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Personal Style
Apparel
Skin
Scene
Measurements
Length
6.86 m
Wingspan
4.05 m
Weight
671.04 kg
Genetics
Flint
Pinstripe
Pinstripe
Shadow
Alloy
Alloy
Seafoam
Capsule
Capsule
Hatchday
Breed
Eye Type
Level 10 Pearlcatcher
EXP: 731 / 27676
STR
7
AGI
6
DEF
7
QCK
6
INT
6
VIT
6
MND
7
Lineage
Parents
- none
Offspring
- none
Biography
06/09/20 - personal hatch
literally just me as a dragon, that's about it.
hello yes pearlcatcher because I am pearlcatcher addict
also a lore dump now, oops.
So, putting all my pearlcatcher headcanon / lore stuff in one spot so I can both share it and keep tabs on it! This likely won't be turned into anything super complex, just a big text dump place.
Obviously, before reading on, please understand that my own lore is a branch-off from flightrising lore since the information they give us on each breed is limited and leaves room for improvement. I don't take any lore and warp it completely, but there are multiple ways to take things into consideration!
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» arms / legs
Pearlcatchers have four digits on their front legs while their back only have three. Despite the lower number, their hind-paws or 'feet' have a rather surprising amount of dexterity, notably when a grown pearlcatcher uses them to temporarily hold their pearl while their front paws may be otherwise busy.
While it isn't commonplace to hold a pearl in their hind-paws for long, the striking pose is also an apt way to show off one's pearl to surrounding dragons. This pose, known as 'shining,' is often a way for young pearlcatchers to try and vie for attention from the ones they like, or from older pearlcatchers to proudly show off the decades of memories and work.
» neck / throat
When looking at a pearlcatcher, a slight swelling can usually be seen at the base of their throat. This is a pearl pouch ( credit to AniNemara for the original idea! ) where pearlcatchers can safely store their pearl whenever needed. The action takes little effort, especially as pearlcatchers have been using the technique since their hatching, and as such it's easy for a pearlcatcher to swallow down even a much larger pearl, despite what other dragons may think.
There's a healthy layer of fatty tissue on the outside of the pouch, which keeps the scaling on their throat from being pulled too taut, while also providing a plush environment for their pearl.
» wings
Pearlcatchers traditionally have leather-like wings, ranging from a thicker hide-like membrane to a more delicate bat-like membrane. While the two may look different, there isn't much difference in their maneuverability between the types. Their wingspan, on average, tends to be close to the total length of their body.
Given their smaller wing-to-body ratio, pearlcatchers are not normally able to fly for long distances like guardians or their cousin imperials. The advantage that they do have, however, is that they can quickly maneuver in the air. It takes little effort for pearlcatchers to dart around mid-air or drop into a steep dive, making them difficult to catch unless cornered. When startled on the ground by beastclans or native critters, pearlcatchers may immediately propel themselves into the air to keep clear of any danger -- an instinct young pearlcatchers or young off-breeds may abuse for small pranks.
» mane
Pearlcatcher manes are generally naturally coarse, but it is extremely common to find them using oils to soften and tend to it. For most light-borne pearlcatchers, argan, olive, and jojoba oils are commonplace and easily accessible, all of which are usually exported to far-off flocks from other elemental groups.
Because of the viscous and pearlescent nature of their saliva, pearlcatchers have had to learn to groom themselves with tools for generations, so combs from bone or shell and brushes made from boar bristles are commonplace in most flocks. When unable to use proper tools, pearlcatchers will often use their claws to care for their mane, although usually coating the sharpened edges in oils to keep careful.
While most common-flock pearlcatchers enjoy the luxurious look of a flowing mane, it's fairly common to find pearlcatchers with braided manes since it's easier to care for in the long-term. Trinkets like gold coins, glass beads, copper bands, and others may also be twisted or braided in a pearlcatcher's mane, a dazzling addition usually meant to 'up' their image, although sentimental pieces are often exchanged between mated pairs and braided in place by the other.
» ears
Pearlcatcher ears can pivot easily and allow for a large range of emotive motions. With the shape closer to that of a horse or donkey, pearlcatchers have extremely sensitive hearing. While they can easily catch snippets from a distance, it's difficult for them to confidently pinpoint the exact location of the noise. This is often the cause for their notorious gossip habits, and also makes it difficult for young pearlcatchers to sneak from the nest.
Similar to a canine's ears, however, pearlcatchers have the ability to move them independently. This allows them a better understanding of a noise source's location, which is helpful for situations where the noise is repetitive or longer-lasting. If given time, a pearlcatcher can pinpoint the source, but this is often used against them by beastclans or large predators -- if you can have a pearlcatcher stay still and search for noise for long enough, you can likely catch them. Because of this, pearlcatchers can be fairly skittish when dealing with sudden or new noises, more likely to distance themselves from the noise rather than hunt it down unless in groups of two or more.
» tail
While their tail is fairly short compared to most other dragon breeds, it has a high amount of flexibility, allowing them to hold their pearl in the curve of their tail for periods of time if needed. This tends to be more common when in groups where a speaker may be gesturing while speaking, gatherings where they may be expected to speak for long periods of time ( they can still easily speak around the pearl, but it's not as easy for them to fully articulate points that require ... a little bit more 'flair.' )
» teeth
Given their omnivorous diet of plants and insects, pearlcatcher teeth have adapted to meet their needs. With two massive fangs on both the top and bottom jaw, short pointed incisors, and blade-shaped crushing molars, a pearlcatcher's grin can be quite jarring to those who expect a more herbivore-like appearance, looking closer to that of a bear's or that of an omnivorous bat's. They have little lateral mobility to actually grind down plant matter as most herbivorous species do and as such need to depend on crushing the item between their molars and depend on their saliva to break it down.
Because of this, pearlcatchers tend to prefer a diet of fruit or vegetables rather than floral, grasses, or foliage. Figs, plums, olives, peaches, quince, pomegranates, eggplant, okra, and peppers tend to be the most common go-to items, although fruits native to other flight domains are also acceptable. Anything that is easy to bite and enjoy in chunks rather than require the time to shear down into small sections is preferred for most pearlcatchers.
Grubs and hard-shelled insects are a preferred source of nutrition when it comes to insects, because of the ease of eating and the ability to clean down teeth respectively. Larger insects make up most of a pearlcatcher's insect-diet, as most aren't too interested in harvesting smaller insects. Young pearlcatchers tend to have a nasty habit of only wanting to eat grubs, and as such can end up with poorly managed teeth due to their saliva buildup.
Plague-aligned pearlcatchers may gnaw on bones to keep their teeth clean despite being unable to actually eat the item at all. This sometimes leads to dental issues with abscesses for those who solely depend on the bones for cleaning, but given their affiliate to disease itself, it’s usually brushed off as a non-issue.
