Pterrax

A pterrax resembles a pteranodon about 6 feet long, slender and reptilian, with broad wings that make it a fast, nimble flier. It has both arms and legs, all ending in sharp claws, and long, sharp teeth. Its head is shaped much like a pterran's, which suggests the two species are related.

Pterrax fight often: as pterran mounts, while scavenging, and when defending themselves or their flock. Each round one can claw twice for 1d8 apiece and bite for 2d6. Against grounded foes it swoops down, attacks and climbs back out of reach. Under the optional individual initiative rules, a defender can strike back in melee only if his initiative falls within 2 of the pterrax's.

Like many creatures of the desert world it is psionic, and it may use one psionic power in place of its physical attacks in a round. Its natural defense modes are always on and can be used whether it is fighting with claws or powers, as long as it has PSPs to spend. Its psychometabolic sciences are animal affinity and complete healing, with lend health, biofeedback and flesh armor as devotions. In telepathy it has the sciences tower of iron will and mind link and the devotions empathy, mental barrier, life detection, intellect fortress, conceal thoughts, id insinuation and psionic crush.

They live on the plains and rocky barrens of the city-state heartlands, nesting in cracks and crevices of the stony ground, and also near a forested ridge by a nearby mountain range, where pterrans ride them. Most live alone, though groups of up to six sometimes form. Nests are built from dead branches and sticks gathered from the forests and scattered oases.

Pairs mate in autumn, and the female lays three or four eggs and incubates them for three months, then tends the young for two months more before driving them off. While the eggs are developing, both parents defend the nest ferociously. A two-year-old pterrax is strong enough to carry a rider, and catching and training one is a key Life Path trial for pterran warriors.

Pterrax eggs are rich food: one egg plus water keeps a man going for two days. Pterrans set the teeth into their thanak blades and stretch the skins over ceremonial drums played at rituals and yearly festivals.