Cornish Wyvern
The Cornish Wyvern (Alatus cornubiensis), is a species of wyvern native to the moorlands of Cornwall but can be found in various regions across the British Isles. Noted for their aggressive nature and potent venom, these creatures are both respected and feared. They play a significant role in British folklore and are often mentioned in tales and legends. Despite their fearsome reputation, Cornish Wyverns are also sought after for their magical properties, particularly their venom and skin.
The Cornish Wyvern remains a subject of both fear and fascination, embodying the wild and untamed aspects of the British Isles' natural and mystical landscapes. Its presence in folklore and magic continues to influence cultural and mystical practices throughout the region.
Physical Description
The Cornish Wyvern typically reaches a length of about 2.5 meters, including its tail, and has an equal wingspan, allowing for gliding and short flights. Unlike dragons, wyverns like this species have two legs and are distinguished by their reptilian, serpentine appearance. They possess a row of spiny ridges along their back, leading to a long, powerful tail. Their scales are small, tough and have a natural, earthy coloration, which provides camouflage in the wyvern's native moorland habitat.
Behavior
Cornish Wyverns are known for their territorial and aggressive nature. In fact, they are one of the most aggressive species of wyvern known. They are primarily solitary creatures, coming together only during mating seasons. These wyverns are both swift runners and agile fliers, although they prefer to hunt on the ground where they can utilize their speed and venomous bite or spit. They are purely carnivorous, and, being apex predators, will typically hunt anything up to medium game, such as deer or sheep. While they normally do not prey on humans, they will attack them, considering them a disturbance or intruders into their territory.
Habitat
Their primary habitat is the deep moorlands of Cornwall, where they reside in rocky crevices or caves. However, sightings have been reported in other parts of the British Isles, suggesting a wider range than previously believed.
Uses in Magic
In magical practices, various parts of the Cornish Wyvern are highly valued. The venom is particularly sought after for its potency and is used in several powerful potions and elixirs, though handling it requires extreme caution. The wyvern's scales and skin are used in protective clothing, while their bones are ground into powders for various mystical purposes.
Venom
The Cornish wyvern's venom is extremely agressive and lethal. Due to its acidic nature, even skin contact is highly dangerous, as it will cause immediate pain and eat through skin and flesh within minutes. When injected into the blood stream via bite, it is almost always lethal, as it will immediately start causing severe damage to any tissue it comes in contact with. Unless a witch or wizard specialized in powerful healing magic, or an extremely potent healing potion, such as a potion of temporary immortality, is available, immediately amputating the afflicted limb, and thus preventing the venom to spread throughout the body, is often the only way to save a victim.
Precautions
Due to the Cornish wyvern's aggressive nature and dangerous venom, any areas known to be inhabited by a wyvern are off limits. Engaging a Cornish wyvern should be avoided at all costs. Strong shielding magic is required to protect oneself from its venom. The best way to deter a Cornish wyvern are strong fire spells. However, it should be noted that, once it attacks, it fights to kill, and it will be difficult to deter it. Cornish wyverns do not like to loose.