Ratcatcher Wyvern

The Ratcatcher Wyvern, commonly known as the Ratwyve, is a small, highly intelligent, pack-hunting omnivore that has adapted to coastal forests, caves, and mountainous regions. With their keen instincts, sharp talons, and a balanced mix of agility and intelligence, they are among the most adaptable draconic species in Fanterath. Their natural habitats consist of areas rich in prey and ample opportunities for climbing, gliding, and burrowing. However, it is on the decks of ships and within bustling ports that Ratwyves have truly flourished, becoming an invaluable part of maritime life.

Physical Characteristics

Ratwyves are small creatures, typically measuring between two to three feet in length from snout to tail, with a wingspan reaching up to four feet when fully extended. with a traditional wyvern-like appearance featuring long tails, strong legs, and winged arms that fold neatly when walking on all fours. They are adept flyers but spend much of their time crawling and climbing, a trait developed to avoid the larger aerial predators in their natural environments. Their coloration ranges from deep greens and mottled browns to aquas, allowing them to blend effortlessly with their surroundings. Their skin is smoother than that of their larger draconic cousins, favoring flexibility over armor. Some sport twin, swept-back horns, while others have a single short head crest—traits more for display and recognition within their packs than for combat.

Though they are capable fliers, Ratwyves are better suited to gliding, using their powerful hind legs to launch themselves from high perches. Their landings, however, are often awkward and imprecise, making ship rigging and high cliff perches their preferred launching points.

Behavior and Intelligence

Among the most intelligent small-scale draconic creatures, Ratwyves exhibit complex social structures. They live in highly coordinated packs, engaging in both cooperative hunting and intricate social hierarchies. Their omnivorous diet allows them to thrive in a variety of environments, from hunting coastal vermin to scavenging fruit from merchant ships. They are excellent problem-solvers, capable of working together to open food stores, evade predators, or set traps for unsuspecting prey.

Ratwyves are also known for their ability to mimic sounds, a trait that makes them exceptional sentinels aboard ships. Sailors often train them to recognize the approach of enemy vessels, the presence of lurking sea predators, or even the distinct calls of specific crewmates. Their ability to learn and remember commands makes them one of the most sought-after domesticated creatures in seafaring cultures.

Domestication and Trade

The Ratwyve has become a staple aboard ocean-going vessels, where it is valued for its natural ability to control vermin populations and its keen senses. It is considered a good luck charm among sailors, with entire port cultures built around the presence of these creatures. A ship without a Ratwyve is often viewed with suspicion, as they are believed to bring safe passage and protection against unseen dangers.

Over time, a thriving domestication trade has developed, with trained Ratwyves being sold or exchanged among ship crews, traders, and nobles seeking exotic pets. Some are bred for their heightened intelligence, while others are raised for their alertness and ability to sense disturbances in the air or water. While many ships treat them as beloved companions, less scrupulous individuals have also used them in underground fighting rings, pitting the creatures against one another for sport and gambling.