpies, as the vile creatures like to capture them. - From Wowpedia
Table of Contents
Basic Information
Anatomy
Bone Structure and Musculature
Bones:Wyverns possess unique anatomy only similar to the fabled wolfhawk and outlandish rylak. Their skeletons at first confused humans when they first arrived in Kalimdor, believing these remains to belong to dragons. This is because their bones are half-hollow, allowing them the use of their wings for flight without becoming too lightweight as to not be able to support their frames. Their bones possess a fascinating honeycomb structure, providing strength and support without adding unnecessary weight.
Their ribs are far denser compared to the rest of their bone structure, oftentimes being compared to hard stone. However, at the base where the ribs connect to the spine, they are surprisingly flexible to allow for quick maneuvers in flight and wriggling into tight spaces. As such, it’s much more common for a wyvern’s rib to be snapped at the base, rather than fractured in half or chipped with an arrowhead. While this is a much harder feat to accomplish, it is also far more dire an injury and requires magical intervention more often than not.
Their skulls are also much larger than the average lion or cougar. Wyverns are one of the few sapient bestial species, capable of intelligent thought, self-awareness, and language. As such, their brains are quite large but are housed in close quarters within the braincage. It is because of this that biologists believe wyverns never developed the ability to physically articulate words, as that section of a normal mortal brain is shrunken and underdeveloped in wyverns. They seem to make up for this by a much larger section in the rear of the brain, commonly found in heavy magic-users, and this is where their mental telepathy seems to come into play. It is unknown if any wyvern has ever developed the ability to use true magic, but it would certainly be an interesting experiment to say the least.
Muscles:Wyvern musculature is fairly consistent with landbound lions, albeit their shoulders and buttocks are more pronounced in order to manipulate their wings and tail respectively. They are built of tough strands of sinew and fatty deposits line their underarms and hindlegs as both energy storage and to help conserve heat when flying at higher altitudes. It is not uncommon to find a wyvern that is lean, bordering on starving, and this is to account for their fasting-style diets. In order to have the least amount of weight in the air, wyverns will burn off two weeks’ worth of weight before hunting again. Certain breeds are more adapted to carrying extra weight, such as Oversized and Endurance, but these are frequently considered outliers when compared to normal wyvern musculature.
Lastly, their tails are made of cartilage and chitin, granting incredible flexibility and maneuverability even when flying at great height and speed. Akin to scorpid tails, wyvern tails end in a wicked, barbed stinger that is capable of venom production thanks to gland and venom sacks nestled against the base of the stinger. These are covered in the thickest chitin on the tail, and are difficult to cut into or cut away. As such, it is heavily discouraged to de-venom a captive wyvern, as it causes the beast more harm than good. Rarely, often associated with the birth defect known as albinism, are stingers formed without a barb or with inactive venom sacks. These tails are little more than clubs or rudders for flight, and serve almost no defensive or offensive purpose. Wyverns with these tails often do not live into adulthood, as they are captured or killed by the prey they were intending to hunt.
Horns:Wyvern horns are actually made from short bones that are then covered in a thick keratinous casing. The casing sheds and regrows much like hair or nails, while the bone and general structure of the horns remains put. Horns often must be trimmed in captivity to avoid overgrowth, which causes a condition called ‘drooping’, wherein the head becomes too heavy for the neck and results in reduced mobility and vision.
Horns occur on both male and female wyverns, dependent on the presence and magnitude of a hormone druids refer to as ‘dominae’. Males almost universally possess enough dominae to present horns, while females are slightly less common. The only known breed type to commonly lack horns are the Submissive breeds, as the dominae hormone is also what gives a wyvern the confidence to act without the guidance of another.
The horns are used in both offensive and defensive maneuvers, protecting the skull from an attacker while also goring prey and enemies alike. The horns are also used in mating; the more curve to a horn, the more dominae is present, and the more likely that wyvern is to find a mate. Pride-Lords usually have grand curving horns while lower-ranking wyverns may have ‘spikes’.
Incredibly rarely will horns grow in such a way as to curve around the side of the skull and point forwards again, akin to a ram. These wyverns are nearly as rare as melanistic ones, and are considered on par with lesser Wild Gods.
Average Physique
Most Wyverns are extremely fit creatures with highly defined muscles, and lean builds akin to lions. Females tend to be smaller than most males and with more weight to them as they carry and lay eggs. Males can reach the size of small drakes or even larger when they ascend to becoming Pride-Lord which is the alpha of any particular pride.
Facial Characteristics and Features
Manes:Males have thick manes where the females seem to lack much of that same large mane giving them a more sleek look though there is still a bit of a mane. It is thought that among males the mane is a sign of their power and skill in combat as a way to deter challengers. Among females, this is downplayed but also serves the biological purpose of keeping their necks warm in the harsh winds so high up in the air. Keeping their blood warm and moving on the hunt. Mane coloring varies from coloring to coloring on the mane body but usually is black, dark brown, or a darker version of their main body color.
Tints, Colors, and Markings
Wyverns usually appear as brown, reddish-brown, or golden in coloring though tints of green and blue have been known to exist. Many wyverns have spots on their bodies though not all. Coloring for wyverns seems to have a great deal to do with their habitat and genetics. On average this is what the Tribe has observed:
- Tawny or Brown: The most common coloring of wyvern the tawny gold and brown colorings are found among all prides and all over Kalimdor. The coloring makes them perfectly blen into the more brown landscape of Kalimdor.
