Sonnet Wyvern

wyvero ouzelus

One of the species of genus wyvero within order draconidae, the diminutive Sonnet Wyvern is a small but very noisy Lesser Draconid. It is famous for its complex, melodic trills and calls. Although native to the formerly forested worlds in the Great Constellation, it can now be found roosting in and around the asteroid bases along the Protium Shore.

Anatomy

As a member of the reptilian order draconidae, sonnet wyverns share many anatomical features with their fellow draconids. Their hides consist of many small, hard scales, with a handful of larger scale plates along parts of the spine. The frills over their ear holes have short, bony spines and a full membrane.
Like the other members of genus wyvero, sonnet wyverns have wings suited for flight across the expanse of the Great Constellation. The wing membrane extends from the wrist to the halfway down the thigh bone. Their flight muscles are large and well developed, allowing them access to short bursts of extreme speed. Their tails are thin and whip-like, with a pronounced club at the tip akin to that of the Sting Tailed Wyvern but lacking the venomous stings.
Sonnet wyverns have hides that exhibit complex iridescence in discreet patches unique to each individual. This iridescence is most vibrant and vivid in the ultraviolet range, but for most species it appears as a simple, glossy black.

Dragonsong

The sonnet wyvern differs from other draconid species in that the relatively simple larynx typical of a Lesser Draconid has migrated downwards and bifurcated into a more sophisticated syrinx. This allows them to modulate the rate and frequency of air passing in and out of each lung independently, creating complex harmonics and allowing them to produce more than one pitch at the same time. As a result, the sonnet wyvern is capable of creating highly complex vocalizations commonly known as "Dragonsong".
Some sonnet wyverns have been known to be keen mimics, able to replicate the sounds and phrases of Greater Draconid speech and incorporate it into their dragonsong without being able to actually comprehend the meaning of the words themselves.

Aberrance

Like all draconids, and most things that exist in the Great Constellation, sonnet wyverns are susceptible to the hostile effects of aberrance.

Aberrant Polyglossos

A conversation is not mere mimicry.

A minor aberrance where certain parts of an afflicted sonnet wyvern's brain become more well developed, granting them increased intelligence and a better ability to learn draconid languages that goes beyond simple replication of phrases. Estimated intelligence varies between afflicted individuals, but most estimates puts their mental acuity as roughly on par with or just less than that of the average Kobold. It is possible to hold simple conversations with many sonnet wyverns afflicted with Aberrant Polyglossos, and some are capable of learning and communicating more advanced concepts.
Unlike most forms of aberrance, Aberrant Polyglossos is considered by most Greater Draconids to be benign, and afflicted sonnet wyverns are highly sought after as pets across the Great Constellation.

Aberrant Dischordancy

A dark hymn. A prayer to a foul idol. Listen, and sacrifice what sanity you have.

A major and alarming aberrance where an afflicted sonnet wyvern's voice becomes fell and terrible. Its dragonsong contains only discordant notes and jarring disharmonies that seem to scrape at the minds of all who hear it until only madness remains.

A wondrous creature to listen to, except when they begin to bellow just outside of your nest in the early hours.

Clade Structure

draconidae
wyvero
w. ouzelus

Keywords

Draconid, Lesser Draconid, Biped, Winged, Fleshy