Creatures of Thedas: The Creatures of Thedas: The Wyvern

The wyvern (wih-vern) is a member of the Despite all that, the most dangerous aspect of a wyvern family and especially important to Orlesian culture. is its venom. When provoked, spit poison out to a range of several yards. Left untreated, this poison Appearance & is fatal. Behavior The Wyvern in An adult wyvern is nearly the size of a dragon, but where a dragon is saurian and lithe, a wyvern has thicker muscu- Human Culture lature and a more sinewy bulk. A wyvern’s head is stout Wyvern defensiveness is legendary. Orlesian hunters and squarish with a split-mandible mouth and protruding tell tales and sing songs of female wyverns killing even fins. These are colorful creatures, garish and fierce. high that wandered too close to their nests. As Although historically categorized as smaller cousins ferocious, territorial creatures, they are often compared of drakes and dragons, wyverns differ distinctly from to knights depicted as wild warriors. From Orlais other dragon-kind in both physical form and demeanor. to Gwaren, wyvern symbols and devices mark the Wyverns lead solitary existences, stubbornly defending of knightly lords and ladies both low and lofty. their territory against trespass by other creatures, Bandits and brigands who draw on wyvern imagery including other wyverns. Bullish wyverns even defend for their strength do so to elevate their own station or their turf against dragons that might well be able to best to mock landed lords. Some realms even consider the them in battle. Wyvern territories sometimes overlap image of a wyvern to be so cherished and fearsome as with each other, as multiple wyverns may be drawn to make it a crime to a wyvern banner or standard to the same feeding grounds or water source, but not without proper authority. for long. Showy, noisy displays of dominance and foul- smelling wyvern spoor serve to settle most contests he yvern hase between their kind, driving each wyvern to ferociously T W C defend whatever ground it can claim. The wyvern is so prized and celebrated by some, in fact, that it has been hunted nearly to extinction. Wild The wyvern’s natural habitat lies within only a few wyverns are feared and honored creatures, full of mountain ranges of Thedas—rocky lands, in some portentous meaning. To slay one is a kind of trial by places barren, in others verdant, where the wyvern combat. In parts of Thedas it is considered shamefully can dwell as an apex predator. Wyverns typically do presumptuous (or even illegal) to hunt a wyvern and not discern between intelligent and unintelligent prey. fail… but dashing and praiseworthy to succeed at it. To They are as likely to eat ranging , feral wolves, think one’s self worthy of the wyvern hunt shows a bit family pets, and civilized folk, if given the need and of smirking arrogance. To succeed in the hunt shows the opportunity. Often, wyverns inflict their venom on that one is worthy. prey and then leave them to wander and die, perhaps as some base animal sense of sport or perhaps out of The rich gentry and nobility of Orlais are particularly simple ease. fond of the wyvern chase, a festive and competitive hunt for the rare creature. It is a drawn-out affair involving Wyvern wings are hardy but imprecise things. A feasting and pomp and sharp rivalries (some friendly wyvern does not truly fly, but glide. With a suitable and some not). Many participate in the chase with little perch and favorable winds, a wyvern can glide over hope of actually finding—much less besting—the beast. many miles, stalking prey and surveying its territory. Separating legend from lore is one part of the chal- With their strong claws they can grip and climb even lenge; keeping one’s wits when near wyvern territory vertical stone to achieve good perches and altitude. A is another part. wyvern can also leap many times its own body length, not unlike a dragon. They are quick, powerful skir- Often it is servants and hunting dogs that undertake mishers, seldom staying put during a contest of might. the true work and notorious risk of the chase, as they

