Species -- Taiutors

[Howl]

[Howl]

Description

The Taiutors (pronounced "TYE - you - tors") are a terrestrial species of Islander with attributes of both raptors and bats, who get their name from a combination of the words "patagium" (the skin between a bat's wing bones) and "raptor." They are bipedal creatures who are able to fly with the strong wings connect to their upper limbs.

The Taiutors are a large predator species standing about four feet tall. Their hind limbs are strong, enabling them to run and leap, but their heavyset frames mean they don't have the endurance to keep it up for prolonged periods of time. Likewise the time they can spend in the air is limited.

Taiutors have the acute senses of a hunting species, with a heightened sense of smell and vision based on spotting small movements. They see fairly well at dusk, able to use even a small amount of light, but are not nocturnal and don't see in deep darkness.

Although they are reptiles, Taiutors are warm-blooded. Their bodies are covered in scales, with strong claws on hind and forelimbs and large fangs. A strong membrane of skin forms wings connected to their upper limbs. Their bodies are usually dark colored, but occasionally bright colors are seen.

[Howl]

Behavior

There are few species on Howl's Island stronger than the Taiutors. Of the four stats given to each species (Constitution, Endurance, Wisdom and Creativity), Taiutors easily earn the most points in the Constitution stat. They aren't the most friendly species on the island, but they are safe in that

Taiutors are usually solitary creatures for a lot of their lives. Occasionally they will form pairs and live together, but it's more common to see them out alone. This isn't to say they don't have friends or ever spend time with others, but that they usually live by themselves. They have firmly established territories that they defend fiercely from other Taiutors (and other predators). Taiutors are supposed to ask permission before crossing another Tai's territory; it's considered rude not to do so. Fighting is not uncommon among this species, though they have stern rules for their battles and it rarely results in permanent injury or death.

Tais are entirely carnivorous. Their survival is based on what they can hunt, which is why territory is so important to them. They consider all the creatures inside their territory to belong to them. Of course, most intelligent predators on Howl's Island agree that it is abhorrent to prey on other intelligent species (because it would be deeply disrespectful to take the life of another Creator's creation), so Taiutors do not actively hunt Aquines. But there are many lesser species on Howl's Island to create a rich and complete ecosystem.

[Howl]

Habitat

Taiutors prefer forested areas rather than open fields, so they will most likely be found in the Darrin Forest or the Lushor Jungle. Their hunting techniques are usually based on ambushing rather than running down their prey, so they prefer a landscape where they can take cover in undergrowth. Its not uncommon to see Tais flying from tree to tree, and they can perch on very thick branches. Taiutors do not swim well, however, and will usually avoid lakes, rivers and the ocean.

They spend a lot of time patrolling and defending their territories, and are not afraid to challenge anyone they come across inside it. However that doesn't mean those who cross are instantly attacked. It really depends on the personality of each individual Tai. Inside their territory, a Taiutor will usually find a cave or other similar shelter to make a den.

[Howl]

Species Interaction

As one of the main carnivore species on the island, Taiutors are treated with wary respect. Not outright feared or hated, but certainly there isn't an instant feeling of safety as there would be if you ran across an Aquine during your travels. With their solitary natures, Taiutors are perhaps more misunderstood by other Islanders than anything else.