Earth pearlcatchers can sometimes be found using porous rocks like pumice to clean their teeth, but this tends to be rather uncommon. Those that choose this method often have streak-like marks on their teeth, sometimes even heavy gouges that are filled by the pearlescent matter. These pearlcatchers can have stunning smiles but are usually seen as poor dental health by those in other flights.
Nature, Fire, and Shadow pearlcatchers have ready access to hardened barks and oily fungus, both of which provide a healthier method to clean down their teeth without having to eat beetles at all times. Barks are sometimes coated in herbs like mint, cilantro, thyme, basil, or even spicier plants to provide an oily sheen to their teeth that helps keep them clean for a longer period of time while also keeping their breath a bit better.
» saliva
Pearlcatcher saliva is the key to growing and maintaining their pearl and tends to have a few odd properties and impacts on their day-to-day life, especially when residing in multi-species lairs.
Dark, viscous, and slightly oily-looking, pearlcatcher saliva is equally jarring and beautiful. The saliva is a strange mix of natural fluids and a heavy calcium carbonate mix, which allows pearlcatchers to layer the natural nacre to their pearls. Because they constantly produce heavy amounts of saliva and expend much of their calcium reserve, a frequent diet of calcium-rich grubs or figs is necessary for a healthy body and pearl. If a pearlcatcher is lacking in calcium, their saliva will become more translucent and less viscous, which in turn can lead to pearls being ruined or layered unevenly, even leading to skeletal issues over the long-term.
Because of the nacre-like ability of their saliva, dental upkeep is an absolute must. To prevent their teeth from opalizing or becoming extended and deformed, rough-shelled insects need to be eaten frequently. A pearlcatcher with jarring jagged teeth is seen as uncouth, uncaring, and lazy. Despite the social stereotype, the real reason most keep away from saliva buildup is due to the pain that the opalized teeth can bring by cutting into gums, lips, or cheeks.
In some rare situations in which a pearlcatcher loses their pearl and is unable to manage their excess saliva meant to keep layering the item, they may resort to layering a new object, while others may simply let their teeth turn to twisted spires or tusks while they mourn.
» horns
The only real form of sexual dimorphism within pearlcatchers as a species is their horns. Males tend to have two horns whereas females only have one. Although the difference between those with male and female sexes, horns aren't seen as an absolute identity towards one's gender. Given the commonplace habits of gilding, decorating, or otherwise carving their horns, pearlcatcher horns are seen as an addition to a dragon, not something that defines them.
Since pearlcatchers do not rely on strength, their horns are ornamental rather than defensive and are treated as such. The horns are a mix of keratin and their natural calcium carbonate, which results in a fairly sturdy, pearlescent horn. In the circumstance of damage or complete breakage ( sometimes caused by pearlcatchers too ambitious with their decorations, ) the horn can grow back over a long period of time, but constant care will be needed to ensure it keeps a smooth shape.
It's not unheard of for some pearlcatchers to have rather uniquely shaped horns, although that tends to be out of the norm and other-flight specific. For example, branching antler-type horns have been seen amongst those in nature, forwards curved sickle-like blades in lightning, and twisted ribbed horns in those from earth.
» whiskers
Pearlcatchers have a set of whiskers that are as sensitive as they are long. While the curved whiskers are long enough to touch the ground, the muscles along a pearlcatcher's muzzle allow them to pull them up and down with ease, as well as fully independent movement. The whiskers tend to be in constant movement unless they are in an area where they feel safe or have the time to rest, twitching and swaying to keep off the ground otherwise. Much like their manes, oils are usually applied to help keep the whiskers healthy and pliable, as it can be easy to damage the sensitive whisps from heat, stress, or even stuck underfoot by an unaware dragon.
Trimming whiskers is necessary to keep them healthy, and doing so doesn't hurt a pearlcatcher. It's common for working pearlcatchers to trim their whiskers short to keep out of the way, especially those working with otherwise dangerous elements. Plucking them entirely or having them torn out accidentally, however, is extremely painful and is one of the few things that may result in getting outright clawed for. Pearlcatchers without whiskers tend to normally be caused by a medical issue, although some rare few choose to pluck their whiskers for aesthetic purposes, much to the horror of most.
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» shape
Most adult pearlcatchers will have a near-perfect sphere ( many will call theirs perfect, but as far as any have been able to tell, there has been no true recording of a true 'god pearl' ) that can easily be cradled in tail, paw, or pearl pouch when need be.
Young pearlcatchers start with a more natural-shaped pearl, usually bubbled, oblong, and far from symmetrical. Due to the quick creation of their pearl and lack of experience, a hatchling's first pearl will always be seen as a starting point to work from. Over time, younglings will be taught by their parents or flock on how to care for it, how to layer nacre to help round it out, and how to find a sustainable habit to care for both their pearl and themselves.
It usually takes years for the pearl to start turning from its more raw shape to a more globe-like nature, by which point a young pearlcatcher should know more than enough on how to maintain the shape. Most of the shaping comes from keeping the pearl in their pearl pouch in their throat, but young pearlcatchers will often have to layer it with their tongues to avoid just adding to the warped shape in their throat.
It's not unheard of for pearlcatcher parents to help their hatchlings with their pearls, either layering to help give them a good base to start with or by using their claws to help manipulate the glossy nacre before it solidifies. While it's perfectly fine for nestmates and their parents to help each other in this method given their blood ties, getting help outside of one's roost ( unless from a mate or significant other in their future ) is seen as uncouth as one's pearl should be kept personal.
Some pearlcatchers keep the 'natural' shape of their pearls, especially water-based pearlcatchers who appreciate salt-water pearls found in mollusks. These tend to be bubbled and shaped from the original baby pearl's shape rather than forced into a sphere, and while they can be difficult to properly layer in a pearl pouch, are seen as a worthy effort to preserve one's beginnings.
» size
A grown adult's pearl tends to be fairly smaller than the width of their pearl pouch since it still needs to be able to be kept safe and in place. Pearls kept at this size are still able to be layered with thin coats at a time, and are easy to manage and care for. With further age and time, a pearl pouch can stretch out further or start to sag, but most pearlcatchers don't tend to use that as an excuse to make their pearl that much larger.
A massive pearl is seen as an ostentatious display of one's idiocy, as something that large can't be kept safe or cared for easily. While outsider species may look at a large pearl as if it was an impressive feat, most pearlcatchers understand that a massive pearl is simply a thing of impatience, laziness, and a massive lack of care. It's easy for a pearlcatcher to just slather layer upon layer around their pearl rather than choosing the time to carefully tend to it, choosing size over virtue.
