Daelyrian Wyvern

The Daelyrian Wyvern (Wyvernis helmicus) is a relatively large winged dragon native to the eastern Sea of Petals and Daelyria. It is the second largest extant wyvern species, native to western Helmia. it bears a black and red coloration on the belly and the wings. Despite influencing early Daelyrian culture and religion, it is critically endangered.

The name for the Daelyrian Wyvern comes from the culture and historic nation of Daelyria, in which it early on became an important cultural icon and was domesticated. The species name helmicus reflects their habitat changing from almost the whole Sea of Petals to just its east shores, most prominently the western parts of the subcontinent of Helmia.

The Daelyrian Wyvern is observed to be highly intelligent, with many recorded incidents of contact with humans and even partial domestication. They are carnivorous, primarily feeding on various types of fish, turtles, seabirds, and occasionally larger mammals like rams and marmots, but essentially will eat anything it gets, including humans.

They tend the build their nests on the steep and rocky cliffs of the region, but also have been observed building large almost fortress-like nests in forests. Around two centuries ago Daelyrian settlers in the region began to tame the wyverns and breed them in captivity in order to use them in warfare. They would have been used for their ability to spit fire and there are even records of people riding them like horses.

They possess sharp teeth adapted to grab fish and tear apart bigger animals.