Talwin

Overview
The Talwin, a native species to Julkrest and Faloc Nor, is a dragon-like creature that lives in the narrow and steep mountains of the Eastern Spine. It makes its nests in crevasses and caves dug out of the sides of cliff faces and has been seen making its own caves with its massive, iron claws. It preys on birds and other flying animals that live in the high-altitude areas where it makes its home, typically laying 1-2 eggs per year with about a 50% survival rate.

Sociology and Flocks
The Flocks of Talwin that live in the Spine are typically nomadic, making a new nest every time they lay eggs and only ever nesting near others of its kind incidentally. Though they will not openly attack each other on sight, they are very territorial during mating season and will attack even their own mates if threatened. The females will usually grow larger in size than their male counterparts, having much more sophisticated glide muscles and thicker, stronger claws.

Though they resemble dragons, their behavior and physiology is quite different. Talwin eggs are not as sturdy as dragon eggs, do not need to be heated quite as intensely and will hatch in a mere six weeks. The offspring will feed from their mother for around three months, usually the winter season, and then leave the nest in the spring to begin its own mating and reproduction.

Interaction with Humanoids
The Heartland Elves will usually avoid these creatures and are not known for hunting them to any degree. Their scales provide a decent ammount of protection from most conventional weapons and typically preffer to ambush their prey over pursuit hunting, making them for a terrifying quarry. Even in light of this, the Talwin are occasionally used in mountaineering and exploration, as their versitile ability to move around steep rocks and climbs with ease is quite invaluable. Humans are the only known humanoids to successfully tame these creatures and utilize them to any significant degree.