- Blue or Grey: Blue and Grey colored wyverns are also fairly common on Kalimdor but seemed to be localized to more cold weather regions such as Winterspring, or places that are more naturally inclined towards storms such as Silithus, Thousand Needles, and Desolace. This coloring is particularly hard to spot when flying.
- Greenish: Wyverns who are born or have been adapted to forested areas such as Stonetalong, Feralas, Felwood, and Ashenvale will more commonly have a greenish tint to their fur and are more commonly spotted or stripped to better blend in with the forested hunting grounds they call home. Relying more on stealth and blending into the shadows.
- White and Albino: White wyverns, though rare, are not unheard of. White animals hold a special place in the minds of Tauren through their history with Spiritwalkers and the representation of the Spirits. Leucism is a condition in which there is a partial loss of pigmentation in an animal—which causes white, pale, or patchy coloration of the skin, hair, feathers, scales or cuticles, but not the eyes. It is this coloring that most commonly occurs within wyverns and can be seen as the mark of the spirits as it is also the same occurrence that Spiritwalkers encounter. Albinoism is the lack of most all pigmentation within the body. True albino wyverns are the second rarest wyvern coloring the tribe has ever come across. These wyverns are usually very small, lack hearing and a venomous stinger, and almost never survive the harsh lands of Kalimdor. Not only are they easy to pick out from the environment but mothers will often neglect albino cubs for their more sickly nature. Sun exposure is also a very real danger to albino wyverns as their wings and any exposed skin can become burned in a very short amount of time. There are some ointments though that can help block the sun if care is ever given to an albino wyvern.
- Black: All black wyverns are an extreme rarity among the species. Melanism is an odd genetic occurrence among wyverns, most commonly Oversized wyverns, that causes them to be all or nearly all black in coloring. Easily spotted in any environment and especially while flying these black wyverns don't often live to adulthood but those that do are powerful fighters. Among the Tribe, the Black Wyvern has a special significance as a herald of a new age. There's only been recorded sighting of three black wyverns in the whole history of the tribe.
Common and Rare Defects
It is theorized by biologists that albinism is caused when a nest is too cold for proper blood flow throughout the membrane, thus starving the developing cub’s body. To compensate for the loss, only the most necessary organs are developed under these conditions: the heart, lungs, brain, eyes, and digestive system. Melanin and venom are developed last in any egg, and if an egg is starved before this point, then it can cause albinism or, most commonly, death.
Melanism, on the other hand, is far more rare and is when pigment in the skin becomes incredibly mottled so as to appear black. Eyes, skin, and claws all turn black as a result of this condition. Due to its near-fable status, not much is known about this genetic condition save for the fact that it occurs most commonly in Oversized wyverns. It is not known what the link is between these two genes, but a melanistic wyvern is revered and feared often more so than an albino or leucistic wyvern.
Leucism is often the most common appearance-altering genetic condition and typically occurs in a normally blue or grey wyvern on the last stage of development in the egg. Unlike albinism, this condition seems to have been caused by nothing other than a random assignment of genes and often poses little to no threat to the wyvern’s physical health aside from the fact that they cannot camouflage as well as other colorations.
Bantam breeds are actually caused by a genetic condition known as dwarfism, resulting in an adult wyvern that is barely the size of a hyena and is often not rideable by a vast majority of the mortal races. Dwarfism, unlike in other animals, seems to not cause other effects such as a shortened lifespan or spine problems in wyverns. However, certain breeders and menageries might be tempted to interbreed Bantam wyverns in an effort to create more of them, often referring to these as ‘teacup wyverns’. These cubs are usually sickly and do not live for more than a handful of years.
Lastly, a common defect that occurs in Oversized wyverns is shoulder dysplasia and a condition called ‘twisted stomach’, both due to their larger sizes. A twisted stomach occurs when a wyvern eats too fast, or moves too fast on an empty stomach, and often requires surgery or magical intervention to correct. Shoulder dysplasia occurs much later in life and is often cause for great pain and joint problems in the front legs, again requiring surgery if the wyvern is young enough or pain mitigation if the wyvern is elderly. Because wyverns rely more heavily on their front legs than their hind legs, this problem must be corrected quickly or otherwise mitigated in the wyvern's youth to lessen the chance of it developing.
Biological Traits
The Cloudlord Pride
The Cloudlord pride is not a wild pride, and thus they enjoy a longer lifespan and reliable food sources from the tribe itself. Moreover, injuries are cared for and illnesses are treated almost as soon as they crop up. This isn’t to say the pride is lazy or soft, of course-- each wyvern born into the pride is rigorously trained for a specific job or purpose. Whether this is to be a mount or companion for tribemates, a protector of the clutches, a defender of the village, a hunter for the tribe itself, or to be sold as a mount or companion elsewhere, each Cloudlord wyvern is born with a purpose and place. Each wyvern’s first four years of life are monitored and tailored to a specific duty by the Wyvern Master and handlers to ensure a cub is properly placed and that they can get the best chance at a fulfilling life.
