Large flying animal below 8 HD?

[StreamOfTheSky]

Halivar said Giant Eagle, which is from the MM and oddly enough, a magical beast and not an animal. Dire Eagle is an animal and from RoS. Completely different things.

 

[Genesist]

My bad, thanks for pointing that out. Sadly though, a magical beast, and thus Awaken can't be used. The party I am playing with is comprised of people who aren't likely to optimize nearly as much as myself. So I am concentrating on a few gimmicks to nerf myself, such as a bat that is smarter than my character and can speak 4 languages.

 

[Andion Isurand]

I know it may not fall within range of approved material, but I want to suggest it anyway.

How about the Black Chocobo from Dragon Magazine 323 pg 35?

It's a bit low on the carrying capacity due to being bipedal...
...but it is a 4 HD animal with a 60 ft land speed and a fly speed of 90 ft. (good).

Less dexterity, constitution and natural armor than your guard bat idea however.

Makes me wonder what a dire black chocobo would be like.

 

[Genesist]

I personally have no problem with a Black Chocobo, but the DM is very picky about outside sources. He's not even allowing feats outside of PH1.

Posted this in a second thread, but:

If I have a Desmodo Guard bat that starts at 4 HD, then add on the warbeast template and cast Awaken on it. Being used as my cohort, what is its level, and how does it advance. With an int of 14 can it gain classes?

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

I know it may not fall within range of approved material, but I want to suggest it anyway.

How about the Black Chocobo from Dragon Magazine 323 pg 35?

It's a bit low on the carrying capacity due to being bipedal...
...but it is a 4 HD animal with a 60 ft land speed and a fly speed of 90 ft. (good).

Less dexterity, constitution and natural armor than your guard bat idea however.

Makes me wonder what a dire black chocobo would be like.

...They made Chocobos for D&D!? I see your Avatar, brings me back to my FFXI days. Sigh.
I need to track down that magazine!