Talon Skydrakes

The Talon Skydrake, a mischievous and adaptable denizen of the sky-sea, has become an inextricable part of Yrdde’s airship culture— both a minor nuisance for seasoned sky-sailors and a coveted companion for those seeking a touch of wild beauty in their lives.
It is unknown where this species of Skydrake first came from, but their first recorded sightings were all nearby the first major sky-lanes. Like every other part of Yrdde, the sudden influx of humanity brought about a change to the ecosystems of the small islands that dotted these new paths between the continents.
They are most commonly found in the inner-sea, and their largest population is located along the Golden Arc. Smaller groups can be found along the quieter lanes, and some small colonies have even been discovered along the coastal regions nearby major cities. These colonies tend to remain small, as they are a common prey for the larger species of skydrakes that live inland.

Physical Description

Talon Skydrakes are a relatively small, winged reptile, averaging two to three feet in length from beak to tail. Their bodies are compact and muscular, built for agility and swift maneuvering through the ever-shifting air currents of the sky-sea. Their scales are their most striking feature - smooth, overlapping plates that shimmer with iridescent hues ranging from emerald green and sapphire blue to ruby red and amethyst purple. The color and brilliance of a drake's scales are influenced by their diet, the altitude they frequent, and, in the case of domesticated breeds, selective breeding.
While not particularly strong, their talons, four on each foot, are razor-sharp, allowing them to cling to airship hulls, tear through canvas, and snatch prey from the sky. Their hooked beak, while primarily used for feeding, can also deliver a painful nip if threatened.
Their wings, leathery and double-jointed, grant them impressive aerial maneuverability. They can soar effortlessly for hours, ride thermal updrafts to gain altitude, and even hover in place with a delicate precision. They make next to no sound when flying alone, but when traveling in large groups, they make a soft, whispery sound that can be heard from a distance.

Ecology and Behavior

Talon Skydrakes are highly social creatures, living in large colonies, often numbering in the dozens or even hundreds. They exhibit complex social hierarchies, communicating through a series of chirps, squawks, and elaborate aerial displays.
Unlike other species of Skydrakes, they have adapted brilliantly to the rise of airship travel in Yrdde. Colonies often establish themselves on large floating islands near major trade routes, utilizing the constant airship traffic as both a source of food (opportunistic scavengers!) and protection from larger predators. They primarily feed on small, airborne creatures— insects, birds, and even smaller lizards. However, they are notorious for their opportunistic scavenging, diving towards airships, snatching unsecured food from cargo holds, and even biting through canvas to reach provisions if the aroma is tempting enough.
Females lay their eggs in clutches within communal nesting areas on the islands, often utilizing abandoned structures or crafting nests within crevices and protected spaces. The entire colony participates in caring for the eggs and hatchlings, fiercely defending their territory from both predators and curious humans.
Skydrake Attacks

Their keen sense of smell allows them to detect food from a great distance, often zeroing in on airship cargo holds containing grains, fruit, or other enticing aromas. They've learned to exploit airship designs – finding vulnerabilities in hatches, ventilation systems, and even weak spots in canvas sails, their sharp talons and beaks surprisingly effective at tearing through thin metal or creating small openings for entry. In addition, they have evolved tactics to avoid being caught – mimicking bird calls to distract crews, creating diversionary attacks by swarms of youngsters, or even hitching rides on the underbelly of airships, only venturing onto decks when opportunity arises.
An entire industry has sprung up around the development and sale of various tools, sprays, and protective netting to fend off these tenacious beasts. Most fresh recruits on convoy airships find themselves spending their nights endlessly patrolling the upper decks, looking for any sign of intrusion or deception. Veteran sailors consider it bad luck to kill these creatures, and violating this unspoken rule is a good way to find yourself marooned on a random island, one that's most likely home to a few hundred vengeful dragonbirds.