Just because a pearl may be smaller doesn't mean there has been any less care put into it. Memories, essence, and magic are personally recorded in each layer despite the thickness of the layer. A thin, delicate layer of nacre is seen as something elegant and patient, which also allows for more recording of one's life into the pearl.
» colour
Despite the colour of pearlcatcher saliva, most pearls tend to keep to a pure white to dusty cream tone. The surface of pearls have a traditional pearlescent sheen to them, in that they have a heavy lustre to them that interacts with light to shimmer in rainbow tones. Unhealthy pearlcatchers may produce less lustrous nacre, which can usually be remedied with either a more balanced diet or outside medical intervention ( most situations like this tend to be caused by fussy hatchlings that have notoriously picky diets. )
In some rare cases, pearls have been recorded to being absolutely matte, where the object almost looks fake.
» gene-effects
Different genes have an effect on a pearlcatcher's pearl colour, either by changes in their metabolism that effect the nacre produced ( usually with darker pearls ) or by simply changing the tones of the nacre itself. Much like natural ocean pearls, the colour of natural pearls differs from pearlcatcher to pearlcatcher but is seen in more extreme circumstances when tied to genes.
Pearlcatchers with glimmer tend to have the most drastic pearl changes, a slightly faded mirror of their underbelly colour covering the pearl. Pearlcatchers with the strange mutation-like gene, capsule, tend to have a similar effect on their own, although it tends to be due to the interaction of the... liquid and their pearl pouch, staining the pearl rather than naturally coating it.
The colour of a pearl isn't seen as anything better or worse, but rather just another extension of a pearl's self. Diet changes and age can add to differing colours over the years, and as such it's not uncommon for a pearl to shift between tones over a pearlcatcher's lifespan.
» care
Pearlcatcher pearls are basically an extension of their body, another limb, another wing -- the entire thing is just as important as any scale on their body, if not more. Given how much they believe it holds memories and emotions, the pearl is a valuable item that could never, ever be replaced. Because of this, care is an absolute most from any pearlcatcher.
A pearlcatcher will always have their pearl on themselves, even in rather extreme circumstances. They're headstrong and refuse to trust the item with anyone else, which can often lead to some unfortunate outcomes for those stuck in dangerous situations. There are extremely rare situations in which a pearlcatcher may trust a close mate or friend with their pearl, but the bonds between those dragons must be infinitesimally strong.
Due to its constant presence, pearls are often carefully cradled in their tails or stored in pearl pouches when not needed for display. When placing it on the ground, pearlcatchers usually ensure the surface is suitable and will spend time smoothing their claws over the floor until they're satisfied that it's safe. This habit often leads to small spots of churned earth around pearlcatcher nests, the ground fluffed out to pad around a pearl rather than kept as a firm surface. In areas surrounded by stone, pearlcatchers may be more tentative to place their pearls down and will instead cradle the pearl beneath their wing in a fairly awkward manner.
When slumbering, a pearl is almost always kept in one's pearl pouch, otherwise neatly tucked beneath a wing or in the crook of their arm. Young hatchlings that are either too small to be trusted with a pearl in their pearl pouch or simply too tired to bother with it will have their pearl nearby, usually kept guarded by their parent or parent figure while they sleep.
The layers of nacre are extremely strong, despite the dainty appearance, and it takes quite a bit to damage the pearl itself. Because of this, very little has to be done to the pearl itself to care for it. Some may favour smoothing oils over the surface while others argue that it dulls the natural colours or that it can damage the inside of a pearl pouch.
» condition
A whole pearl is a happy pearl, one that is rounded, shimmering, and full of promise is the best kind of pearl one could have. As long as the pearl itself is in healthy condition, regardless of the shape or colour of the pearl, it's seen as in perfect health.
There may be bickering and discussion between flock members to argue about who's pearl is better than who's, but these tend to be in lighthearted jest rather than malicious as most understand just how personal a pearl is. That being said, there are some who will eagerly talk down about the state of someone else's pearl intentionally to rile up or slander the owner. If done in person, vocal arguments are commonplace and can sometimes lead to a vicious physical fight if riled up enough. 'Catfights' between pearlcatchers are extremely uncommon, but will almost always revolve around someone talking poorly of another's pearl.
Cracks in a pearl are fairly common, especially with younger pearlcatchers. Although the damage can seem like the end of the world to most pearlcatchers, after regaining some of their emotional balance, pearlcatchers can usually tend to the damage by nursing the crack with their tongue over a few weeks. As long as a pearlcatcher is careful with their pearl post-damage, it's usually fairly easy to fix. Most pearlcatchers will crack their pearl at least once in their life, which tends to be a learning lesson on just how important it is to care for them properly.
Bumps and grooves can happen with uneven coats of nacre, for those who prefer that aesthetic it's no problem, but those that prefer a globe-like pearl will usually have to work quite a bit to get it back to normal. Grooves are easy to fill over time, just like cracks are, but bumps are a much bigger issue. Grinding a pearl down is a terrible thing to do, not only do you chance destroying it further, but you erase so much of the effort and memory that went into it. Bumps are usually very small, and as such can be dealt with with a lot of patience and a long time, the pearl needing to be tended to by tongue rather than simply layering in a pearl pouch.
Chips in a pearl are also fairly common, a thin sheet of the nacre shearing off and revealing a ridged surface. Despite the embarrassment of the damage, it's rather easy to mend with patience and time.
Beyond health and dietary issues, a pearlcatcher's emotional needs can also be reflected on their pearl. For reasons unexplainable, a heartbroken, depressed, or mourning pearl may produce less lustrous layers of nacre, sometimes even being unable to properly layer anything on their pearl.
» breakage
The worst-case scenario for any pearlcatcher is to have their pearl broken. It takes quite a bit to break it, but once it breaks there's no fixing it. Desperate pearlcatchers may try to stick the pieces back together by layering thick nacre by tongue and pressing them together, but given the shattering, most of the dainty layers of pearl will just slip against each other or chip away further. Some pearlcatchers may try to put all the pieces back in their pearl pouch in the desperate hope that they'll fuse back together, often resulting in massive damage to the pearlcatcher from the jagged and torn pieces.
A broken pearl is a broken pearlcatcher. There will often be a period of mourning for a pearl by both the pearlcatcher who lost it as well as those close to them. Depending on how it was broken, a pearlcatcher may still be kept in a similar position as they were before within the flock, or sometimes outright chased out by the flock. Those that break their pearls in ignorance or lack of care are usually chased out and exiled almost immediately, forced to join other species' groups or lone pearlcatchers that went through the same experience. Those that had their pearls broken in battle or maliciously by another dragon are usually kept within the flock, treated gingerly and often visited by loved ones or flockmates to help support them.
