So back in December I made this (who is a different version of this) which I wasn't really satisfied with. However, the concept of (bio)mecha still stayed on my mind. Thanks @seadragonroyalty and @dieselpoweredwyven for fueling my interests! And special thanks to my best friend Frionivalis from Discord for helping out with several parts of the design and lore!
The CyberX Borealis Rexa and the ancient one with snowflake-shaped crown are not the same dragon, but they might be related in some way. They're both biological monsters altered by magic, piloted by humans, and fight against other monsters. The CyberX had more extreme modifications done to him and many mechanical-magitech elements implanted. However, like his namesake, the CyberX version is able to use Aether energy to form magical ice and cast spells in similar manner.
Some lore dump below! I'll add him to Artfight (last minute addition lol) and eventually Toyhouse with more complete details.
When CyberX Borealis Rexa was discovered, he came with sealed jaw plate and highly violent disposition. After successfully capturing him, a cockpit and several inhibitors were installed. His consciousness was fully suppressed, but he would return when the inhibitor takes damage. The difficulty in handling him caused the original researchers to considering termination, but SDS intervened and acquired him. Here, CyberX Borealis Rexa met his pilot he eventually trusts.
However, SDS did not disable all of the inhibitors placed upon him. Even in limited state, Borealis Rexa is still a powerful war machine. SDS tasks him to fight against the wild monsters appearing from CyberDream-a mysterious area created by overlapping physical world and cyberspace together. Only in dire situations would the pilot be advised to turn off some inhibitors. SDS theorized that if the final inhibitor is switched off, Borealis Rexa will be able to create a vast frozen landscape, just like the ancient dragon who once tried to destroy the world by freezing it all.
About the design, the tubes were suggested by Frionivalis as a replacement for the mane. Their function is to help optimize Aether energy flow so Borealis Rexa can use energy weapons and cast spells easier. The original creator and researchers prioritized functionality and kept adding more until they become somewhat messy. Borealis Rexa occasionally tear them off, causing frequent changes in arrangement. He also didn't feel like he really need them because he can use magic just fine without. Over time, he tolerates them more because the optimization does help him able to fight longer or use stronger attacks.
Oh also, he can switch between bipedal and quadrupedal anytime with his internal hip and leg bone modifications. Unlike the ancient Borealis Rexa, he doesn't need to use magical transformation to switch between the two stances. As result of that, he doesn't have Scythewing form, but he can replicate it with energy nodes on his wings.
