Shovani Theater Raptor

Shovani lizardfolk evolved in harmony with a number of species native to Lens, and one of the largest creatures to engage in a symbiotic fusion with lizardfolk is the Shovani Raptor. Almost 40 feet in wingspan, this flying lizard blends features of a pterodactyl and eagle, with scaly feathers, a sharp saurian beak, and most importantly for Shovani, a number of small fat folds along its inner stomach. Originally evolved so that the Raptor could carry its young with it hunting, Raptors that aren't in a parenting cycle can use these pouches to carry up to six small humanoids. In Shovani territories, they often carry four to six Iguan, a smaller variant of lizardfolk, who act as messengers, carry treats for children and put on small theatrical shows.
Theater Raptors are often painted in vibrant color patterns, meant to draw the eye and announce the troupe's arrival. Children are rarely as excited as when a Theater Raptor is landing in the village, and many children spend a lot of time asking when the next will arrive. Asking too much, some would say. Average folk are happy to see them as well because they carry small gifts and supplies to be distributed or sold, and they sometimes transport mail and packages. Herders and other citizens who work with animals are particularly happy to see them, as they can count on the generous purse of the troupe leader paying them about double the value of any of their animals that the bird scarfs up while it's visiting. Some herdsman go so far as to conspicuously lead what they believe to be especially tasty-looking members of their herd by the landing sites, in the hopes of catching the creature's attention, a practice that's considered inappropriate but largely met with eye rolls. The birds are usually fed before leaving the roost for precisely this reason, but sometimes a herder gets lucky (their livestock, not so much).
After touching down in a particular area, most work is customarily suspended for a few hours so that everyone in the village can enjoy the troupe's performances. The actual performances vary by troupe, and can range from acrobatic tricks to comedic plays to music and dancing. Many of the performances emphasize the glory of the lizardfolk and the great deeds the central government is performing on behalf of ordinary citizens, though sometimes more subversive artists manage to qualify for troupes. Theater Raptor Troupes are very competitive about their skills, and are constantly trying to outdo their compatriots and practicing new stunts to use in one of the annual festivals at the capitol. While the others are performing, one or two members circulate through the crowd, making small talk and checking up on the important goings-on known to the locals.
Theater Raptor stops are random and at the discretion of the troupe, but they tend to occur more frequently near the capital where it's easier for the raptors to return to their roosts. That said, the Shovani make sure to have some wandering farther out at all times. This is because Theater Raptor troupes are also spies.
The creation of the "Theater Raptors" was something of an accident after the founding of the main lizardfolk cities. Many larger beasts were domesticated at the time of the founding, and the potential use of Raptors as large aerial scout squads was fairly self-evident. The scouting groups were a symbol of Shovani influence, and were meant to be a reassuring, but decidedly military group. Regular citizens grew to hate them rather quickly. The large silhouettes passing overhead reminded them of predators, and the tendency of the raptors to snack on the odd farm animal meant that herders could lose valuable livestock. With aerial patrols being the most visible symbol of the capitol's influence in Shovani territories, the capitol could ill-afford their prompting negative reactions wherever they went.
It was Anu the Younger, one of the early council members, who publicly proposed that the Lizard-Birds be turned over to the artisan caste, to be used as mobile messengers and entertainment. Privately, it was agreed that the new "troupes" would always include several members trained in military intelligence, who could use their far-ranging visits to keep an eye on things in Shovani territories. Most adult lizardfolk know that at least some of what's said in front of the troupe might make it back to the government, they aren't fools, but the excitement that youngsters experience when a Joy Raptor lands makes it something of a taboo subject, as no one wants to reveal there's no Santa Clause.