Dominance is usually a far less grisly affair within the Cloudlord pride. Because they need not fight over resources and mates are selected based on genetics, wyverns within the pride often enjoy a comfortable rank. They know where they stand with their Pride-Lord, and movement is usually limited or encouraged by the Wyvern Master or handlers. This changes, of course, when wild wyverns are bonded to and brought into the pride. Oftentimes, these wild wyverns are not used to such a controlled environment and fights break out over mates or food. There have been a fair few times where a wild wyvern produces offspring with a Cloudlord matron without the permission of the Pride-Lord, often resulting in squabbles. These cubs are usually removed from the Roost and hand-raised so that they are not killed or become causes for more fights.
Due to the fact that wyverns in this pride are bred and matched based on genetics, Cloudlord wyverns can be any breed and possess any temperament, although particularly aggressive or submissive wyverns are worked with to ensure they do not become a threat or weak point further down the road. Cloudlord wyverns also can come in a variety of coat colors, although their hides typically are more muted and faded due to the grey landscape of Desolace. Horns are almost a guaranteed trait of all Cloudlord wyverns and can be present in both males and females, regardless of pride rank.
The Highperch Pride
The Highperch pride is a wild pride that makes its home in Thousand Needles. Their ranges typically cover all of Thousand Needles, parts of Feralas, Un’goro Crater, Silithus, and the Barrens. Due to the fact that this pride hunts in a large pack, their ranges are much more wide to ensure every mouth gets fed. Highperch wyverns are also the most varied eaters of all the wyvern prides. Their diets range from fish to birds, stags to scorpions, and apes to dinosaurs, and everything in between. It is said that a Highperch wyvern can eat anything you put in front of it with little to no digestion issues. This is due in part to their cytotoxic venom but also due to the acid content of their stomach. Most scavengers will steer clear of a Highperch wyvern corpse because the risk of contamination is incredibly high.
Highperch wyverns are perhaps the most sociable of all the wild prides. They eat, sleep, hunt, and die alongside an entire family group that spans back countless generations and hundreds of years. As such, they are incredibly loyal when it comes to bonding with a rider. Once a Highperch wyvern has bonded, they are as close to their rider as they are their own family, and see their rider as true kin. This, however, can cause issues of separation anxiety and deep fears of abandonment. Those that take on a Highperch wyvern are expected to spend significant amounts of time simply socializing with their wyvern, chatting with them, or grooming them.
Highperch wyverns typically follow a bloodline of Pride-Lords, and very rarely do they vie for dominance outright. Only if the current Pride-Lord fails the pride do they depose him and replace him with someone strong enough to lead the family. A typical Pride-Lord bloodline’s reign will last anywhere from one generation to ten or more. These wyverns also seem to believe in some sort of reincarnation, believing that a strong-hearted Pride-Lord will be reborn eventually and take up the mantle once again when the pride is in dire need. This religious observance seems to be unique to the Highperch pride, as is their depth of mourning when one of their family passes away. The wyverns frequently return to the death-sites of their deceased to pay respects and honor their memory, a trait rarely seen outside of the mortal races of Azeroth and, most famously, kodos.
Highperch wyverns are often found in pale blues and greys, interspersed with the typical tawny hides. These wyverns tend to be more cream and bay colors, rather than russet or true brown, to better blend in with their myriad of hunting environments. Green is far less common, though brindle and spotted hides have been observed on the tawny and blue variations in similar fashion. They come in a variety of temperaments though most common are passive, submissive, and dominant. The Highperch wyverns are famously known as the Ambusher breed, and thus are the most common among them, alongside Endurance to cover their long ranges.
The Pridewing Pride
The Pridewing pride is a wild pride that makes its home in the Stonetalon Mountains. These wyverns have a much smaller range than their cousins and rarely go beyond the mountains to hunt for food. This is due in part to the fact that these wyverns do not congregate in true family units or hunting packs. Pridewing wyverns often spend a majority of their life, or their entire lives, on their own. Akin to mountain lions, these wyverns have mastered their ability to hunt and live alone. They only meet up once or twice a year for mating season, during which the females will go to roost in a large canyon, surrounded by their fellow females and a handful of protective males to guard the nests. One among them rises as Pride-Lord, but it is mostly in title and overarching pride decisions rather than a hard-and-fast leader. A Pride-Lord often will have male brothers and cousins reinforcing his claim and the nursery canyon, but rarely is their loyalty permanent. The Pride-Lord also has the duty of communing with the Skyrunner Tribe should one of their members seek out their pride’s Judgment.
Pridewing wyverns hunt alone and often feast on smaller game rather than large takedowns. Deer from the northern slopes of Stonetalon are often the largest prey a single wyvern will take down, but occasionally a pair will team up to hunt a much larger threat. The Pridewing wyverns are also not adverse to consuming humanoid flesh, and have taken to hunting down the local goblin population the minute any of them begin to lay claim to a mine or lake. This problem compounds in the elderly wyverns, or those too wounded to properly hunt, who then move on to only hunting domesticated animals or settlements. These wyverns are called “Naman’atoko”, or “Manhunters”, and are believed to be possessed by cannibalistic spirits by the tauren tribes. Oftentimes, a Naman’atoko is the target of a Sacred Hunt, and their death is hailed as a return to the balance. During one of these hunts, Pridewing wyverns will take part alongside the tauren braves in an effort to continue their solidarity with the tauren tribes and show that they do not accept these Naman’atoko as part of their pride any longer.
