Moss

Like trying to get moss off a rock

Ghost didn't join the foraging party very often these days. Not like in the beginning when he and Fancy had first founded their little clan, and it was just the two of them. No, he had many dragons in his clan now, several of them skilled foragers. And he was too wrapped up in the day to day problems of overseeing his growing family to venture too far from home.

Every so often though, he still liked to get out of the lair and poke around the jungle. There was something very satisfying about bringing home a fresh bunch of moths or lizards to share with his hungry clan.

Today was one of those days. He felt the need to stretch his wings a bit, and had flown just a bit ahead of where his other clanmates were hunting. He almost missed the tiny form clinging to a ledge a few feet above the jungle floor. The tiny coatl was well camouflaged, it's mossy grey feathers blending in with the grey stone of it's perch.

"It's alright little one, let go." Tiny eyes studied the fae hovering next to it. An almost imperceptible shake of the head followed.

Ghost tugged on the little coatl, trying to get it to loosen it's death grip on the outcrop of stone.

A discordant sound startled both the rescuer and foundling.

Both looked down at the dragon that was just now joining them. Like the coatl clinging to the rock face, this coatl was grey from the tip of it's nose to the end of it's tail. And looked just as much made of stone as the coatl cowering on the ledge.

The hatchling perked up it's head and without further fuss climbed down to where the other coatl was. And then climbed onto the older dragon, clinging tight with it's claws and tail and chirruping happily.

"It's ok," the stone coatl said, "you're coming home with us." Sentry looked at the leader of his clan, daring him with a look to contradict him.

"Of course he is." Ghost said. "I think that's enough foraging for one day. Let's get the newest member of our clan home."

Ghost would have smiled if he could have. He couldn't help but wonder how Sentry was going to get the little coatl to let go when they got back home.

The Stone Coatls
This subspecies of coatl is native to the lush forests of the Viridian Labyrinth. Most stay close to home, but a few brave souls have been known to venture out into other parts of Sornieth.*

*For further reference see the life story of Bilbo, contained in his biography "There and Back Again: A Stone Coatl's Tale."

Natural Camouflage:
Stone coatls (as the name suggests) look as if they are made from living rock. One has only to touch their seemingly stony plumage to discover that this is in fact not true. Their feathers are as soft as the feathers of any of their other coatl cousins.

Why the deception then? The Labyrinth may be home to many dragon clans, but not all dragons choose to live within the safe walls of a clan lair. A lone dragon can find the forests of the Labyrinth filled with untold dangers. While unconventional, their unique coloring has aided them is staying safely hidden for hundreds of years.

To this day they still are often mistaken for actual stone statues in the ruins scattered throughout their homeland.

Behavior:
While appearances can be deceiving, actions can be even more so. Stone coatls are well known for their ability to remain virtually unmoving and silent for long stretches of time.

Some dragons find this trait unnerving. This is mainly due to the fact that stone coatls can exhibit this behavior even while in the company of other dragons... which has led some dragons to believe that they are trying to eavesdrop on the conversations that are happening around them. As a consequence, most dragons believe that stone coatls collect secrets which they trade amongst themselves. The truth is much simpler. Many stone coatls simply have the ability to sleep with their eyes open.*

* A valuable trait to develop, whether one is hiding from predators or from endless chatter about "that cute dragon in the next lair over."

Other Information
Stone coatls have a reputation for being excellent trackers and map makers. They have an uncanny sense of direction, and are rarely become lost (even when in places that they have never before traveled.)

They also have a rather unfortunate phobia of large bodies of water. Dragon clans lucky enough to attract a stone coatl often create elaborate ponds for them to fish in, so they have access to fresh food.

Stone coatls are known to have a quirky sense of humor, and have been know to lay in wait for hours for another dragon to pass by in order to surprise them. They have also been know to play (mostly) harmless practical jokes on their lair mates.

Unlike most other dragons born in the Labyrinth,* stone coatls treasure small rocks and stones above all else. They have been known to leave suitably impressive specimens as gifts for those whom they care about, or respect. It is important to show the proper appreciation when receiving such a gift, even if you do not share a stone coatls' opinion of it's value.**

Though not usually warriors, stone coatls are fiercely protective of the dragons of their chosen clan, especially any hatchlings that may call it home.

*Flowers and rare seeds are the favorite treasure of most Viridian dragons.

**Lest you find your favorite battle helmet has become the nesting place of the clan dodo.

Lore written by GryphonSong.