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Lesser Wyrm — Description

The degradation of the dragon lineage has been a blight for both dragon and man, as the stunted offspring now haunt these lands. The dragons weep over what has become of their once proud status and image, and the rest of the world grumbles when these failed beasts raid their farms and attack them in the wilds. With the ancient dragons vanished to parts unknown, the job of dragonslaying is seen more mockingly as "pest control." There is no honor to be found in cutting down these beasts but at least there is decent money to be made. Of all the Lesser Dragons, the Lesser Wyrm is the one most often targeted by hunters, but that is because that is the species more keen on getting itself into trouble.
Perhaps of all the Lessers, the Lesser Wyrm is the one the dragons of old despise the most. Long gone are the majestic wings and power of flight, but now even the decency of walking has vanished from this line. With no legs upon their bodies, they must drag themselves through the dirt and muck, a humiliating act for a creature that came from a once prestigious background. On top of that, their slithering nature probably reminds the dragons of an ancient enemy, one they banished centuries ago. With the curse hardening their scales, perhaps the image of those who doomed them now showing up in their descendants makes them bitter. Regardless, the Lesser Wyrm is a serpent-like beast, bearing barbed horns and a tooth filled beak. Though their limbs are no more, they are still mobile and cunning, using their flexible bodies to climb, dig and even squeeze into tight spaces. These Lessers are despised because they seem to know where they don't belong, and then do everything in their power to still break in. Raiding barns and storehouses are their specialty, as their snake-like forms are easily able to find cracks and weaknesses to slip through. Those who catch these horrible thieves in the act can expect searing spit tainted with Eitr, razor toothed bites and a spiny whipping tail. It is recommended to use traps and snares to hold these beasts, as their speed and agility make them a nightmare to fight if not restrained. Lopping the head off is the usual way to go, but do know the body will flail and fight for a few minutes after the deed is done. Many novice farmers and fighters bear scars from when they approached their fallen foe too soon, and felt the dying sting of their barbed tail.
Sometimes at night, the Lesser Wyrms can be found staring up at the sky above. Strange gurgles and hissing can be heard during these moments, but their purpose remains unknown. Why do these beasts look up to the heavens above? Is it merely natural instinct, using the stars and moons to guide their way, or perhaps something else? Perhaps they mourn for the wings they long lost, and see the skies as a kingdom they can never see again. Or perhaps they know that the killer of their kind fell from these very stars, and they rage at the heavens that stole their throne. Maybe it is more personal than that, as there remains some dragons who can access the heavens above. It could be that these wyrms look upwards with both hope and hate, cursing the ancestors who left them to rot, yet begging for them to return...