Forktails

Forktails… Bah! Fuckers' tails're more like cleavers.

– Yavinn Buck, veteran of the Mahakaman Volunteer Regiment

Forktails owe their quaint name to the long, sharp growths at the tip of their tails. A blow from this weapon can slice an oaken shield in two – along with the arm that was carrying it. Thus, though its name conjures images of cutlery, fighting a forktail is nothing like a dinner party and ends in death rather than dessert.

Forktails are active by day. They usually hunt alone or, more rarely, in pairs. They attack big game, including domesticated animals, mainly cattle and pigs, and even humans from time to time.

Like all draconids their massive size does not stop them from flying and attacking from the air. They use their weight and height advantage as they swoop down to knock their prey over with their wings. Once on the ground, they are somewhat less mobile but still dangerous, turning to other tactics centered on attacking with their massive, spike-covered tails.