Ardath

It took a while for the clan to accept Ardath's presence. He appeared one day at the edge of the Viridian Labyrinth asking for passage, completely alone and dragging along a heap of flasks, vials, tomes and magic materials. None of the Nature clans let him pass. Yet he did not leave, and when his lonesome presence eventually became pitiful, the Mistwoods clan took him in, mostly out of concern that other dragons or creatures would do something to him out of annoyance.

Ardath has been present long enough that suspicions towards him have diminished. He is extremely interested in researching symbiotic relationships - be it in plants, animals or microscopic creatures. He claims the Labyrinth is the worldwide capitol of his research interest, and is eager to share his knowledge and advanced equipment, if only someone would be willing to share his insights.

No one knows about Ardath's origins, and the coatl is uncomfortable whenever the topic is brought up. It is clear that Ardath has experimented on himself in the past, and dragons that wish to change their appearance or are searching for alternative ways to boost their immune systems can pay him a visit. The coatl is invested in his research in his den away from the main lair most of the time, but he is always eager to have company. It can be a bit lonely to be a Plague dragon in the heart of the Shrieking Wilds.

• Likes: fungi, his worm bins
• Dislikes: silver, cocoa
• Favorite food: sea urchins

Addendum: Messy diary fragments

Shiny one came to visit. Wants to change. Don't know why he wants to renounce on those marks of nobility, but I'll paint him nicely, give pretty markings. Still nervous about him. Light makes my specimens shrink away, scatter, wither. He pretty though. Thanked me a lot and said he wants to become a cleric to help his friends. Oh wonder... I'm sure he'll leave me alone again.
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He sent me letters.
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I got another letter, but not in pretty handwriting. Namara is shedding. Heard she got the forest skin as a gift for when she pledged allegiance to the Glady. Camouflage. Now that she has come to terms with who she is, her original colors are showing up. I can help. Make her pretty, prettier than she was before!
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My biggest success. So shining and bright, like a blooded maiden. Shinier and redder than she remembers. Wings are supple and white as bone, patterned like wonderful earwig wings. She ate well since she got here, I told her. Received smack from her friend. What. She's pretty!
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Received more letters. Received... thanks for preparing the vaccines. They seem happy. I'm happier.
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I'm not going to leave here after all. I can even accompany them to inspect the roots of the Wilds. (Perhaps even go to the expedition to the Behemoth roots later? Ask Amber when she owes a favor.)
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Addendum: Crumpled notes

... have to be very careful and ask Namara to come by more often... potential to become super-carrier...
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... success! Pathogen dissolved samples, including the bones... record-setting decay can be used even on non-nature Imperial breeds...
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... yes, the contamination I inherited shall stay with me until I die... thankfully symbiotic by now and not contagious unless...
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... as most Nature dragons will discover, the Glady did not leave them defenseless. Upon maturation, all greenies develop venomous glands, the potency of which grows with age, battle experience or the use of Nature magic. The location of the venomous glands varies from clan to clan - mostly fangs, sometimes claws, tail spikes or entire rows of spines. Effects also vary from... tingling, confusion.... eventually paralysis, coma... total organ failure...

... but thankfully Nature dragons have built up somewhat of an immunity to each other's venom - its effects may provoke discomfort but it's never lethal. Dragons of other elements however have to be careful not to surprise a greenie they haven't known for long with a hug or, even better, a smooch.
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... need to moderate, coordinate our efforts. If she keeps returning the dragons she heals to their initial state their immune systems won't learn a thing from the ordeal! They need to at least tell me when anyone in the clan is sick or recovering so they don't stumble into the maw of the same disease once more... Frustrating...
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