by HopefulMonster » Wed Jan 08, 2014 3:26:09 pm
:cracks knuckles:
Ok.
Mountain Wyrms are typically rather solitary. Their aggressive and territorial natures, particularly in Growlers, make it difficult for them to gather in large groups. Small 'packs' are not unheard of, provided the territory has enough to sustain the group, but these are usually family groups, with young that have not yet struck out to earn their own territory.
Growler courtship involves a good deal of posturing, and equal amounts of fighting for dominance. Females usually distain any male unable to prove themselves, and being able to maintain and protect a large territory with plentiful food, water, and den space goes a long way towards impressing most Growler females.
Courtship gifts include insects, small reptiles, and other meat. Managing to steal a portion of the kill from larger predators is a coup for even the largest and bravest of Growler males, and is a guarantee of impressing the ladies. ;3
Scarring is typically present on all but the youngest of Growlers to varying degrees, and often serves as badges of honor. These Wyrms are not afraid of much, and going up against creatures much larger than themselves is relativity common. They are not unlike honey badgers in their ferocity, but are unquestioningly loyal to their packmates, should they have any. Mated pairs will often seek each other during the mating season, year after year, even if they went their separate ways once the season is over.
Shriekers are cave dwelling Wyrms that possess a very powerful defensive weapon. As their name suggests, when cornered or feeling threatened, these Wyrms let out a piercing sonic shriek, which at close range can easily deafen any opponent. Handlers owning these Wyrms should invest in multiple sets of good earplugs if they value their hearing. As if that wasn't enough, this breed also boasts a very sharp stinger, which is used for defense should their initial attack fail. (It doesn't happen often....the ringing ears are enough to deter most hostile creatures) The Shrieker sting contains a mild neurotoxin, which while fatal to most insects and small reptiles that make up the Shrieker's prey, is temporary and fairly harmless to humans. This toxin is a paralytic, which is used to provide the Wyrm with insect food, or to slow down a hostile creature, giving the Wyrm time to escape. Contrary to their fierce appearance, Shriekers prefer flight to fight, and would much rather remain in hiding that engage in a physical battle. They tend to be darker colors, which helps them hide in the shadows of their cave dwellings, and they are excellent ambush hunters. Crickets seem to be a favorite treat, and are frequently used as courtship gifts. This breed is incredibly vocal, and it is thought to possess a degree of echolocation ability. Their large, bat like ears are very sensitive, and can pick up even slight variations in a fellow Shrieker's clicks and chirps, helping them distinguish each other even in areas with no light whatsoever.
Resplendent Fantails are a very regal, slightly high maintainance breed of Wyrm. Much like miniature showdogs, they are known for their luxurious coats, and have incredibly long tail plumes. Their head crest sprouts three smaller feather plumes, which are displayed and used during courtship displays by both males and females. Being crystal Wyrms, they adore shiny gems, and are well known hoarders of precious stones.
Females usually build their nests with pretty stones or gems they have collected, or given by males, much like certain species of penguin. Grooming is an key bonding activity, not only between mated pairs and family groups, but amongst group members of a Squirm.
Avians Wyrms act much as one would expect, and have a good deal in common with their fully avian counterparts. Plumage and coloration act as potent visual cues to prospective mates, and the more brightly colored or intricately patterned an Avian Wyrm is, the better their chances of impressing a potential mate. Fruit, seeds, and shiny baubles are favored courtship gifts, particularly with corvids. Aerial displays are common, and the fancier the flyer, the more impressed them object of their affection tends to be. Mating with most Avian Wyrms actually takes place in midair, which makes for some spectacular visual displays. Parrots also tend to be rather vocal, with an incredible range of sounds including mimicking human speech.
Will draw silly icons for smiles. Click 
