Shadowclaw

Dragon Resources Manager / Clan Dad;;

Origin story found here.

Despite appearing very formidable by name and looks, Shadowclaw is perhaps the most friendly and approachable dragon in the clan. He tries really hard to appear approachable knowing that he can appear quite the opposite to newcomers and strangers. This is usually portrayed by the crazy mixture of apparel he wears in attempts to offset his appearance. He even changed his primary from Speckle to Petals in these efforts. He loved his Speckle primary, but with his primary color he realized it still made him look too dark and "scary". He also upgraded his secondary from Stripes to Shimmer to appear a little less dark in his wings as well. Shadowclaw's obsession with appearing as gentle as his personality is nearly parallel to his mate's obsession with beauty.

If you read Vixen's story, you'll see that there was a time that she was so displeased with her own looks that she tried to change Shadowclaw as well. There was a time she even urged him to wear a skin to cover up his "dull colors", so he wore the Scorched Forest skin for some time. Many might find this unpleasant; in fact, many dragons perhaps would've fought during that time or even broken up, but not Shadowclaw. If he had been born a Guardian, he has no doubts that his charge would be Vixen. From the moment he met her, his life goal has been to please her. He would remain by her side no matter what happened. So when they were young and she worried about outward appearances, he didn't fuss. He just went along to try and soothe her. In time, she became less focused on her looks and on others'. He knew she would. He knew she just needed time to realize that she was fantastic no matter what. He believed that one day she would see herself the way he saw her: this fierce Guardian that adores her clan and would do anything for them. Looks don't matter; they never did. He fell in love with her because of her personality and passion.

But yes, Shadowclaw does appear as a scary character to most who have never met him. But for those who do know him, they find this almost funny. He is so gentle and kind; and he fights fair. He's incredibly diplomatic and will always choose to have a conversation before engaging in any sort of physical fight. But he is very strong and can protect himself and others physically, if necessary. He'd just prefer to avoid it, if possible. Although Vixen is the Matriarch and the one that carries the clan on her back, fights for them, and makes the big decisions, Shadowclaw is very important to the clan. He handles all the small issues--clan-member disputes, welcoming new members, checking in with clan-members daily, listening to complaints and desires, etc. Little things, but very important things. He's basically the Dragon Resources Manager of the clan. Everyone in the clan knows him very well and knows that they can come to him with any problem at any time of the day. Even if he is running through the territory with a million things on his mind, he will stop immediately for anyone who suddenly calls him. He doesn't handle every problem directly but he helps redirect clan-members if need be. For example, if someone needs another to cry to, he'll redirect them to Mink, a therapeutic Arcane Skydancer. If someone wants to fix their necklace, he'll redirect them to Karat, a Light Fae that is the jeweler of the clan. If someone wants to find another to sit with and read a book, he'd recommend Spruce, a bookish Light Imperial. It's a big clan and he doesn't expect everyone to know everyone like he does. His job is a busy one and it would stress out or exhaust most members of the clan--in fact, it does exhaust him and stress him out very often. But it's what he loves! So he does it with joy.

Shadowclaw is new to this "identity" business. When asked one day by Moonchild--an empathetic Lightning Pearlcatcher--what his "pronouns" were, he chuckled and asked her what she meant. He eventually sat down and listened to her talk about sexuality, queerness, pronouns, etc. He found all of it very interesting but confusing. She told him to think about it and to get back to her with how he identifies. After much thought, he eventually went back to her and shrugged. He apologized and said that he thinks he's just the usual cisgender, heterosexual type. He seemed almost guilty about it and apologized to her. She laughed and reassured him there was nothing wrong with that.

In short, Shadowclaw is like the "Clan Dad". He might not understand some new slang, memes, or all the intricacies of identity, but he is very loving and caring and tries his best to hear what all his "kids" are telling him. Regardless of age, gender, identity, looks, etc., of his clan-mates, he loves them like a father would and strives his best every day to make sure they are taken care of and even more importantly--happy. He loves learning new things and will often share them with Vixen at the end of the day.


Relationships:

Obviously, Shadowclaw is closest with his mate--Vixen--the Arcane Guardian with whom he built a clan together. He is truly devoted to her and would follow her wherever she went. If, for some reason, she left the clan (which would literally never happen as they are her charge), he would feel very sad to leave them but would. Because he loves her. And he would follow her anywhere. He loves her wholly and completely, in every way possible.

Even so, he acknowledges that she's not big on mating and that has never bothered him. She has been open-minded to him breeding with other dragons and he did once--with a dragon once called Glacierose--an Ice Snapper that was a former clan-mate and member of their main Coliseum team. He felt that Vixen was fine with him breeding with her specifically because she also knew her so well. Whatever the reason, Shadowclaw doesn't have much more interest in breeding than Vixen does, so it's never been a problem.

After many years, he and Vixen laid a couple other nests. One of those times their youngest, Auriga, chose to stay in the clan with them permanently. He took up a previously nonexistent role in the clan--Scout. Shadowclaw was very proud of his persistent and ardent son. He's a dragon that much prefers solitude but spends time with his father when they both have time, which Shadowclaw deeply appreciates. After all, Auriga is so much like both of his parents. And he is so grateful to finally have one of his offspring in the clan with him always.
He was blessed yet again when Auriga's firstborn, Kerid, chose to settle into the clan, after a nearly year-long jaunt in another clan. He became the clan's Custodian and was even more congenial and loving than his father. Shadowclaw was overjoyed to not only be able to be part of his son's life, but his grandson's life too!

The only other in the clan that Shadowclaw has ever been super close with is Moss, an Ice Tundra. He is close with all his clan-members, but Moss is who he goes to when he needs 1-on-1 time. Moss is his plus one, since Vixen is usually very busy and he only sees her when they are fighting in the Coliseum together or at the end of the day. If you look at Moss' origin story, you'll see how he joined the clan. It was thanks to Shadowclaw. But he found Moss because he was lonely and was needing affection (because Vixen was busy with her first nest). And that is still why they are so close. With his duties to the clan, he can get really burnt out. Moss is always willing to be there for him and hang out with him or help him out with anything. In fact, long ago Shadowclaw even appointed him "Beta". He helps him out with any overflowing duties that he has. Although Shadowclaw calls Moss his "son", the two often appear as brothers to others. But it's true--he does see him as his son. Vixen even acknowledges him as Shadowclaw's son.

The dragon that wandered by and joined Vixen; on 10/23/13.

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"My eyes were drawn to Shadowclaw immediately! I love a good sword, and he certainly looks like a regal warrior! I love all of his genes too, truly magnificent!!! Also, I love the nice touch of the herbs and white wings, really gives the impression that he is a good and safe dragon, I bet he would give good hugs, tbh." - @Petall, Lair Review ~ Advent Calendar

"I love how noble and soft he looks. It gives me vibes of being safe." - @Techmox, Top 5 Above You - G1 Edition thread.

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