Harridan

Harridans (Avius Terriblis) are the largest flying Tyranid creatures the Imperium has yet encountered in its bitter war against the inter-galactic alien menace. Circling high above, soaring on the warm thermals of battle on its great outstretched leathery wings, the Harridan waits patiently before diving down over the battlefield, strafing its foes with bio-cannons or swooping low to rake a tank with its two massive claws, or snapping its massive fanged jaws around an infantryman. The Harridan's fearsome armament means it is capable of attacking just about any target, and the high-speed impact of its two main claws are capable of punching through just about any armour.

Being a living creature and relying upon wings rather than jet engines the Harridan cannot match an aircraft for straight line speed, but its lithe, twisting body is far more maneuverable, allowing it to twist and turn to avoid enemy fighters or ground fire. A Harridan lacks the speed to dogfight effectively with Imperial flyers, although Imperial pilot's after action reports tell tales of Harridans intercepting aircraft that fly too close, or of them sacrificing themselves in suicidal mid-air collisions that destroys both the aircraft and the Harridan.

Harridans seem to act as brood mothers to smaller Gargoyles. It is thought that Gargoyles lack the ndurance for very long distance movement, but it is known that they can hitch a lift on a Harridan, using their hooks and claws to attach themselves to the larger creature. With a Gargoyle brood attached a Harridan's belly appears to constantly writhe wit hideous clusters of scaly limbs and leather wings, writhing over the mother's skin and chitinous armour plates. As the Harridan soars over the battlefield the Gargoyles will detach themselves and flap off to attack the enemy. When Harridan's gather for a large attack, swarms of Gargoyles will usually darken the skies around them.

Magos Biologis have noted that Harridans have been encountered in a variety of sizes. Some are huge, upwards of 30 meteres in length with a wingspan of 40 meteres, other far smaller Harridans have also been identified. The reason for this is unknown.

The Harridan has no legs or feet and because of this it has been theorized that once airborne, a Harridan can never land, spending its entire life soaring high. Other Xeno-biologists believe that the creature is capable of landing and slithering on its bellow, like a snake, but as yet neither theory has been proven.

On Beta Anphelion IV Inquisitor Lok's forces encountered at least two Harridans, when the creatures conducted a devastating surprise aerial attack against the Elysian's landing fields. The two creatures destroyed or damaged almost all the Elysian's aircrat, in a deliberate attack to cripple the Drop Troops' mobility. The anti-aircraft defences for the landing ground proved insufficient to stop the Harridans.