Domestication and Breeding

Over time, Talon Skydrakes have gone from pest to cherished companions for weary travelers and meticulously bred show-stoppers gracing the halls of Imperial palaces.
It was discovered that they imprint strongly upon the first creature they see after hatching, a powerful survival mechanism that bonds them to their caregiver. Those who seek to domesticate them acquire viable eggs and isolate them from other drakes, ensuring the young creature bonds with its human handler.
Though domesticated drakes will readily eat scraps, a well-cared-for pet is often treated to specialized diets of chopped meat, fish, and a variety of fruits and berries known to enhance their scale coloration and sheen. As the drake matures, it learns basic commands – to perch upon a designated stand, to retrieve small objects, even to perform simple aerial maneuvers. Training is achieved through patience and positive reinforcement.
The breeding of Talon Skydrakes, particularly within the Tervalkyre Empire, has transformed from a niche practice to a competitive industry. Master breeders carefully select pairings, analyzing lineages to produce drakes with desirable traits— vibrant and unique scale colorations, large, graceful wingspans, and even temperaments that lean toward docility and affectionate displays toward their human owners.
Some unethical breeders are rumored to utilize a subtle form of life magic to influence a drake's development while it’s still in its egg, encouraging specific color mutations or subtly enhancing its wingspan. This practice, however, is highly illegal, if discovered, can result in expulsion from breeding guilds and hefty fines from Imperial authorities. In a few rare cases, illicit breeding farms have been uncovered in Aetheris, leading to violent clashes when raided by Arbiter squads.
The highlight of the breeding world is the annual competition held during the Skyfire Festival. Judges meticulously evaluate the drakes, awarding points for scale color vibrancy, wing symmetry, overall health, and the performance of trained aerial maneuvers. The winning breeder receives not only prestige, but often lucrative contracts with wealthy nobles eager to acquire a prestigious companion.

"From: Lady Elara Veridia
To: Master Breeder Carvara of the Azure Wing Drakes
Master Carvara,
It has come to my attention that my youngest daughter, Aurelia, approaches her eleventh birthday. The child has taken to whining about those ‘dreadfully common’ green scaled Drakes that every merchant’s son seems to possess these days. She has set her heart, with a child’s charming but tiresome persistence, upon acquiring one of those rare amethyst Talon Skydrake that have recently become… so fashionable within the Court’s younger circles.
As you are, without question, the most renowned breeder of this specific variant – that vibrant violet hue reminiscent of Empress Serena’s own beloved companion is simply divine – I implore you to fulfill this mother’s desperate plea to silence Aurelia’s incessant desires.
Rest assured, Master Corvus, my expectations are quite specific. I will not settle for one of those smaller, dull-scaled specimens with their unimpressive wingspan and rather unfortunate tendency toward clumsy flight. I require a drake that will set her apart, that will spark envy within her circle of insufferable companions.
The creature must possess:
Scales: The aforementioned amethyst coloration – deep, rich, and absolutely flawless. A slight pearlescent shimmer is also desired. I have been informed of your new techniques using moonlight-infused baths during incubation. Let us hope the rumors of their effectiveness prove to be accurate.
Wingspan: No less than three and a half feet. A broad wingspan indicates a strong, healthy lineage and creates a most impressive visual impact during those tiresome “demonstration flights” the children insist upon during tea parties.
Temperament: I trust you will ensure the creature is both well-trained and possesses a docile temperament befitting a young lady of her stature. Aurelia is prone to dramatics and I will not tolerate any incidents involving biting, excessive squawking, or, Gods forbid, stolen pastries.
Naturally, compensation is of little concern, especially when it involves my beloved Aurelia’s happiness. Name your price, Master Carvara, and consider it already yours. However, I expect perfection, as is only befitting the wife of Veridian Group's CEO. I shall anticipate the arrival of this magnificent creature with bated breath, and rest assured, if this gift brings even a single tear of joy to my Aurelia's eyes, well, let’s just say future patronage from the Veridia household is assured, and your success at the upcoming breeding contest during the Skyfire Festival will be met with the most enthusiastic support from myself and the Veridian Group as a whole.
Consider yourself duly warned.
Lady Elara Veridia"