Skytiger

A large and powerful beast, the reptilian Skytiger is the apex predator of Aleria's jungles.

Description
The skytiger is named after its colouration, which is mainly orange with black stripes. It has four eyes, two on each side of its head and sports two crests, one below the chin and one on the top part of the head. The skytiger has two pair of wings. Its front ones usually span around 12 metres and its rear ones are rather shorter. At the tip of each front wing are "blades" which can either separate or unite to form a single membrane. To assist it in flight, it also has a ventilation system not unlike that of birds.

More similarities between the skytiger and birds include its hollow bone structure and its two legs, each ending in strong talons to either grip prey or surfaces to perch on. Like the swallow, it has two long tails.

Relationship with people
Skytigers are believed to be the descendants of Alerian dragons who were horribly changed by the dark magic of The Shadow and lost their sapience as a result, in addition to gaining wings and other physiological changes. This theory, however, is still cultural and more study is required to determine whether it is actually true. Like their supposed ancestors, skytigers are symbols of power, majesty, and. They are also associated with the sky and the Violet God.

Dwipantarans are known for their use of exotic and unique wildlife in war. The skytiger is no exception. The few warriors who are brave enough to tame, train and raise one have earned the honour of mounting this fearsome creature, equipping it cooling harnesses and weapons, such as machine guns and rocket launchers, reducing the enemy morale as the animal looms over them and rains death.

Trivia

 * The skytiger is based on the leonopteryx from James Cameron's Avatar