Recently, Pridewing wyverns have been spotted nesting around Cragpool Lake and taken to fishing the oversized invasive species that live there. Be this because the prey is easier to hunt, or that the wyverns understand that the ecological balance is upset, is up for debate. Regardless, judging by their participation in a Naman’atoko hunt, and the fact that they seem to favor certain prey during certain parts of the year, the Pridewing wyverns could certainly be called courteous and incredibly intelligent. To bond with a Pridewing wyvern is to bond with the wilderness itself. Oftentimes, they are more feral than their southern cousins, and far more pragmatic. Killing is survival. Hunting is sacred. The strong will always survive. These are the typical tenants of a Pridewing wyvern, and their riders must be prepared for this more bestial outlook on life.
Due to their solitary nature, Pridewing wyverns are often independent, dominant, or aggressive in temperament. They come in all kinds of breeds, but are most commonly Speed and Oversized outside of the usual Standard. Their hides are often golden tawny to ruddy roan, but are commonly green with brown brindle or spots to better blend with their forested environment. Melanism is slightly more common among this pride for reasons yet to be understood, but still incredibly rare.
Growth Rate & Stages
Wyverns, despite their mammalian qualities in the world, are actually a type of reptilian beast as they lay eggs that hatch after roughly one hundred and twenty days of care in the nest. Once hatched wyvern cubs are blind, deaf, and cannot fly. Usually hatched in clutches of three to four the young cubs are nurtured by the mother for many months. After roughly a week the cubs' will open their eyes and ears. After roughly a month the cubs are ready to take flight. Unlike most birds, wyvern cubs do not need to be pushed from the nest. Instead, the mother will simply stop bringing food directly to the nest but rather to a perch a close distance away. Hunger eventually drives the cubs to take their first flight which is usually more of a glide down to their mother.
For the next several years the wyvern will grow and develop as an adolescent. Learning to hunt and fight among their peers and alongside their mother. Despite their fearsome nature, the wyvern hunts in packs under the guidance of the lead matriarchs of the pride. Together they bring down large prey and will rip it apart to bring back to the pride home.
Once a wyvern reaches maturity at roughly three to four years the females will most often remain in the pride if it has territory enough to accommodate the additional food necessary but most commonly males are driven from the pride by the Pridelord. There are of course some exceptions were sons of the Pridelord will remain to help safeguard the pride and eventually succeed their patriarch in time if the pride is large enough. Mates are bonded with their patriarchs or in some rare cases a Pridelorde may let his sons take up mates within the pride but it is almost never heard of for males to be allowed in from other prides.
Wyverns live up to roughly thirty to thirty-five years of age. At the end of their lives, wyverns will grow weak and unable to fight or hunt any longer. In captivity wyverns usually, stop flying with loads at roughly age twenty-seven to account for their failing bodies. Prides can often be seen caring for the sickly, old, and weak of their kind for a time to try and bring them to health. However, when it becomes clear that an elder wyvern cannot continue they are usually left in peace to die or they are driven out of the pride altogether if resources are scarce.
Gestation | Hatching-Child | Child-Youth | Adult | Elderly | Venerable |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 months | 0-1 year | 1-6 | 6-26 | 27-30 | 31-35 |
6 weeks inside the Matron; 14 weeks as an egg | Fully weaned at 6 months; first hunts start at 1 year | Ride-able at age 7 | Only light loads and very rarely can be riden | Never seen carrying loads or riders |
Dietary Needs and Habits
Wyverns, much like their lionel look-a-likes eat meat of all kinds though will usually not say no to a candied cactus pear. Lions are believed to feed every three or four days and need on average between eleven and fifteen pounds of meat a day. It should be no surprise then that the larger, more active wyverns need to eat about twenty to twenty-five pounds a day. The larger patriarchs have been known to eat whole zhevrah by themselves.In captivity, it is noted that some wyverns require additional mineral salt or doses of Stormvine which help their digestion.
Biological Cycle
Wyverns are not known to hibernate through during spring they shed a great deal and their wings will often gain a scaly texture to it which in time will rub off much like snakeskin. The shed fur can be brushed out to increase the comfort of the animal and collected for bedding, nesting material, and even to be spun into thread. Wyvern claws never stop growing and for those types that have horns, they do not stop either and must be maintained. Often the horns of a wyvern can be cut and hollowed out to make decorative horns, totem, or drinking horns. Their claws, if not used regularly can grow unchecked and become brittle or curl in on themselves. A good sharp claw is maintained by raking them over trees, rocks, and bones of kills.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Wyverns live in groups called Prides. These are lead and protected by a singular Patriarch called the Pridelord. This individual is the strongest and most powerful male among the pride and often must defend their position to maintain their status and keep the breeding rites of the matriarchs to himself. Often times male cubs are driven from the pride at about six to seven years of age to avoid conflicts with the Pridelord.
Matrons and Matriarchs are the dominant females within the Pride. These wyverns usually do most of the hunting and care among the pride, looking after the clubs and providing meat for the whole pride. These individuals often are the ones that choose Pride Champions and Clutch Protectors. Pride Champions are those individuals that act as the Pridelord's second in command and usually leader of the hunt. Clutch Protectors are elite fighters among the Pride that spend their time watching over the clutches of eggs while the matrons are out hunting. Out of all the wyverns you do not want to come upon a Clutch Protector while the rest of the pride is away. They don't ask questions and cannot be reasoned with.
