this is just plain based on Avian-King’s design. I commissioned that one to take the features of the canon design and just tweak them to be more to my liking - heavier tail, more blades, climbing spur ankle blades, parallel-horned females.

The Nahara hold the distinction of being the first species utterly conquered by the Yeerks, but it’s the Hork-Bajir that really captured the imagination of the Empire. For better and for worse, it was during the conquest of the Hork-Bajir that Yeerks came to associate host species with status. Few Yeerks can currently aspire to wearing a Garatron, Ongachic, or a Ssstram, and of course, at present there is famously only one Andalite-Controller. Hork-Bajir, however, are within the grasp of any who apply themselves and possess just a bit of luck.

It must be remembered that without the efforts of heroes like Kandriss 7055 Hork-Bajir would be like the aforementioned status hosts. In the wake of the conquest their clearsighted and inspiring efforts to salvage Hork-Bajir, both host-quality and potential breeding stock, ensured the survival of the species and its continued large-scale usefulness.

Make no mistake, though, the Quantum Virus cut off many possibilities. Even with elaborate husbandry across decades, the Empire’s stock is barely half of what it was near the end of the conquest, and there are no new tribes waiting for discovery. A relatively common Class Four species is still Class Four.

As a species created to live in a limited environment Hork-Bajir are slow to breed and it takes some extraordinary effort to ensure fertility. They are also simple, stubborn creatures reluctant to accept their roles in the Empire. Those are their only real downsides. Fast-growing, strong, large, quick, and possessed of natural weaponry, regenerative capacities, and keen senses, Hork-Bajir have an enduring appeal.