Wyvern

A fearsome Wyvern.

Wyverns are cannibalistic predators that are known to be a distant offshoot of the Dragon race but Dragons look down them as the lesser creatures that they are. ^[3a]

These creatures have been known to be oppurtunistic hunters, able to eat just about anything from rotting carcasses to bloated bodies amongst other filthy habits, making the Wyvern one of the most foul-smelling creatures to ever plague the World's Edge Mountains. These creatures have been known to swoop down from their bone-filled lairs high up in the mountains to devastate Empire towns and farms for easy prey. When the Men of the Empire see a Wyvern in the distance, they often go into a panic. For the Greenskins, its the complete opposite.^[1][2a]

When they see these creatures circling above, Orcs have been known to greet it with raucous cheers, for the flying creature represents both might and brutality, traits that are highly respected within Orc society. Perhaps the only way for an Orc to ride a Wyvern is to steal a Wyverm egg and hand-rear it to maturity. These beast are the most highly prized mounts within a Greenskin army, where only the most powerful Orc Warbosses or Great Shamans have the ability and unnatural bond to bind these cruel beast to his will. In battle, Wyverns are voracious beast that always hunger for fresh meat, and would sometimes land right in the middle of an enemy unit and feast upon their flesh in the droves while its rider hacks at the enemy that are still left.^[1][2a]

Appearance

Wyverns closely resemble dragons, but a number of traits distinguish the two creatures. They have only four limbs, two legs and two wings, instead of a dragon's six. They also have less sinuous bodies, and are more heavily muscled for their size.^[2a][2b]

Ecology

Wyverns are predators, and particularly fond of mutton.^[2a] They will not attack humans unless starved, as they have learned that humans have too little meat and are too likely to be armed or to wield magic to make preying on them worthwhile.^[2b] They care little about territory and will only attack intruders that seem easily overcome, but have terrible eyesight and often attack much stronger creatures than they should. ^[3a]

Habitat

Wyverns lair in dank caves in high, barren mountains across the world. The largest populations are in the World's Edge Mountains, but they can be found as far as Cathay and Naggaroth. ^[3a]

Weapons and Equuipment

• 8th Edition: May have Impaling Horns, Manbane Claws, Spike Tail, Venomous Breath. ^[3a]

Gallery

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  Wyvern

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  A Wyvern

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  A Wyvern

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  Wyvern

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  Black Tooth on Doom Serpent

Miniatures

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  Orc Warboss on Wyvern.

Quotes

Even if you raised it yerself, never turn yer back on a Wyvern. it'll bite off a bit as soon as look at yer, and it'll be a bit you're gonna miss . ~ Orc Warboss Grod da One-legged.[3a]

Sources

• 1: Warhammer Armies: Orcs & Goblins (8th Edition)
• 2: Old World Bestiary
  • 2a: Wyvern, pg. 57-58
• 3: Storm of Magic
  • 3a: Wyvern, pg. 101