Gargoyle

The gargoyles in Dessend draw inspiration from the titular creatures of the Disney Gargoyles cartoon. However, they have been adapted to align with the world's unique setting and themes.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Gargoyles are typically large humanoid creatures, often with grotesque features and varying degrees of animalistic traits. While some may have a more human appearance, such individuals are extremely rare. Almost all Gargoyles have wings, either large or small, a tail, and some form of horns.

Biological Traits

Gargoyles have a unique life cycle. During the day, they turn completely to stone, even if they are not exposed to daylight. While in this form, however, they heal quickly and dream like other races while asleep.
Once they reach maturity, Gargoyles do not age like other races. Instead, their lifespan is tied to the integrity of their stone form. Weathering and erosion that occurs while they are in stone form can shorten their lives, and they can be killed if their stone form is destroyed or severely damaged.

Genetics and Reproduction

Due to the rarity of female gargoyles, there is usually only one per clan. While she may serve as the clan leader's mate for most of the year, during her mating season she will mate with any clan member deemed worthy by the leader. This can result in a clutch of up to a dozen eggs, with each egg likely fertilized by a different male. Gargoyles are not concerned with the parentage of their offspring, as their culture values the collective well-being of the clan over individual parentage.
Eggs are usually kept in a deep cave on bare rock, where they absorb the minerals necessary for growth. Incubation can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months, with longer incubation periods if the eggs must be moved frequently.
Gargoyles only genetically inherit hair and eye color, in addition to physical characteristics like wing type. During incubation, a gargoyle absorbs minerals that influence the type of stone it transforms into during the day. Additionally, the presence of trace metals like copper, iron, and cobalt determines its skin tone: green for copper, red for iron, and blue for cobalt.

Behaviour

The Gargoyle race places the welfare of their clan above all else. Their profound sense of community and unwavering loyalty to their own kind is a distinctive characteristic, with individuals eagerly prepared to make selfless sacrifices for the betterment of their clan. Despite their tendency toward isolation, Gargoyles are adaptable and may form alliances with outsiders when it benefits their clan. The absence of personal names among gargoyles exemplifies a collective mindset, placing greater value on the clan rather than on individuals. Overall, Gargoyles are a highly social and communal race, with a strong sense of clan loyalty and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Gargoyles' eyes are highly adapted to seeing in complete darkness. However, they are not very good at adapting to sudden changes in light, and sudden increases in light can cause temporary blindness.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Gargoyles do not usually use names to refer to themselves or each other. However, outsiders who frequently interact with them may give them names. These names can vary widely, and are often derived from the language and culture of the one who bestows them.

Average Technological Level

Although Gargoyles have intelligence on par with the common races, they have not developed or adapted any form of technology. While some Gargoyles have chosen to forge alliances with other races and make use of the armor and weaponry bestowed upon them, the majority remain staunch in their preference for relying on their innate, natural weapons.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Gargoyles communicate primarily in Terran, the language of earth elementals and other creatures closely associated with the element. However, some Gargoyles have learned other languages, such as Dwarven, Gnome, and Giant, which are often spoken by associated races that also use Terran. In order to communicate with humans and other common races, many Gargoyles have learned to speak Common out of necessity.

History

Gargoyles are said to have originally lived on cliffs, where their appearance and texture allowed them to blend in seamlessly while they slept. As other races began to populate their lands, some Gargoyles used their fearsome appearance to ward off intruders, while others made deals with the newcomers. In these deals, the gargoyles would offer protection against nighttime invaders in exchange for protection during the day when they slept.

Lifespan

Immortal until eroded or slain

Average Height

175 cm to 250 cm

Average Weight

65 kg to 135 kg