Pieces of a broken pearl are almost always kept post-break, even with the tragic memories that come with it. Leaving the last pieces of all those memories and years of work is almost as bad as the break itself. Some pearlcatchers may have the pieces weaved between filigree and turned into amulets or jewelry to keep close to themselves.
» theft
A pearl thief, if caught, will almost immediately be killed by the flock. Pearlcatchers are notorious cowards and unwilling to fight at most times, but such a terrible act is only ever able to be met with violence and anger. En masse, pearlcatchers can form a rather vicious enemy, able to dart and weave to pick at the thief over time until they're no longer a threat and the pearl(s) have been recovered.
If the pearl thief was never caught or seen, an entire flock will go on high alert, guarding their pearls even closer to themselves and often too focused on looking after themselves to mourn with the robbed pearlcatcher. Having no piece of their pearl at all will often lead a pearlcatcher into a depressive void, usually unwilling to socialize or keep close within the flock.
Having no pearl at all also leads to some dangerous physical issues -- without a pearl to care for, the nacre-like saliva tends to overtake their teeth, causing jagged tusks to fill their maw. Over time, the bottom jaw and front of a pearlcatcher's neck may also end up pearlized, their vocal cords sometimes completely ruined from the oily saliva wreaking havoc on their body. In extreme circumstances, a pearlcatcher may simply suffocate due to the mass amount of pearl material clogging their throats, leaving a strangely beautiful skeleton in their wake.
» battle
Pearlcatchers will avoid battle and combat at all costs, preferring to fly from danger rather than deal with it. In some situations though, combat can't be avoided. Some clans have to resort to combat to protect their flock from other dragons or beastclans, some have to fight for their lives when under attack -- regardless of the reason, a pearl is always with a dragon when in battle.
Because they rarely ever trust anyone else with their pearl, it's almost always guaranteed to find the glittering treasure with a fallen pearlcatcher. Shifting deserts have unearthed old pearlcatcher graves at times, bleached bones and perfect pearls twisted together. If a body is recovered by a flockmate or a loved one, a pearl is usually buried with the body. Some pearlcatchers may take a shard of the fallen's pearl and craft it into an amulet, much like those with damaged pearls do, so that they can keep a piece of their lost one close at all times.
There are some scavengers, dragon and beastclan alike, that will purposefully go into an area with fallen pearlcatchers to take the orphaned pearls. Some simply keep them as trophies, others break them to craft into trinkets or jewelry while claiming they're 'natural mother of pearl' ( although discerning pearlcatchers will usually be able to tell otherwise and will either get violently sick or look into how to report the gravedigger. ) Some grind pearls down into dust to try and pass it off as a medicinal remedy for almost anything, perhaps for good luck or good health -- there is always a market for the glimmering powder if you know where to look.
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» communication
Pearlcatchers are known as a notoriously chatty species, their flocks constantly bartering any form of information in exchange for materials, currency, or almost anything else. Knowledge of current drama between dragons, secrets hidden from most, and even the quietest of love confessions hold a heavy value to any that come across it.
Secrets don't often stay secret for long within a flock, which leads to most not bothering to hide their words or ways, whereas others struggle desperately to keep whatever morsel of secrecy buried under a blanket of lies or misdirections. If a well-aged secret does come to light, the pearlcatcher first to find it can often expect a handsome payment for the information, while others that trade it down the line will expect diminishing returns. If the original secret keeper comes out in public with their hidden secret, however, the value of it in trade becomes near to nothing.
Pearlcatchers caught in spreading intentional misinformation will usually be ostracized for a while, often resulting in other pearlcatchers unwilling to barter or deal with them until they somehow make up for the deceit. It’s not uncommon for a morsel of gossip to be warped over time, but starting a malicious rumour from the start is a heavily punishable issue.
Liars, cheats, and deceitful pearlcatchers may end up with their belongings or dens surprisingly ‘gifted’ or ‘decorated,’ usually in jarringly bright items that serve as an easy-to-see warning sign for other pearlcatchers to know to avoid. Until the pearlcatcher at fault apologizes or makes up for the intentional malice somehow, usually either gifting the dragon they intentionally verbally attacked with valuable items or by spilling some of their own important secrets, the other flock mates will refuse to help them remove the markings or items from their den.
Pearlcatchers are known to be extremely emotive in their communications, frequently using their hands to gesture with whatever points they’re making and flitting their ears back and forth while talking. Head-shaking tends to be common when discussing confusing matters, their heads tilting to the sides like a dog shaking off rather than nodding. Snapping teeth together causes a rather jarring noise, but can usually be seen as either a sound of agreement when followed by a low hum, or one of indecisiveness when followed by a snort.
Because of their emotive nature, pearlcatchers often hold their pearl in their tail when discussing matters rather than keep it in their pearl pouch, since the pearl can muffle or limit the more guttural noises they rely on to drive points home.
» lightweaver / the gods
Pearlcatchers are born with the innate knowledge that they were created as a superior species. Given Lightweaver's 'failure' with Imperials, in which she created literal monsters that wreak destruction post-death and ended up with her completely abandoning any future creation of the species, pearlcatchers understand that Lightweaver took the knowledge of those mistakes and shaped them into the most perfect being she possibly could. Although this is clearly all just assumption, given that no dragons truly speak to the elemental deities, pearlcatchers have taken this rough knowledge and put it on themselves as fact.
For most light-borne pearlcatchers, they see themselves as superior given Lightweaver's careful attention to detail with their creation, something other species were not necessarily given. Much like the 'rough draft' of imperials, other dragon species are seen as flawed in some way or another since they were put out into the world with no future twists to perfection.
Obviously, pearlcatchers stroke their ego a bit too much.
Regardless of elemental affiliation, pearlcatchers usually acknowledge their fine-tuned creation that came from Lightweaver's own claws, even if they don't directly worship her under her flight. Those that travel to reside in other elemental lands or are born under different elemental deities will always be loyal to their gods, but also know of the deep-rooted ties they have to 'Lightmom.' That being said, pearlcatchers beneath other gods tend to be extremely loyal, understanding that the deities truly strive for dragon perfection and the care needed for their ( and by extension, dragon-kind's... not that they'd admit it ) communities and survival.
» gossip / rumours
Gossip and word-of-mouth are a currency amongst pearlcatchers, but that doesn't always mean it's as straightforward as it may seem.
While, normally, pearlcatchers enjoy the social-based gossips discussing matters of other clanmates or neighbouring dens, even so much as gossiping about their own nestmates, gossip isn't always something negative. There can be discussions surrounding good news, new nests, hatchling achievements, or anything else. Pearlcatchers can be seen as gossiping little hecks to other breeds, but not many understand the social web that the little trait weaves.