2 The Wyvern attempt to flush out or track the famed creature. They They climbed until they came to a hanging valley with strike out into the countryside to rile or pursue the a small lake—still and clear, perfectly reflecting the powerful, poisonous beast while their noble masters sky—and there Beloved Andraste said they would rest. lead from the rear, sipping wine and accepting the She sat down on the lakeshore and said to her dear praise of a successful kill. companions, “Wait with me, my friends. And whatever While it is rare for people or hounds to be killed during happens, have no fear.” Then she began to sing. a wyvern chase—wounded hunters are often left to die As she sang, the mountains bent to listen. Stars came by the wyvern but not by fellow hunters—casualties of down from the heavens to be near her. Birds and beasts the hunt are not so shocking as to break the tradition. of every variety came forth and knelt at Andraste’s feet. Brewing draughts of antidote to the wyvern’s venom is Justinia and Maferath witnessed this and were afraid. part of the festive tradition, too. Then from the sheer cliffs a great wyvern appeared, baring its fangs and drowning out the Prophet’s song Venom and Its Uses with its roars. The beast descended from the cliffs like a Its venom makes the wyvern widely sought by potion- thunderbolt from the sky. Maferath drew his sword and makers, alchemists, and crafters of potent liquor called struck at the wyvern, slicing off part of its hood. aquae lucidius. A miniscule quantity of wyvern venom But the Prophet put her hand on Maferath’s sword arm remaining in the aquae after distillation results in a and stopped him. And the wyvern came to Andraste’s unique hallucinatory effect. Just how effective wyvern feet and knelt, and when it , it left blood on the venom is at enhancing potions and alchemical recipes is ground, dripping from the wound Maferath had given either a closely guarded secret or a continuing mystery; it. And Maferath was ashamed that he had given in opinions differ. to fear despite Andraste’s words. He drew his hand along the blade of his sword, spilling his own blood olklore and adding it to the wyvern’s. At this, the beast nodded F once in acknowledgement and then vanished as swiftly Wyverns, proud and fearsome as they are, have made as it had appeared. their way into and legend throughout Thedas. Perhaps no wyvern tale is so well known as this one, however, concerning the beasts and the beloved Andraste. Andraste and the Wyvern The armies of Andraste and Maferath gathered in the West. And the Prophet went alone into the mountains to sing to the Maker. She would take no one but Justinia and Maferath with her.