Uniquely among wyvern prides the Cloudlord Pride does not follow the typical pride hierarchy of the wild. Many of these mated pairs seem to mate for life or for life with only a hand full of partners though it is unknown if that is a product of their domestication of the binding magic that connects the wild wyverns to their riders. Additionally, they are more ready to accept outsiders into their pride even for breeding purposes. Though the Pridelord does not have to be the Chieftain's personal mount it seems most common among the tribe that the rank of a wyvern within the Pride directly reflects the rank of an individual among the tribe. Though of course there are acceptions.
Domestication
While inherently distrustful of humanoids, in general, the wyvern has great respect for Tauren, and later the orcs. The orcs eventually used that trust and bond to train Windriders and to provide swift transportation to the rest of the Horde. It is noted that Tauren are often too large and heavy to fly on wyvern back and must either find different means or employ the use of the largest breeds of wyvern for their use. Flight masters often grow attached to their particular charges as they take so long to train and are a rare commodity. On more than one occasion the Horde has failed to meet the demand for Wyverns which has caused adventurers to plunder the eggs. Some groups, like the Skyrunner Tribe, have actually developed a business deal with the Horde where they provide eggs and cubs to the Horde to be trained under Flight masters. Those that work with young wyverns will often wear thick leather outfits and gloves to protect from their poisonous stingers and sharp fangs.
It is noted that when wyvern carry others, such as orcs, they are capable of carrying up to 600 pounds, and that would be considered a heavy load for them. A medium load is between 201-400 pounds and a light load is considered anything under 200 pounds. This is for the smaller breed of wyvern. The Cloudlord Pride has been known to easily carry When wyvern carry up to 1200 pounds, and that would be considered a heavy load for them. A medium load is between 300-700pounds and a light load is considered anything under 250 pounds.
Equipment and Personalization
Tribal Paints, Branding and Tattoos
Upcoming
Harnesses, Saddles, and Armor
Armor and saddles are made custom for each wyvern. Though old saddles can be altered to fit the comfort of a new wyvern good Wyvern Masters know that for the health and longevity of a wyvern it is best to get a custom one made. These saddles among the tribe are highly decorated with carvings, dyes, trinkets, and metal fittings. No saddle is the same among the tribe and each one is created by hand for a wyvern. Armor is done much the same way. Specifically built and crafted for each wyvern that it is necessary to outfit. This allows wyverns to maintain their basic inborn abilities while still gaining some protection from their enemies.
- Ore and Metals: Most commonly armor for wyverns is created from pure Mithril. The very lightweight metal is as strong as tempered steel but more than half the weight. This allows a wyvern to keep most of their mobility though a wyvern will need time to get used to the restrictions that come with wearing full armor and they will need time to adjust to the heavier load.
- Leather: The typical wyvern harness and saddle is made from Hardened Kodo Hide. The material is hard enough to last years of rigorous use without getting too thin and it is also hard enough to provide some protection, specifically around the belly, the curve of the tail, and the wing arms. The saddle is made from lightweight wood and molded kodo leather over top, usually with a layer of blanket between the wood and leather to provide the rider with some comfort. Saddles made for long trips are much more ornate and include things like arms, a backrest, and more padding where saddles made for military flights, scouting or speed are more streamlined.
- Cloth and Blankets: All wyverns should have a blanket between their saddle and their back. This helps prevent saddle sores, bone kinking and bone spurs, as well as providing more comfort against chaffing. The blanket cannot be too thick though or the wyvern can suffer from overheating. Most commonly open weave blankets made from spun hyena or wyvern fur is used for this though from time to time wolf, bear, and even ram wool can be used depending on the comfort of the wyvern and the weight of the saddle and rider.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Wyvern fur, particularly the fur that made up the mane of wyverns was thick, soft, and easily spun. The spring shed of wyverns is an opportune time to brush and collect the thick fur that is shed so that it may be washed, bleached, died, and then finally spun. Wyvern fur blankets are highly sought after for their warmth and durability. String made from wyvern fur is also notably strong and when bound into rope it serves as a very strong tether though it is not suitable for things like a fishing net and line, or individual threads for sowing.
Leather and Hide:Wyvern leather is a very soft leather when refined down with specific herbs. It combines the softness of rabbit leather but is also hard as young kodo hide. This makes it a very fine choice for supple leather armors across Kalimdor though the hide reacts poorly to boiling or hardening. The chitin on the wyvern tails can be used as a form of leather plating on armor but it is considered more decorative as over time the hard plating is prone to cracking. More commonly it is used to create larger water containers instead with the proper use of cured organs like the bladder or stomach. A wyvern's wings are thick and flexible so many inscriptionists prize the wings for velum. Easily cut into scrolls and very durable the wing membrane takes ink easily and retains it over time with ease, and because it is thicker it has the opportunity to be stamped, burned, or even tattooed after death for even longer-lasting inscription and recording. Among the tribe, the wings can be used to create decorative and ceremonial costumes, hut walls and roofs, and even a few failed attempts at gliders. Kanatu has also used the many dead wyverns from the first attack of the elves and had them preserved whole so that he may write the history of the tribe on the membranes.
Horns, Claws/Teeth and Bone:Wyvern bones, being chambered and partially hallowed out, are used to create many tools of tribe life. From needles to bone knives, and eating utensils. They are cut and polished down to smooth surfaces and carefully carved with tribal patterns. Teeth and claws can be used among tribes for ceremonial reasons or even ground down to use in elixirs and potions. Horns, depending on the size can be turned into deadly daggers, hollowed out and turned into fine drinking horns, and even used as calling horns. The Horn of Calling Winds is made from a wyvern horn.