Pearlcatchers, despite being prideful, arrogant little things, don't often vocalize their achievements out in the open. This doesn't make them secretive for the most part ( although most secrets hidden tend to be negative or embarrassing ) but that it's just commonplace for the word to travel through the mouths of other pearlcatchers. This is part of their social economy, their trade, their community itself -- not having anything to pass on leaves a pearlcatcher in a tricky situation when it comes to trading or providing for their nest.
Usually, good news travels quickly through a flock, publicly unspoken until most have heard of it, in which case a celebration or public praise finally follows suit. Pearlcatchers are able to preen and celebrate with others at this point, having been patient for the word to finally break. Young nestmates and hatchlings often struggle with this waiting period, itchy to simply celebrate whichever achievement they've met, but will often be steered away from blurting it out to others by their guardians.
Rumours are an entirely different issue, and while sometimes harmless, they can result in public shaming or negative gossip spreading about any pearlcatcher that maliciously started a rumour. It can be difficult for pearlcatchers to understand what is gossip, what is spread, and what is a rumour, but after passing through a few mouths it often becomes clear where the lie resides. Pearlcatchers know their flock very well, even more so due to this constant shuffle of information from dragon to dragon, and so when something seems surprisingly out of character, it doesn't take long for them to either reveal the truth or find the source of the lie.
Gossip can also come in another surprising form: knowledge. Breaking away from the flock-based conversations, discussions of politics, exploration, and discovery are also commonplace in a flock. In more knowledge-based flights like Arcane, Fire, Earth, and Lightning, where machinery, study, and excavation are needed, this type of discussion is almost prioritized over community gossip. Mixed-species lairs will find pearlcatchers more likely gossiping about new finds or neighbouring research results rather than their own internal affairs, although it can lead to the personal gossip standing out more to confused dragons nearby.
This itch for information and understanding of both their status, their flocks, their flight, and their world, has lead to a few more exploratory pearlcatchers who are more eager to go out and gather the information, treasures, or tomes themselves than sit back and have it delivered to them.
» imperials
Imperials are... tolerable, but pearlcatchers may make their lives troublesome at times with their constant arrogant nature and preening. Given Lightweaver's abandonment of the species and creation of pearlcatchers, light-borne pearlcatchers usually have no issue with making this point extremely clear to their massive cousins. Despite the size difference, pearlcatchers seem to let their ego overtake their brains, resulting in a few getting swatted by the giant dragons from time to time.
If they feel that the dragons understand their place in dragonkind's ranking pearlcatchers can be more accepting of the gentle(ish) giants, having no issue roosting with them given their same homelands or even trying to exchange gossip despite imperials having little to no understanding of why. The two breeds have strikingly similar grooming habits, so it's not uncommon for pearlcatchers to either help with their grooming routines or simply engage in a communal grooming session with the giant cousins.
While imperials tend to be fairly reserved or cautious in their spoken word, pearlcatchers have no issue in simply picking up in their gaps, talking well enough to cover both parties' side of the conversation. The few imperials that decide to delve themselves into the communication routines of pearlcatchers are welcomed in immediately, both as another source to gossip about and to exchange the same information with.
It's a bit of a love-hate relationship like any good siblings have.
» nocturnes
To have a species so eager to follow in a pearlcatcher's steps is an absolute gift, and as such, pearlcatchers have no issue whatsoever when adopting this bat-like breed into their flocks. It isn't uncommon for pearlcatchers to encourage nocturnes to learn more about their culture, delving further into their society than the bare mimicry that most nocturnes simply have as a habit.
Pearlcatchers will often treat these dragons like hatchlings, carefully guiding them through what makes a pearlcatcher a pearlcatcher, including them in flock communications and the exchange of information. It can be difficult to deal with a gossiping nocturne though as they're often likely to mirror someone else's information with unrelated snippets inserted, which can lead to a few short tempers with older pearlcatchers.
Having a nocturne fall so in love with a pearlcatcher flock or habits that they decide to breed change fully is an extremely celebrated event. The time spent welcoming and including the dragon comes to a peak conclusion and the dragon is usually swarmed by pearlcatchers in the flock welcoming them and doing their best to gift them with baubles, food, blankets, nesting materials, and much more, to ensure they have everything needed to start their new life.
» fae
Fae and pearlcatcher communications can be... strained at times. Given the emotive nature and constant movement from pearlcatchers as they speak, it can be frustrating for a fae to fully understand what a pearlcatcher is trying to convey. With their shaking heads, snapping maws, claws gesturing, ears and wings twitching, it can sometimes be a bit of sensory overload to fae.
Likewise, pearlcatchers often feel unsure about how to discuss matters with fae. Used to having open communication and rather flamboyant mannerisms at times, the monotone drawl of the small dragons can often discourage a pearlcatcher from pursuing any chatter. Either assuming the monotone means they're not interested or unwilling to engage, a pearlcatcher may turn to other dragons for information instead. They're also much less likely to gossip or exchange information with fae out of fear of them either not caring at all or misunderstanding the reason it was discussed in the first place.
» guardians
Pearlcatchers can empathize with guardians on the constant protection needed for their guard, mirroring the image to their own pearl, but often have difficulty understanding why a guardian may choose to look after their given charge. When dealing with guardians that have item-based charges or something physically tangible, they can at least somewhat understand the pull, but when it's a concept, a study, or even another dragon, they can often just not relate at all.
This sometimes leads to a bit of mockery from pearlcatchers, hypocritical given their constant vigil over their own pearls while guardians do the same for their charge. Tension can be rather thick between the breeds, guardians either unwanting to deal with the haughty dragons and the insinuation that their pearls are much more valuable than their given charge, or not always willing to allow a pearlcatcher to even compare their pearls to their charge.
In the rare case where a pearlcatcher is somehow a guardian's charge, the entire treatment gets turned on its head almost immediately. Of course a guardian would understand a pearlcatcher's value, of course it's the right thing to look after a pearlcatcher. Hypocritical and vain, a pearlcatcher may look at a guardian in this kind of position as 'better' than the rest, leaving the guardian in an uncomfortable position.
» baldwin / bogsneaks
Baldwin is a traitor to his species and should never be talked about in good light. He abandoned his species to turn into a disgusting swamp creature and keeps his pearl on display like some sort of ancient relic. Most pearlcatchers may not speak highly of him, let alone speak of him at all, but there is at least an undercurrent of appreciation for his work and the fact that he had the right mind to keep his pearl at all, even if they don't feel like he deserves it any longer.
Bogsneaks usually get a poor rep because of this connection.
Bogsneaks have no elemental reasoning to them, no real creation other than... simply being a mess, and it doesn't help that their natural affiliation tends to be in a messy environment.
