Howard opined: > The big utility of flying beasts for that time would > be for communication and observation. As fighting > machines, I don't see it. Indeed this is one role (which is highlighted at one point in the second novel), but think how much of the outcome of the Napoleonic Wars hinged on British Naval power. Now imagine the impact of introducing aviation into naval battles. Naval groups without air power have a distinct disadvantage when facing attack from ships that do have air support. Also, these are not simply flying beasts. I did not misspeak when I referred to Temeraire as the title character of the first novel.