Venom:Wyvern venom is highly unique pride to pride due to their habitat, ecology, biology, and genetics. Though there are different kinds they all share one thing in common. They are extremely deadly. The different variations of wyvern venom is coveted by rogues, assassins, hunters, and soldiers of the Horde for various reasons and as a result some people have worked to create a trade network of the deadly venom for sale. Among the Horde Wyvernmasters make half their coin by milking and selling the common venom among their wyverns though the truly deadly ones are in the tails of the two wild prides of wyverns as well as the Cloudlord Pride who has some fo the more potent venom known among wyvern handlers.
Meat:Wyvern meat is, in most circles, not something people consider eating. Among the Skyrunners when a wyvern dies it is considered an honor to use every part of it. From bones to leather to meat. Most often wyvern meat is made into jerky because of the naturally gammy flavor it has as well as the lean fat content to the muscles. When a wyvern first dies a portion of the meat is set aside to be cut into small strips and splashed with a mix of dry herbs and the wyvern's own venom where it is then consumed by members of the tribe. The very old ritual comes from a belief in taking on part of the wild spirit of a wyvern through the consumption of the poisoned meat though only a few drops are used so that it is not deadly and anit-venom is held close by.
Average Intelligence
Wyverns are incredibly smart creatures. As smart as any humanoid in fact. While they do not hold to the same ideals of many elevated races the wyvern holds a fierce and predatory cunning that makes them not only deadly as beasts but also deadly as individuals that can reason, understand, and learn.
Commonly the average wyvern requires the aid of a druid or those with extensive natural magical abilities to speak with through a mental link. This link shares images, emotions, physical sensations such as sound and smell, in addition to words that allow the wyvern in question to communicate. Very powerful wyverns can create this mental link with their own natural magics rather than relying on the humanoid races of Azeroth to do so. Most often these powerful individuals are Pridelords, Matrons, and Pride Champions. This natural mental connection can be made stronger through a token such as the Necklace of Binding.
Known LanguagesOrcish, Taur-ahe and the ability to learn others if need be.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
As intelligent creatures, they choose or are given their names by their own kind. Most often this name is a twisted version of orcish or more often Tuarahe as that would be the language that the two major prides of wyverns would have learned over the generations from their interaction with the tauren people. Names are usually a string of words that describe an individual's physical characteristics or abilities and can change over time. This can result in some very long names for wyverns that have a cultural impact within their various prides. Typically it is considered rude to name a wyvern something else other than their original names especially for those not bound to them through druidic means or through continual partnership together.
On very, very rare occasions among the Skyrunner history, a wyvern and a rider can become so bonded that they choose to take on one name together. This rare phenomenon is unique as it clearly states that the two have joined together in one soul but two separate bodies. The relationship here is much more akin to a Primal and the relationship that they have with The Beast Within. The two share thoughts, emotions, actions, and choices almost as one making it impossible to tell where the rider starts and the wyvern begins. Individuals that take on a shared name are often those that live on the very edge of Tribe life due to their more savage and beast-like nature.
Common Taboos
Among wyverns, aside from the general treatment you might offer a wild animal that could rip you in half the Wyverns have a few social rules that it's considered polite to observe. Not making eye contact is a big one as they will consider that a direct challenge from outsiders. Among those that a wyvern knowns eye contact and slow blinking can be a way to silently show trust as it is seen as a way that you are lowering your guard around the individual. Additionally approaching a nest is an immediate act of aggression. Eggs or no eggs. It would be akin to someone bursting through your door waving a stick unannounced and unwelcome. Lastly, grooming is a deeply engrained social concept among prides. It is seen not only as a sign of respect and affection but also an act that is completely necessary for bonding. It is considered the highest level of rude to refuse a wyvern who is trying to groom you and can lead not only to permanent bad blood between you two but in more aggressive cases can cause a wyvern to attack.
Wild wyverns can be found in many locations over Kalimdor and tamed ones can be found anywhere the Horde goes. Below are listed the locations of Known Prides on Kalimdor or other known wyvern types.
The Cloudlord PridePrimarially located in central Desolace though their hunting patterns can take them many days away deep into Stonetalon, Mulgore, and Feralas.
The Highperch PrideLocated on the cliffs and high spires of the flooded Thousand Needles taking hunting lands as far south as Un'goro and Tanaris up through Feralas and even the Barrens.
The Pridewing PrideThe majority of their pride is located in central Stonetalon along the high mountain cliffs their kind can be found all through Stonetalon. Their hunting patterns take them north into Ashenvale and even Feralas from time to time.
Northrend WyvernsNorthrend Wyverns are not wild beasts but rather a unique breed of wyvern cultivated among the Horde for cold weather flight. They can be found from breeders or for rent in most major Horde cities in Northrend though ground travel is still far more reliable with the sudden storms of that land.