3 The Wyvern Wyvern Dragon-Kin The Wyvern Abilities (Focuses) In Play –1 Communication Wyverns are dangerous foes. Though characters 7 Constitution (Stamina) of various levels might be able to locate and bring –2 Cunning down a wyvern with luck and planning, only char- 5 Dexterity (Bite, Initiative) acters reliably capable of withstanding the effects of wyvern venom (or of crafting the antidote) are 0 Magic likely to bask in their success. Wyverns make poor 4 Perception (Smelling) on-the-fly encounters, therefore—they’re well suited 7 Strength (Claw, Jumping) to larger adventures that involve their lore, their 3 Willpower (Courage) venom, and the antidote. Combat Ratings Try staging a wyvern counter as the climax to an adven- Speed Health Defense Armor Rating ture that involves locating one. Or, alternately, have a wyvern glide into a scene as a surprise introduction 18 95 14 5 to the peril of a local wyvern territory struggle. Just Attacks remember that characters may be in serious danger Weapon Attack Roll Damage from a wyvern’s venom if they are unprepared. These Bite +7 2d6+7 are lethal creatures. Claws +9 2d6+7 Participating in a wyvern hunt might be the best way to earn favor with an Orlesian noble, as in the “Mark Tail Lash +7 1d6+7 of the Assassin” content for Dragon Age II. Just partici- Powers pating with bold and capable skill earns characters a Favored Stunts: Skirmish (1+ SP), Tail Lash (1+ SP), +1 modifier to Communication tests during the hunt’s Rake (2 SP), and Inject Venom (3 SP) celebratory feast or banquet. Actually locating or Inject Venom: As a 3 SP stunt, a wyvern that succeeds battling a wyvern earns a +2 modifier and slaying one on a bite attack can inject its venom in a target, starting earns a +3 modifier, all of which last for the whole of the the clock on a slow death. Afflicted targets suffer a –4 feast or until the characters do something to dishonor to Dexterity for the rest of the encounter and drop to 0 themselves. Health after a number of hours equal to 1d6 + Constitu- A less ceremonial hunt could involve locating and tion (minimum 1 hour). slaying a wyvern that has put a local settlement in Quick Skirmisher: A wyvern automatically generates 1 SP danger by devouring cattle, poisoning townsfolk, or each turn to put toward the skirmish stunt. It can only move causing ill omens by gliding down out of the mountains itself with this free stunt point and these free points do not on inauspicious days or leaving half-eaten entrails scat- accumulate from turn to turn. It may move itself or its foes tered about the area. Successfully besting such a beast with stunt points generated by the Dragon Die as usual. might earn the favor of locals and the ire of more distant Rake: A wyvern can perform a special rake stunt for 2 folk who believe rare wyverns should be revered—or SP following a successful bite attack. The creature makes slain by nobler folk. Honor, symbolism, and actual lives an additional claw attack against any adjacent target. may get tangled into a difficult choice: Do you seek Doubles on the rake attack do not generate stunt points. formal hunting rights and allies while people’s lives Spit Venom: As a major action, a wyvern can spit its are in danger or do you risk your own lives and hunt venom in a spray at up to two targets within 10 yards. the beast before it can kill again, regardless of the social Potential targets must succeed at either a TN 15 Dexter- consequences? ity (Acrobatics) or a TN 15 Constitution (Stamina) test or suffer the venom’s dizzying Dexterity penalty for Locating a wyvern can require various tests of Cunning the rest of the encounter. (Effects are not cumulative.) (Natural Lore) and Perception (Tracking). It can also involve more wits than numbers, using local fauna to Tail Lash: With a tail lash attack, a wyvern can perform the knock prone stunt for 1 SP each against any number of lure out a hungry wyvern, Communication to coordi- adjacent targets it can afford to pay for with stunt points. nate with would-be rivals, and so on. Or perhaps the Targets can also be pushed 2 yards away as per the skir- wyvern is hunting ill-equipped characters and the chal- mish stunt, if the stunt-point budget permits. lenge is to use Dexterity (Stealth) and Constitution (Running) to get clear of its territory before it can strike Tough Hide: A wyvern’s pebbly hide gives it an Armor Rating of 5. again…

4 The Wyvern Wyvern Venom

Poison Damage Additional Effects Cost Wyvern venom 1d6 –4 Dexterity, withering demise 225 sp/1 gp

