Örldwyrm

Örldwyrms are relatively small wyrms in comparison to their other wyrm counterparts, and sightings of these elusive creatures are rare. Revered as one of the oldest known wyrm species, they are predominantly located at the tip of Dragon's Tail, nestled within the caves of the Shatterscale Mountains. These mountains, known for their treacherous cliffs and deep, shadowy caves, are steeped in mystery and legends.
Local lore suggests that örldwyrms are the guardians of ancient treasures concealed within the depths of the mountains, but such claims are often dismissed as mere pirate folklore. Despite this skepticism, the legends have sparked the imaginations of many, including the daring treasure hunter pirates of the Shattered Archipelagos, who have been known to hunt these creatures. They seek out örldwyrm horns, which are believed to not only provide protection during perilous voyages but also lead them to hidden wealth and riches.
Furthermore, various cults, including the secretive Dragonbane Order and the enigmatic Septenary Pact, have incorporated örldwyrm horns into their rituals and ceremonies. These groups hold the horns in high regard, viewing them as a powerful symbol and relic.
A revered assembly of ancient örldwyrms once thrived at the tip of Dragon's Tail, long before the encroachment of humankind. However, this serene reality was tragically disrupted during the Twenty Year Scourge, when the Septenary Pact launched a merciless campaign that resulted in the brutal extermination of the ancient örldwyrms.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Wyrm

Scientific Name

Wyrm Örldwyrm

Geographic Distribution

• Dragon's Tail

Alternative Names

Ironhorns

Scientific Classification
Class: Reptilia
Order: Draconis
Family: Wyrm
Genus: Örldwyrm
Species: ?

Basic Information

Anatomy

Örldwyrms exhibit a unique divergence from the characteristics typically associated with conventional wyrms. While most wyrms are armored with thick, resilient scutes, or scalepates, that provide formidable protection, örldwyrms have softer, more flexible scales. Although these scales offer decent defensive capabilities — able to endure a sword strike or survive even small arms fire — they fall short in comparison to the powerful bite forces found in some more traditional dragonkin.
What truly distinguishes örldwyrms, however, are their striking horns. Made from the iron found deep within the Shatterscale Mountains, these horns are incredibly strong and serve as the defining feature of the species, earning them the nickname ironhorns. Unlike the forward-facing horns of the more common borewyrm, örldwyrm horns curve backward, a trait that aligns them more closely with the anatomical design of other dragonkin.

Trivia

This species was randomly created after Annie Stein made a typo in a Discord chat, then jokingly challenged everyone to worldbuild something named after the typo.