Ecology and Habitat(Most wyverns) hail from some of the most inhospitable regions of Kalimdor, making them masters of adapting to any environment. They can be found living in the harsh cliff-terraces of the Barrens, Stonetalon Mountains, and the Thousand Needles, as well as parts of Feralas.- WowpediaThough wyverns, have been found as far south as Uldum and as far north as Winterspring though it is unclear if these wyverns are migratory or not as it seems the wyverns in Winterspring cannot be located all the time. Additionally, while wyverns are extremely adaptable to harsh environments they still have limitations when flying in cold-weather regions as they are not adapted to such places on a more regular basis. Ethnicities
The Cloudlord Pride
The Highperch Pride
The Pridewing Pride
Northrend Wyverns
Ancient Wyverns
The Skyrunner Tribe makes a significant amount of their earnings on selling wyverns. The prices steadily increase from selling eggs to selling a fully-trained adult wyvern, and thus it is much more profitable to raise a wyvern to about three or four years of age before taking them on to the wyvern masters throughout Kalimdor.
To easily denote what cubs are to be kept for the tribe’s personal stock and which ones are to be trained and sold later, the Wyvern Master or handlers notches a cub’s ears as soon as they are born. The notches are different in shape and size and translate into two categories:
- Which clutch they were born into
- Which one of the clutch they are
Because wyvern cubs are often similar in coloration for most of their early life and often do not receive a name until after their first year, it is far easier to quickly read notches to identify which cub a handler is working with that day. Notches are far cleaner and easier to maintain than tags, and pose little to no threat to the cub’s overall health as they grow.
Selling:The Tribe prefers to sell trained wyverns instead of just cubs or eggs, as they get a greater return and can customize a wyvern for various sellers. In previous generations, a Wyvern Master of the Horde could request a wyvern for a specific task from the Skyrunner stock and receive such a beast without issue. However, since the destruction of a significant portion of the Cloudlord Pride, the Skyrunners must focus on rebuilding their stock before they can return to this type of trading.
Wyverns, if they are not sold as eggs or cubs, are often sold right before or shortly after the turning of their fourth year. These 3-4 years give the Wyvern Master and handlers plenty of time to train them up and teach them specific tasks if required.
However, once a wyvern has reached around 6 or 7 years of age within the Pride, they are considered not eligible for selling or trading. This is because they are considered bonded to the Pride and to be forced away from them would cause more harm than good. To make the transition easier for the adolescent wyverns, they are often trained away from the rest of the Pride, in a manner not dissimilar to human schoolhouses.
Sale Price and Value
- Unhatched eggs: 2,000g
- Cubs fully weaned: 3,500g
- Yearlings- partially trained: 4,800g
- Fully trained adults: 10,000g
- Adult sized tack: 1,200g
- Adult sized armor: 5,000g
The Necklace of Binding
Among the Skyrunner tribe all wyverns wear a Necklace of Binding which is a druidic talisman that allows them to more easily communicate with members of the Tribe. Individuals that are seeking to become a Windwarrior must make their own Necklace of Binding and undergo the Judgment of the Wyverns to gain the trust and bond with a wild wyvern.
Wyvern Classifications
Size and Natural Ability
Standard:Standard maneuverability, size, strength, speed, and stamina. These wyverns are dependable and the most common. They are the standard Cloudlord stock, so larger and heartier than wild variants but not too far into either category. Standard wyverns make up the bulk of the Pride, and are used regularly by every member of the tribe. Note: a wyvern may be particularly large or small and still remain Standard.
Ambusher:Superior patience and hunts almost exclusively by lying in wait. Superior hearing and eyesight. They train all of their younglings in this hunting style. Ambusher wyverns are favored by scouts, spies, and assassins, as they do not grow restless easily and can wait out a target for days.
Endurance:Superior lung capacity and strong fatigue resistance. While slower fliers overall, these wyverns can travel long distances without the need to stop as frequently as other breeds. Endurance wyverns are favored by messengers and those that frequently go on patrol. They can stay aloft for hours longer than other wyverns and have further ranges.
Speed:Superior sprinting capability. Hunts primarily through chasing; incredibly high prey drive. It cannot fly as far as other breeds, but has a much higher top speed than others. Often are smaller. Speed wyverns are favored by scouts, warriors, and short-distance messengers. They can easily duck and dive in combat and flourish when given something to pursue. They are also useful in delivering battle correspondence between several squads for rapid communication.
Oversized:Superior build, muscle-mass, and strength. While the slowest fliers of all the breeds, the oversized wyverns can carry multiple loads, people, or armored tauren and still act in combat with ease. They are often afflicted with a genetic condition that causes heart complications in their middle years. Oversized wyverns are favored by warriors, chieftains, and shock-troopers. They are absolutely massive compared to others of their kind, and can easily take more damage than a standard wyvern. They battle well in armor and with a rider.
Bantam:Superior maneuverability, dexterity, and stealth. These are the smallest of all wyverns and are often capable of only carrying goblins, elves, or vulpera. They often live the longest (in captivity), but are caused by a dwarfism gene that is hard to breed for. Bantam wyverns are often reserved for highly specific jobs and riders, due to the usual randomness of their birth. Those jobs are often for stealth missions and incredibly difficult maneuvers (such as flying through a narrow tunnel or thick forest), or small riders that would otherwise have trouble riding a larger wyvern (such as goblins, elves, or vulpera).
Temperment
Passive:A passive wyvern does not mean they are lazy, just that they typically prefer to watch and wait before leaping into an argument or attack. A rider of a passive wyvern might need to convince their beast to attack, or move, or execute a certain maneuver if the wyvern deems it not necessary just yet. Patience is a virtue to these types of wyverns, and their rider must also have plenty of it. Passive wyverns are steadfast companions and are typically associated with Ambusher and Endurance breeds.
