Today I begin my research into the logic and science behind the dragon genome. For too long, dragons have looked at their gene expressions as a mundane aspect of life on Sornieth. But no longer! For I, Zalgo, will pull back the curtain and reveal just how intricate dragonkind's genetics truly are.

Crystal/Facet: I believe there is some variation in expression here, and depending on one's environment upon hatching and subsequent exposure to certain magical energies, these genes will either result in a surface level refraction effect on scales or fur, or form an actual hardened crystal layer upon the epidermis. The composition of this crystal layer requires more investigation, though I hypothesis it is the same crystalline structure across all expressions, with the only variance being the color. I also believe that the Opal gene might be a mutated form of either of these genes. I must also study how they are expressed in various Obelisk subjects; their ability to turn into a specific stone or crystal might affect their genes, or vice versa.

Ground/Fissure: These genes' origins must be similar to that of Crystal and Facet; Earth energy must've been the catalyst for these to appear in the genome of dragonkind. I believe they expressions themselves similarly to Crystal and Facet as well - either forming a thin mineral layer over the exposed wings/body or forming a very realistic pattern on them.

Slime/Sludge: The renowned scientist Baldwin is responsible for introducing these genes into wider circulation. I must get in contact with him and ask about his process and reasoning (though his reputation proceeds him and I have a hunch that the production of Slime and Sludge was an accident...) Their expression is endlessly interesting to me; some dragons merely develop a slimy sheen while others become entirely slime-based with varying levels of translucency. In the latter cases, no internal organs can be seen. My hypothesis is that even the internal systems of a dragon with these genes are slime-based, causing them to blend in with the rest of the dragon when viewed. More research on these genes is required...