» coatls
There tends to be a quiet agreement between the two species, especially as coatls tend to be happy to gift others at a whim to quickly solve disagreements. Pearlcatchers are not likely to start arguments with them, especially as they're often a rather positive species that are more than happy to engage in open conversation. Despite the issues in understanding, pearlcatchers are more than happy to fill the void with their own chatter as long as coatls are patient enough to let them yammer on. Pearlcatcher's animated way of communicating often helps coatls catch on to their emotions and meanings, and pearlcatchers are far from unwilling to repeat themselves or discuss stories again if a coatl feels like they've missed something.
Coatls are one of the few breeds that pearlcatchers are more likely to barter with items rather than words, valuing their cross-species relations given the easy benefit for both.
Pearlcatchers are also highly unlikely to disagree with a coatl, at least not upfront. They're more than aware of their quick-fuse temper and are not built to deal with a quick attack at any time. The dragons outweigh them and are a fair bit larger than them, and are much more suited for battle than pearlcatchers are, so it's not worth the risk whatsoever.
Because of this, pearlcatchers are often unusually diminutive when it comes to disagreements around coatls, something that other breeds may use to their advantage when negotiating with pearlcatchers. They're far less likely to lose their temper around coatls and will often take the time to think over things carefully rather than being rash.
» wildclaws
Wildclaws are terrifying.
They're everything that pearlcatchers aren't -- strong, fast, and brutal. While pearlcatchers understand that those things don't necessarily mean the dragon is the same, it's difficult to see any difference when it's so ingrained in wildclaw culture.
Pearlcatchers usually prefer to distance themselves from wildclaws, especially since their quick tongues can often put them in tricky situations, and they're not physically able to keep up in combat with wildclaws without seeming like a coward for depending on magic.
There tends to be a quiet truce between wildclaws and pearlcatchers that roost in the same lair or den, both approving of the ornate decorations and luxurious items that they keep. Wildclaws usually understand that it's unfair to put pearlcatchers in a position where they need to fight, the same as they see fae, and will usually try to be patient around them, although there's only so far that patience can stretch when dealing with over-confident hatchlings.
» skydancers
Pearlcatchers tend to have a difficult relationship with skydancers. Given their rather passive nature, skydancers are usually tricky to talk with freely. They seem to prefer mediating things rather than being involved in them, and although their knack for weeding out truths through rumours can be handy at times, they also tend to disrupt the natural exchange of information between pearlcatchers.
It isn't uncommon for a skydancer to overhear a snippet and, instead of letting pearlcatchers do as they do, instead go to the source of the rumour or gossip and try to either break things down or encourage them to come out publicly about it. While most pearls understand that there's a time and place for such things, skydancers seem to have a difficult time processing the natural flow of gossip amongst the flock. They also sometimes seem to have a difficult time reading or understanding when a piece of gossip is harmless or not, which can lead to a few awkward conversations down the line.
Skydancers that understand how pearlcatchers communicate, however, tend to be a rather helpful player in a mixed-species flock. Those that are willing to engage in discussions or exploration are usually rewarded for their time, especially when a skydancer is willing to step in when things get a bit more heated. During moments where a malicious piece of gossip was intentionally spread, a skydancer can help curb a pearlcatcher's anger and help encourage the flock to deal with the matter properly, although it isn't unheard of for a skydancer to sometimes take the side of the troublemaker out of misunderstanding and making matters worse.
» mirrors
No. Just no.
Mirrors are feral little mudpuppies with no tact or sense of manners. They show no respect to a pearlcatcher or their pearl, and seem more intent on causing problems than anything else. They also seem uninterested to talk whatsoever, which has led to a lot of pearlcatchers simply assuming they're mute or dumb.
It could honestly be both situations.
» snappers
Despite what one may assume given the massive difference of aesthetic between pearlcatchers and snappers, the two species get along extremely well. Given snappers' innate collection of knowledge, pearlcatchers are often excited to come across one to exchange gold, food, or various trinkets in exchange for any new information. Snappers seem more than happy to sit down and discuss things at a length in great detail, much to a pearlcatcher's delight -- giving them every bit of knowledge they can share in a manner that is easily digestible and easy to break into segments for future bartering between other pearlcatchers.
It isn't uncommon for a pearlcatcher to feel territorial over a new snapper, feeling entitled to gaining whatever insight or knowledge they can share before anyone else in the flock can. This may lead to some snappers having short patience with them, but the matter is usually easily solvable.
Some more nomadic pearlcatchers will often stick with snappers, more than happy to live their lives amongst the walking encyclopedias and hearing story after story that the snappers will warble on about. The main difficulty that they face is keeping up with the walking tanks, especially those who seem to be focused on reaching a specific destination. Some pairs may split up at night, the snapper continuing on in their trek and the pearlcatcher catching up on wing during the daylight hours.
» spirals
Pearlcatchers and spirals have a bit of a difficult relationship, some being able to keep up with the energetic little noodles while others struggle to understand their logic. Younger pearlcatchers may enjoy the challenge of keeping up a conversation with spirals, eager to bounce between topics to see just how much they can learn or snatch in terms of knowledge or gossip from the blabbering dragons. Those that are a bit older, however, struggle to make much sense of the constant jumps in whatever topic at hand. For many, it feels like a spiral will spin off into another topic the moment something gets juicy, which negates the effort put into actually keeping up with them.
Those that are more familiar with spirals and their fast-paced nature wholly enjoy their company, but often find it difficult to then engage with other slower dragon species.
» ridgebacks
Relations are strained between the two species -- Pearlcatchers seem unable to understand why ridgebacks constantly lean towards thievery ( despite them calling it 'borrowing' ) and are often quick to speak ill of the ridgeback at fault. Gossip about whichever unknowing ridgeback that overstepped in a pearlcatcher flock is extremely common, and while not malicious, it may come off as fairly salty. When the ridgeback does come back to discuss the reason for the 'borrowed' item, the gossip tends to trail off and honest discussion sprouts between the two breeds.
Despite these constant patterns of upset and then understanding, the two species never seem to change their ways.
For most pearlcatchers, however, confrontation is next to impossible -- ridgebacks are more than a daunting dragon in terms of stature and nature, and so gossip and frustrated words are a much more likely result rather than any actual argument over whichever item or situation was at hand. Those that are brave enough to snap at a ridgeback tend to have a difficult time holding their tongues, usually climbing on something to allow them to have level eye-contact with the breed ( while also allowing them to quickly fly off if they push their luck too far. )
» tundras
Tundras are... somewhat of a wasted interaction for most pearlcatchers. Their innate difficulty in keeping conversation or remembering anything but sensorial echoes of a dragon makes them almost useless in terms of conversation or information exchange. While the dragons are content to simply listen to a pearlcatcher, the fact that there's little to no feedback on the matter will easily drive a pearlcatcher up the wall.
