Wher

Watch-whers were a form of life that resulted when Wind Blossom tried to improve on dragons.

Physiology

Watch-whers were modified from fire lizards, just as the dragons were, so they share many of the same basic characteristics. They have six limbs, four legs and two wings. They also have smooth skin, and the same colors as fire lizards. They have tridactyl claws, like the original fire lizards, though their feet are reversed, with two articulated toes in front of one fixed claw.

Beyond that, there isn't much resemblance. Their head knobs are so short as to be barely noticeable. They are short and hunched, and weigh 6-800 lb. Their skin seems too tight against their bulging muscles. Their feet each have only a single pad, yet they can move somewhat fast.

Watch-whers are nocturnal, to the point that they can't even go outside during the day. Their wings are so small they can fly only in the colder, denser air at night. Their eyes are large and see mostly in the infrared range, which causes them pain when out in daylight.

They are also well-suited to their secondary job as guards. They can recognize everyone in their hold, and are territorial enough to attack anyone who isn't introduced to them by their handler. They are also commonly used in mines. They can smell explosive gas or stale air long before it can kill a human. They are also strong enough to carry loads twice their own weight, which makes them very good at digging out trapped miners after a cave-in.

Psychic Abilities

Watch-whers are more empathic than telepathic, but they can still communicate telepathically with images. The only time they "speak" is when they communicate their names with their handlers, and even then it's somewhat less clear than when dragons speak telepathically, and some handlers may think the name is their own idea.

Watch-whers' bonds are more like fire lizards' Impression than dragons'. If they do not bond with a human after hatching, or their handler dies, they will not go between. In fact, they can bond with a second handler if their first dies, or even switch handlers without their first one dying. "Wild" watch-whers who have never bonded with a human are able to bond regardless of age.

Reproduction

Watch-wher mating flights have a similar effect on humans to those of dragons.

Watch-wher eggs are smaller than dragon eggs. They are also wrinkled, rather than smooth.

Unlike dragons, where the hatchlings choose the rider, it is the queen watch-wher that chooses who can take her eggs. Anyone who wants a watch-wher egg must attempt to approach the queen, and if she allows them, they can take an egg.