Wyvern Venom: • Make a TN 13 Cunning (Natural Lore) test to A Master-Rank Poison properly distinguish drakevein from redleaf or risk using the wrong herb. Wyvern venom slows prey and kills gradually. Once afflicted, a target is in mortal danger. After afew • Convince a Dalish herbalist or local shop to part moments, however, venom exposed to air becomes far with the last of their winterberry (as a TN 15 less dangerous. Thus it is essential to harvest wyvern Communication (Persuasion) test, modified by +1 venom quickly and carefully if it is to be stored for for every 75 silver offered). future use by, say, poisoners. A TN 17 Cunning (Poison Lore) test, requiring the remains of a freshly slain wyvern, harvests 1d6 doses of viable venom, leaving Aquae Lucidius Results none behind for a second attempt. When using the Making a batch of aquae lucidius requires 1 dose Poison-Making Mishap rule (on p. 51 of the 2 of wyvern venom per 10 servings, plus additional Player’s Guide), wyvern venom adds only a +1 to the brewing supplies such as water, sugars, herbs, mishap result with a maximum result of 6—it never and yeast (costing about 10 silvers for a 10-serving slays outright. batch). Crafting any sized batch of aquae lucidius Characters hit by a wyvern’s sprayed venom suffer a requires an advanced TN 15 Cunning (Brewing) –4 Dexterity penalty. Characters afflicted with wyvern test; each roll represents about an hour’s work. venom from a bite suffer from a withering demise, Those who drink a serving of the stuff must make dropping to 0 Health after a number of hours equal to a TN 13 Constitution (Drinking) test, the result 1d6 + Constitution (minimum one hour) unless they of which determines the drinker’s general reac- receive a dose of antidote before their time runs out. tion to the brew. Increase the TN by 1 for each During this time, victims are subject to fever, visions, additional serving consumed after the first. Any and the Dexterity penalty. character who fails the test passes out after 1d6 The antidote to wyvern venom is a potion (crafted minutes of dizzying, ugly hallucinations that with a TN 15 Cunning (Poison Lore) test) made from leave him rattled and uneasy (–1 to Cunning a mixture of three particular herbs: Andraste’s mantle, and Perception) for 1d6 hours. Characters who drakevein, and winterberry. succeed react to the drink based on their Dragon Die result, compared to the table below. (No Antidote Hunt actual magic effects take place but drinkers may be difficult to convince of that.) Characters who aren’t yet ready to hunt a rampaging wyvern or two may find themselves roped into a hunt Aquae Licidius Effects for the ingredients for a wyvern-venom antidote. Completing such a mission might make a vital ally out Dragon Die Effect of a poisoned, higher-level NPC (and enemies out of 1 “I can see through time!” the people trying to deny the antidote to that NPC). The 2 “You’re all just made up of firelight slowly dying NPC provides a great ticking deadline and shadows, you know, flavored like for such a . Can the heroes discover the antidote blue and yellow. If I douse you, you ingredients and brew the potion in the hours before the might go out. Wouldn’t want that.” NPC dies? 3 “I had a brief vision of my great- Andraste’s mantle, drakevein, and winterberry are not grandmother, though she was eating turnips with a modest dragon and particularly rare, in general, but may be out of season Andraste was there putting salt on or found mostly in distant lands if you want to increase everything.” the difficulty of such a quest. Here are a few sample 4 “It was as though my soul took wing actions that might have to be undertaken to achieve all and floated about my head.” three herbs: 5 “I feel strange but also good!” • Make a 30-minute-long TN 13 Perception (Seeing 6 “That stuff works well enough. or Smelling) test to locate one of the herbs in the ‘Nother round, anyone?” wild.

5 The Wyvern • Catch and battle thieves who have stolen the Credits only pre-mixed antidote in an effort to keep the poisoned from surviving his wounds. Writing and devlopment: Will Hindmarch Scaling The Numbers Based on material by the Dragon Age team Editing: Evan Sass Wyverns, of course, come in a variety of sizes and Graphic Design: Hal Mangold demeanors. The numbers presented here represent a Interior Art: Caspar Konefal and Francis Lacuna full-grown but otherwise typical example of the species. Younger wyverns might have lower Strength or a less Publisher, Dragon Age RPG Design: Chris Pramas durable hide. Unusually tough or nasty wyverns might Ronin Staff: Bill Bodden, Joe Carriker, be even stronger or faster. Will Hindmarch, Steve Kenson, Jon Leitheusser, Nicole Lindroos, Hal Mangold, Chris Pramas, Leopold, from “Mark of the Assassin,” is a rare spec- Evan Sass, and Marc Schmalz imen, for example. You might model him with +1 Special Thanks to Matthew Goldman, Mike Laidlaw Constitution, +1 Dexterity (and Speed), and another The Wyvern is copyright © 2012 Green Ronin Publishing, 10 or more points of Health. A lot of Leopold’s unique LLC. All rights reserved. Reference to other copyrighted character comes from how he is treated by Duke Prosper material in no way constitutes a challenge to the and how he is portrayed in battle; those are roleplaying respective copyright holders of that material. challenges for you as the GM. Perhaps your players’ © 2012 Electronic Arts Inc. EA and EA logo are characters might even face Leopold himself? trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. BioWare, BioWare logo, and Dragon Age are trademarks of EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Green Ronin, Adventure Game Engine, and their associated logos are trademarks of Green Ronin Publishing.

Green Ronin Publishing 3815 S. Othello St. Suite 100, #304 Seattle, WA 98118 Email: [email protected] Web Site: greenronin.com

6 The Wyvern