Parasite

SKINLESS
It is rumored that long ago, Skinless stripped the flesh from their lean bodies of their own volition, as a message to the rest of dragonkind that they were invulnerable to pain, and could not be frightened by threat of violence. It has since become an inherent trait. Despite the horrifying appearance of the the Skinless, rest assured that they are not in discomfort. The exposed nerve endings of muscular and connective tissues are far less sensitive. Their surface vessels release rivulets of fresh blood, which help to cleanse dirt and bacteria amassed in a typical day. This emission is constant and accumulates as a tacky, clotted substance which covers them like a protective layer. They will avoid water at all costs, as washing away the bloody coating will leave them vulnerable to native infections.