Wyvern

Creature of Magic

A dragon-like chimera found on the inhospitable cliffs of Mount Phi. To the locals from the lowlands, these beasts are a nuisance that needs to be wiped out. They prey the Feyani, a llama-like herd animal, as well as the shepherds who tend to the animals. Wyverns attack animal and humans alike, swooping down from the skies to snatch up their prey. Merciless killers, Wyverns are not evil by nature and only kill for food (or when instructed by their mysterious masters).

An idea of domesticating Wyverns was once kicked around. One enterprising Elven rancher even managed to raise one, but everyone told him it would end badly. Despite things going seemingly well at first, the fears of the locals came to fruition only a few months ago when the Wyvern suddenly attacked the Elven rancher and killed him. The general belief is that the Wyvern's true nature finally rose to the surface, though a few suspect darker forces at work.

Up until that point the raised Wyvern had, much to everyone's surprise, behaved and the training proceeding smoothly. Observers say then, without warning, the Wyvern brutally attacked its master. Stranger yet is that the Wyvern did not eat any part of the rancher, merely attacked. Those who know the habits of the Wyvern know this is out of character, as Wyvern's kill for food. After the random assault, the Wyvern went back to being tame, as if nothing had happened, not even resisting as the nearby townsfolk captured it and then put it down.

The term Wyvern is derived from the Elven words "wyrm" which means dragon and "savern" which means two-legged. Even though no text can be found detailing their creation, the Magi remain convinced that Wyverns are the result of Mosaic Magic. Whether Wyverns are a successful experiment, working as intended or a failed one that escaped and just happens to prove useful remains a matter of some debate.

Alignments: Considered anarchist.

Attributes: I.Q. 1D4+2 (high animal intelligence), M.E. 3D6, M.A. 1D6, P.S. 2D6+18, P.P. 2D6+12, P.E. 4D6, P.B. 2D6+6, Spd. 4D6 running, or 2D4x10+20 flying (glides at half speed).

Natural A.R.: 10.

Hit Points: P.E. attribute number +50.

S.D.C.: 2D6x10.

M.D.C.: 4D6x10.

Horror Factor: 11.

P.P.E.: 1D4x10.

Physical Appearance: Resembles a small-sized dragon with large leathery wings and only two legs. Their talons are large enough to snatch up medium sized prey, such as Feyani (llama-like herd animal) or even humans, in their razor-sharp grip. They have a mane that stretches from the top of the head all the way to the tip of the tail. On its snout, the top of its mouth overlaps the bottom, dipping down and to a point similar to a bird's beak. While the dragon traits are dominant, by its shape and mannerisms some say it has bird-like qualities while others say it appears closer to a horse (perhaps created in an attempt to make it a powerful and ideal mount?).

Size: 10-15 feet (3 to 4.6 m) long (not including the tail, which is equal in length to its body), 6-7 feet (1.8 to 2.1 m) tall at the shoulder, and 25-30 foot (7.6 to 9 m) wingspan.

Weight: 1.5 tons (3,000 pounds/1360 kg).

Average Life Span: 600 years. This lifespan is similar to the typical time a dragon spends as a hatchling causing some to theorize the two are connected, either believing that the Wyvern evolve into some unknown adult form or that they're under some kind of curse (possibly as a result of the Chimera process?) that causes them to die before reaching adulthood.

Natural Abilities: Flight (includes gliding silently on the wind), exceptional hawk-like vision (can see a rabbit 3 miles/4.8 kg away), nightvision 100 feet (30.5 m), climb 45%, track animals 60%, track humanoids 60%, incredible strength (can lift/carry twice as much as normal), and resistant to fire and cold (does half damage, including M.D. magic fire and plasma energy). The Wyvern can also dive underwater for brief periods of time as a hunting tactic. Since Wyvern are not natural swimmers, they stay near the top of the water using the momentum from flight before plunging in and then skim just below the surface of the water like a torpedo engulfing everything in its path before rising back up and flying away.

Attacks Per Melee: Four hand to hand attacks per melee.

Damage: Bite inflicts 2D4 damage, claws 2D6+2 damage, and tail whip does 4D6 damage.

Bonuses: +2 on initiative, +2 to strike, +2 to dodge on the ground, +4 to dodge in the air, and +4 to save vs. horror factor (except against dragons!).

Magic: None.

Psionics: A Wyvern is naturally psychic sensitive, possessing the following abilities: Presence Sense, See Aura, and Sixth Sense. The Wyverns also have the abilities to Sense Psychic and Magic Energy and Sense Supernatural Beings, equivalent to the Psychic Sensitive P.C.C. abilities of the same name (Palladium Fantasy; Second Edition, page 156). Wyvern appear attracted to magic energy and, when they sense its use or natural power nearby, investigate any sources they find. They don't necessarily attack and will sometimes just observe, as if curious. Still, using magic in the territory of a Wyvern is not a recommended activity.

Allies: None known, but there are rumors and suspicions that the Magi have found a way to control them.

Enemies: None per se. The locals of Phi would like to see them exterminated, but currently have no method to enact their desires. Wyverns have a natural and instinctive fear of other dragons, but dragons do not seem to take notice of Wyvern one way or the other, except possibly as a source of food (along with everything else) from time to time.