Riding Drake

RIDING DRAKE CR 5
This large, dark-scaled reptile sports massive wings above its forelegs. Its eyes glint with a savage intelligence, as its scaly tail flicks side to side.

XP 1,800 
N Large Magical Beast
Init +3; Senses Low-light vision, scent; Perception +12

DEFENSE

AC 19, touch 12, flat-footed 16 (+3 Dex, +7 natural, –1 size)
Hp 51 (6d10+18)
Fort +8, Ref +8, Will +5

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 120 ft. (average)
Melee bite +9 (1d8+6), 2 claws +9 (1d6+4)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft.
Special Qualities Powerful Bite

STATISTICS

Str 18, Dex 17, Con 16, Int 5, Wis 13, Cha 12
Base Atk +5; CMB +9; CMD 23 (25 vs. trip)
Feats Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception), Power Attack
Skills Fly +10, Perception +12;
Languages Common (Cannot speak)

ECOLOGY
Environment mountains, forested hills
Organization solitary or pair
Treasure incidental
Special Abilities:
Powerful Bite: A riding drake adds 1-1/2 times its strength modifier to its bite damage.

Centuries, perhaps millennia ago, a reclusive order of magi and cavaliers set about breeding a draconic creature suitable for a mount.  Starting with the simplistic drakes, and working over generations, the breeders muddled the bloodlines of dozens of creatures.  Drakes, dragonnels, wyverns-even a smattering of true dragon blood. The eventual result was known as the riding drake- a four-legged, winged reptile that was more than animal but clearly less than true dragon.  The creatures are as varied in temperament and personality as horses, and form close bonds with their handlers.
Being artificially bred, riding drakes seldom live in the wild, but escapees have survived, and bred true. They prefer mountainous areas, though they also accept seaside cliffs or even large trees, in a pinch. The two main criteria are secluded nesting sites and ready food sources. Of course, this means a wild riding drake moving into an area can be rather problematic for farmers, and adventurers trying to oust the beasts. Thankfully, the creatures tend to move from year to year, until they find a spot they consider 'just right'.