Submissive:A submissive wyvern typically takes the lead from other, higher ranking wyverns or their riders. They can act on their own free will, of course, but they usually prefer to wait for a cue or permission. They feel most comfortable in the midst of the pride and most stressed when out on their own without a rider or other wyverns. Submissive wyverns are typically associated with Bantam, Speed, and Standard breeds.
Independent:An independent wyvern is usually a lone hunter. They act of their own free will and typically struggle in a pride environment. They also are the most difficult to train and bond with, as they make themselves scarce during a Judgment Rite. Independent wyverns are, however, incredibly loyal once their loyalty has been earned. They are truly stereotypical housecats. Independent wyverns are typically associated with all breeds of wyvern.
Dominant:A dominant wyvern typically runs the roost. They are usually the Pride-Lord, or the sons and daughters of a Pride-Lord, and often are headstrong and determined. They do not back down from a challenge and will put a wyvern or rider in their place if they deem themselves disrespected. Dominant wyverns are not unreasonable, of course, they just act with the weight and strength of a king. Dominant wyverns are typically associated with Endurance, Oversized, Speed, and Standard breeds.
Aggressive:An aggressive wyvern is a hard friend to make. They are fighty, territorial, and quick to jump to action. They would sooner bite or sting than listen to reason. Oftentimes, a particularly unreasonable wyvern of this temperament will be put down by a Pride-Lord if they feel their recklessness is threatening the safety of the pride. However, aggressive wyverns usually just need a constructive outlet for their claws and teeth. Once an aggressive wyvern has been given a job, they are dedicated and loyal for life, often considering it a sacred duty. Aggressive wyverns are typically associated with Bantam, Oversized, Speed, and Standard breeds.
Venoms
Cloudlord Venom:Due to generations of careful breeding, the Cloudlord venom is the most deadly of all the variants. Wild wyvern venom cannot compare in deadliness nor speed of venom spread, and as such, Cloudlord wyverns are prized by various tribes, clans, and the Horde in equal measure. Cloudlord wyverns also typically do not hunt with their stinger when hunting for the non-wyvern members of the tribe, as their venom remains toxic for days before it rapidly deteriorates.
The venom works by disrupting the body’s ability to cause blood clots, and causes blood vessels in and around important organs to burst. Deaths from a Cloudlord sting are incredibly painful, but blessedly quick.
- D20 Special Ability: Once stung the target takes +1 damage from anyone that attacks it for 3 rounds. At the end of three rounds they also take 3 additional damage or die if they have 2hp or less at the end of the dot
Due to their hunting grounds being in the Thousand Needles and Feralas, the Highperch wyverns were the first to adapt to an ambush method of hunting. They also hunt primarily in packs and family groups, and so adolescent wyverns are frequently with them. The Highperch favor this venom, as their prey is so incredibly varied that digestion is often difficult or not consistent, especially for younger wyverns and cubs.
The venom works by liquifying organs and cells in a process known as necrosis. While incredibly frightening and the loss of limb is nearly guaranteed, this venom is not nearly as deadly as the other two. Necrosis only happens at and around the injection site, and so a glancing blow may cause the loss of a limb but the victim may escape with their lives if they’re quick enough in stemming the venom’s spread.
- D20 Special Ability: Roll to determine. On a Critical hit without modifiers, the victim dies instantly. Anything less, and they take 4 damage and lose the use of a limb
Because the Pridewing wyverns hunt primarily alone, they focus on hunting in a way that conserves the most amount of energy for the most reward. They cannot waste time chasing and pinning an animal that will only wriggle free and escape, nor can they risk becoming injured in a struggle. Their venom has adapted for this style of hunting by rendering prey frozen in place.
The venom works by attacking the nervous system, locking up muscles and disrupting the signals from the brain to important organs. Victims usually die by respiratory failure, if not outright killed by the wyvern’s teeth.
- D20 Special Ability: Stun your target for 2 rounds. Attacks against them cannot miss and attackers gain Advantage on the target allowing Critical Strikes with modifiers
A change from standard wyvern's venom are the Dreamvenom variety. These wyverns produce a non-lethal venom that instead paralyzes a target and lowers their heart rate until they are knocked unconscious. Dreamvenom wyverns are favored by poisoners, assassins, scouts, and hunters. Due to the non-lethal nature of their venom, they are also prized by bounty hunters, either their venom alone or to take one on as a rider. These wyverns are those of the Cloudlord Pride that retained a recessive gene for the non-lethal venom (seeing as the Cloudlord wyverns are incredibly lethal). Their venom is harvested for use in rituals and for performing surgery.
- D20 Special Ability:Reduces a target to attack once every other turn for 4 turns. Attacking a stunned target with this causes them die. Bosses are exempt
- Information was pulled from Wowpedia, WoWiki. General information regarding social dynamics, specific information exclusive to the Cloudlord Pride, and details on lifespans, diet, and biological traits are extrapolated from our own world animals to create more information. This is by no means cannon to the game like most fan-created lore!
- A huge thanks to Beast Trader Iko for their help in creating additional lore for the Skyrunner Wyverns, fleshing out the personality and attributes of over 60 wyverns, and being a huge world-building nerd like me!
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