Teltikes

Basically just giant lizards that people use in races

Capable of carrying massive payloads, utilized in nearly every war, and the forefront of their own racing sport, Teltikes are massive lizards that typically require a team of at least four to control.

Characteristics

Teltikes are quadrupedal lizards that vary in both size and length. The smallest (fully grown) teltikes are around the size of an elephant, but some breeds are capable of being larger than whales. Like dogs and horses, teltikes have an active breeding scene, where people will attempt to raise the most attractive teltike, and compete in shows across all of Distotia. This means that there is a lot of variation between teltike breeds.
Typically, teltikes are dark green, but popular colors also include pink, blue, purple, black, and white. They are scaled, and these scales can be either thin and smooth like a snake, or tough and rigid like a dragon. Teltikes are reptiles. Their eggs are slightly larger than a basket ball, and yes, they do shed their skin - about twice a year.
All teltikes can see quite well in the dark, and most of them have sharp teeth. They are very strong, some breeds specializing in strength, and some specializing in speed. They also have very strong claws, allowing the racing breeds to climb walls, and even go upside down. Originally, teltikes where quite ruthless apex predators, but of course, humanoids saw that as a challenge, not a warning, and tried to tame them anyways.
Teltikes live for about 60 years, making them a long-term animal to have around as a work-animal or pet. That being said, they don't make great pets.

Temperament/Nature

Teltikes are not domesticated. They are still, for the most part, wild beasts that need constant surveillance. Most of them are quite simple-minded as well, which makes them easily driven by food, but somewhat difficult to completely train. That being said, some legendary trainers have been able to build special connections with their teltikes, either by magic or by luck. These codependent bonds make for some of the fastest racers and most impressive shows.

Use

As mentioned earlier, teltikes are bred for racing. Teltike racing, also known as Tike Tag, is a very popular Algoran sport. In Tike Tag, teams of four work on the back of a teltike, scaling difficult terrain, and fighting (yes, physically) against other teltike racers. It's a brutal sport, and it's not for the faint of heart.
Teltikes also make for great war animals. The firmer breeds have very thick skin, and can break through defenses with their very fast speeds. That being said, they do require teams to pilot them, and an unpiloted teltike could easily turn on its owners. These breeds of teltike are also used as private guards by some people, who will tie them up in front of their houses or in front of treasure.
Lastly, teltikes can be used to carry lots of heavy objects, making them a decent vehicle for traveling merchants or families trying to move, assuming they can pilot one.

Breeds

Here are a couple teltike breeds and their descriptions. This is not a complete list, and I'll likely add to it from time to time. Let me know if you guys have any breed ideas in the comments of this post.

Algoran Ridgebacks

These green teltikes are considered to be the most "beginner friendly" breed. Called ridgebacks for the rough yellow line of scales that lines their spine, Algoran Ridgebacks are only about 3,000 pounds. The ridgebacks also have softer jaws, meaning they pose slightly less of a threat when angered. Their claws, however, are usually quite sharp, and they are excellent climbers.
Ridgebacks are very popular at zoos and farms. Their also the most common to see piloted by merchants. That being said, they have rather boring appearances at shows, and they're never raced.

Freckled Goliaths

Remember those whale-sized teltikes I mentioned before? Those are goliaths. Usually used for war, Freckled Goliaths are white with black spots around their eyes and along their backs. These things are slow and incapable of climbing, unlike others in their species. Their primary strength comes from their well-- strength. These things can carry carts full of supplies and/or people. They also make for great support on the battlefield, providing a source of cover as well as strong teeth for tearing down structures (and through people).

Six-Toed Gecktites

These are the racing teltikes. Weighing around 3,500 pounds, but still taking up a decent amount of space, gecktites are able to carry four people across nearly any terrain. Their extra toe helps a lot with climbing. They are thinly built, and usually either black or dark blue. Gecktites are still pretty wild and frantic in nature, making them difficult to train, but they are very rewarding companions.