Despite this strained relationship, there is some pride when a tundra addresses them in a positive light, knowing that, despite the lack of memory or understanding, the dragon understands that they're sill a good and righteous species. The opposite can happen as well, pearlcatchers often slinking off in shame if a tundra seems to blatantly call them an enemy or disliked, which may lead to neighbouring flock members to scrabble in the hopes of unearthing the reason behind the animosity.
» ancient breeds
Most pearlcatchers aren't sure what to make of the ancient species. Gaolers are fairly reserved and unwilling to speak much about anything, Banescales have no knowledge of their past, and Veilspuns are frustratingly difficult to talk to.
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» pearls
When a new dragon decides to convert to a pearlcatcher, one of the first things that happens is the start of a new pearl. Pearlcatchers will often encourage the 'hatchling' ( a term used for new pearlcatchers until they can fully adapt to their new bodies ) to use a sentimental item or something intrinsically important to them to form the new pearl's inner core. Because they aren't able to use their hatching shell as a baby pearl, a new pearl can take a long time to start. Pearlcatchers are often more than eager to help the hatchling round out their new pearl, the 'adoptive' parents often pitching in with the early care of the pearl much like a pair would help with their young's.
Hatchlings may have a difficult time in getting used to storing the pearl in their pearl pouch too, something that can be somewhat amusing to younger pearlcatchers.
» education
Breed hatchlings are often placed amongst new-born pearlcatchers to learn the basics about their bodies and the care routines needed to keep in shape. While some dragons may feel degraded by this placement, flockmates are usually quick to explain the reasoning and give examples of the importance of such lessons. Those that are still unwilling to sit in with the younglings may sometimes be taken under the wing of another pearlcatcher, although this is usually a last resort for most. Encouraging a hatchling to learn amongst the younglings is a way to form societal bonds and to strengthen the sense of community between them all, despite how it may seem like babying.
Once a breed hatchling has grown to understand the basics, they're usually pulled from the youngling lessons and encouraged to mingle with the majority of the flock, participating in group grooming and the idle discussions that take place. A hatchling may have difficulty in picking up just how to communicate properly within the flock, but others are always happy to indulge them in private lessons in the way of long-winded gossip or tales of the flock's past. Information that is already publicly known is always discussed with a hatchling to bring them up to speed while also allowing them to try and share the same knowledge with others. Over time, they may be included in newer gossip or information as long as they seem to understand how and when to exchange the newly acquired words with others.
» breed specific quirks
Despite changing into a pearlcatcher, some breeds may still have a few odd quirks to them. These are usually dead giveaways to other pearlcatchers to quickly discern if one is a nested pearlcatcher or an adopted one.
Spirals tend to forget about their pearls, much to the frustration of others, and often need to be reminded to keep it close to them at all times. Snappers tend to forget to keep to regular sleep schedules and may be much slower in their conversations. Coatls tend to over-groom themselves, perhaps enjoying the vain nature of pearlcatchers a bit too much. Fae sometimes struggle with their new forms and the tonal shift in their voices, sometimes still keeping to the monotone due to the innate discomfort that may come with the change. Nocturnes may struggle to learn how to relay their own information rather than mirroring someone else's in the same way, and are much more likely to say the same thing to the same dragon on accident.
literally just me as a dragon, that's about it.
hello yes pearlcatcher because I am pearlcatcher addict
also a lore dump now, oops.
So, putting all my pearlcatcher headcanon / lore stuff in one spot so I can both share it and keep tabs on it! This likely won't be turned into anything super complex, just a big text dump place.
Obviously, before reading on, please understand that my own lore is a branch-off from flightrising lore since the information they give us on each breed is limited and leaves room for improvement. I don't take any lore and warp it completely, but there are multiple ways to take things into consideration!
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» arms / legs
Pearlcatchers have four digits on their front legs while their back only have three. Despite the lower number, their hind-paws or 'feet' have a rather surprising amount of dexterity, notably when a grown pearlcatcher uses them to temporarily hold their pearl while their front paws may be otherwise busy.
While it isn't commonplace to hold a pearl in their hind-paws for long, the striking pose is also an apt way to show off one's pearl to surrounding dragons. This pose, known as 'shining,' is often a way for young pearlcatchers to try and vie for attention from the ones they like, or from older pearlcatchers to proudly show off the decades of memories and work.
» neck / throat
When looking at a pearlcatcher, a slight swelling can usually be seen at the base of their throat. This is a pearl pouch ( credit to AniNemara for the original idea! ) where pearlcatchers can safely store their pearl whenever needed. The action takes little effort, especially as pearlcatchers have been using the technique since their hatching, and as such it's easy for a pearlcatcher to swallow down even a much larger pearl, despite what other dragons may think.
There's a healthy layer of fatty tissue on the outside of the pouch, which keeps the scaling on their throat from being pulled too taut, while also providing a plush environment for their pearl.
» wings
Pearlcatchers traditionally have leather-like wings, ranging from a thicker hide-like membrane to a more delicate bat-like membrane. While the two may look different, there isn't much difference in their maneuverability between the types. Their wingspan, on average, tends to be close to the total length of their body.
Given their smaller wing-to-body ratio, pearlcatchers are not normally able to fly for long distances like guardians or their cousin imperials. The advantage that they do have, however, is that they can quickly maneuver in the air. It takes little effort for pearlcatchers to dart around mid-air or drop into a steep dive, making them difficult to catch unless cornered. When startled on the ground by beastclans or native critters, pearlcatchers may immediately propel themselves into the air to keep clear of any danger -- an instinct young pearlcatchers or young off-breeds may abuse for small pranks.
» mane
Pearlcatcher manes are generally naturally coarse, but it is extremely common to find them using oils to soften and tend to it. For most light-borne pearlcatchers, argan, olive, and jojoba oils are commonplace and easily accessible, all of which are usually exported to far-off flocks from other elemental groups.
Because of the viscous and pearlescent nature of their saliva, pearlcatchers have had to learn to groom themselves with tools for generations, so combs from bone or shell and brushes made from boar bristles are commonplace in most flocks. When unable to use proper tools, pearlcatchers will often use their claws to care for their mane, although usually coating the sharpened edges in oils to keep careful.
While most common-flock pearlcatchers enjoy the luxurious look of a flowing mane, it's fairly common to find pearlcatchers with braided manes since it's easier to care for in the long-term. Trinkets like gold coins, glass beads, copper bands, and others may also be twisted or braided in a pearlcatcher's mane, a dazzling addition usually meant to 'up' their image, although sentimental pieces are often exchanged between mated pairs and braided in place by the other.
