Ripperdactyl

Ripperdactyls are a species of carnivorous flying reptile which feature in Games Workshop's Warhammer Fantasy setting.

Description
Bearing a passing resemblance to the pterasaurs of Earth's prehistory, Ripperdactyls are large aerial hunters with a vicious reputation which inhabit the jungle continent of Lustria. With vast, leathery pinions, blade-like talons and a powerful, bony beak, they are amongst the most dangerous predators of that land.

Ripperdactyls are feared not only for their ability to drop from the sky without warning onto an unwary meal - which they do in the manner of a great bird of prey, folding their wings in close before shooting down like an arrow, their bladed tail aiding in the direction of this attack - but for their sheer rapaciousness; Ripperdactyls will keep killing when the opportunity arises, whether they are sated from their last meal or not, apparently taking a simple enjoyment in the act.

Making their nests high in the craggy mountains of Lustria, Ripperdactyls are mortal enemies of the Blot Toads, a species of predatory amphibian. These disgusting little creatures seek out Ripperdactyl eggs, which appear to be their meal of choice, at every opportunity. Predictably, adult Ripperdactyls will hunt and kill Blot Toads whenever they spy one, even when more appealing prey presents itself.

Ripperdactyl Riders
Sometimes, a particularly brave (some might say foolhardy) Skink will seek out and attempt to steal Ripperdactyl eggs. If they survive the expedition and return with their prize, the Skink will then spend an arduous year attempting to bond with the hatchling, while the juvenile does all in its power to eat its new companion. However, those that survive will have gained a powerful mount, and these Ripperdactyl Riders are used as shock troops by Lizardman armies, dropping from the skies in a flurry of slashing talons and crushing jaws to where they are least expected.