» ears
Pearlcatcher ears can pivot easily and allow for a large range of emotive motions. With the shape closer to that of a horse or donkey, pearlcatchers have extremely sensitive hearing. While they can easily catch snippets from a distance, it's difficult for them to confidently pinpoint the exact location of the noise. This is often the cause for their notorious gossip habits, and also makes it difficult for young pearlcatchers to sneak from the nest.
Similar to a canine's ears, however, pearlcatchers have the ability to move them independently. This allows them a better understanding of a noise source's location, which is helpful for situations where the noise is repetitive or longer-lasting. If given time, a pearlcatcher can pinpoint the source, but this is often used against them by beastclans or large predators -- if you can have a pearlcatcher stay still and search for noise for long enough, you can likely catch them. Because of this, pearlcatchers can be fairly skittish when dealing with sudden or new noises, more likely to distance themselves from the noise rather than hunt it down unless in groups of two or more.
» tail
While their tail is fairly short compared to most other dragon breeds, it has a high amount of flexibility, allowing them to hold their pearl in the curve of their tail for periods of time if needed. This tends to be more common when in groups where a speaker may be gesturing while speaking, gatherings where they may be expected to speak for long periods of time ( they can still easily speak around the pearl, but it's not as easy for them to fully articulate points that require ... a little bit more 'flair.' )
» teeth
Given their omnivorous diet of plants and insects, pearlcatcher teeth have adapted to meet their needs. With two massive fangs on both the top and bottom jaw, short pointed incisors, and blade-shaped crushing molars, a pearlcatcher's grin can be quite jarring to those who expect a more herbivore-like appearance, looking closer to that of a bear's or that of an omnivorous bat's. They have little lateral mobility to actually grind down plant matter as most herbivorous species do and as such need to depend on crushing the item between their molars and depend on their saliva to break it down.
Because of this, pearlcatchers tend to prefer a diet of fruit or vegetables rather than floral, grasses, or foliage. Figs, plums, olives, peaches, quince, pomegranates, eggplant, okra, and peppers tend to be the most common go-to items, although fruits native to other flight domains are also acceptable. Anything that is easy to bite and enjoy in chunks rather than require the time to shear down into small sections is preferred for most pearlcatchers.
Grubs and hard-shelled insects are a preferred source of nutrition when it comes to insects, because of the ease of eating and the ability to clean down teeth respectively. Larger insects make up most of a pearlcatcher's insect-diet, as most aren't too interested in harvesting smaller insects. Young pearlcatchers tend to have a nasty habit of only wanting to eat grubs, and as such can end up with poorly managed teeth due to their saliva buildup.
Plague-aligned pearlcatchers may gnaw on bones to keep their teeth clean despite being unable to actually eat the item at all. This sometimes leads to dental issues with abscesses for those who solely depend on the bones for cleaning, but given their affiliate to disease itself, it’s usually brushed off as a non-issue.
Earth pearlcatchers can sometimes be found using porous rocks like pumice to clean their teeth, but this tends to be rather uncommon. Those that choose this method often have streak-like marks on their teeth, sometimes even heavy gouges that are filled by the pearlescent matter. These pearlcatchers can have stunning smiles but are usually seen as poor dental health by those in other flights.
Nature, Fire, and Shadow pearlcatchers have ready access to hardened barks and oily fungus, both of which provide a healthier method to clean down their teeth without having to eat beetles at all times. Barks are sometimes coated in herbs like mint, cilantro, thyme, basil, or even spicier plants to provide an oily sheen to their teeth that helps keep them clean for a longer period of time while also keeping their breath a bit better.
» saliva
Pearlcatcher saliva is the key to growing and maintaining their pearl and tends to have a few odd properties and impacts on their day-to-day life, especially when residing in multi-species lairs.
Dark, viscous, and slightly oily-looking, pearlcatcher saliva is equally jarring and beautiful. The saliva is a strange mix of natural fluids and a heavy calcium carbonate mix, which allows pearlcatchers to layer the natural nacre to their pearls. Because they constantly produce heavy amounts of saliva and expend much of their calcium reserve, a frequent diet of calcium-rich grubs or figs is necessary for a healthy body and pearl. If a pearlcatcher is lacking in calcium, their saliva will become more translucent and less viscous, which in turn can lead to pearls being ruined or layered unevenly, even leading to skeletal issues over the long-term.
Because of the nacre-like ability of their saliva, dental upkeep is an absolute must. To prevent their teeth from opalizing or becoming extended and deformed, rough-shelled insects need to be eaten frequently. A pearlcatcher with jarring jagged teeth is seen as uncouth, uncaring, and lazy. Despite the social stereotype, the real reason most keep away from saliva buildup is due to the pain that the opalized teeth can bring by cutting into gums, lips, or cheeks.
In some rare situations in which a pearlcatcher loses their pearl and is unable to manage their excess saliva meant to keep layering the item, they may resort to layering a new object, while others may simply let their teeth turn to twisted spires or tusks while they mourn.
» horns
The only real form of sexual dimorphism within pearlcatchers as a species is their horns. Males tend to have two horns whereas females only have one. Although the difference between those with male and female sexes, horns aren't seen as an absolute identity towards one's gender. Given the commonplace habits of gilding, decorating, or otherwise carving their horns, pearlcatcher horns are seen as an addition to a dragon, not something that defines them.
Since pearlcatchers do not rely on strength, their horns are ornamental rather than defensive and are treated as such. The horns are a mix of keratin and their natural calcium carbonate, which results in a fairly sturdy, pearlescent horn. In the circumstance of damage or complete breakage ( sometimes caused by pearlcatchers too ambitious with their decorations, ) the horn can grow back over a long period of time, but constant care will be needed to ensure it keeps a smooth shape.
It's not unheard of for some pearlcatchers to have rather uniquely shaped horns, although that tends to be out of the norm and other-flight specific. For example, branching antler-type horns have been seen amongst those in nature, forwards curved sickle-like blades in lightning, and twisted ribbed horns in those from earth.
» whiskers
Pearlcatchers have a set of whiskers that are as sensitive as they are long. While the curved whiskers are long enough to touch the ground, the muscles along a pearlcatcher's muzzle allow them to pull them up and down with ease, as well as fully independent movement. The whiskers tend to be in constant movement unless they are in an area where they feel safe or have the time to rest, twitching and swaying to keep off the ground otherwise. Much like their manes, oils are usually applied to help keep the whiskers healthy and pliable, as it can be easy to damage the sensitive whisps from heat, stress, or even stuck underfoot by an unaware dragon.
Trimming whiskers is necessary to keep them healthy, and doing so doesn't hurt a pearlcatcher. It's common for working pearlcatchers to trim their whiskers short to keep out of the way, especially those working with otherwise dangerous elements. Plucking them entirely or having them torn out accidentally, however, is extremely painful and is one of the few things that may result in getting outright clawed for. Pearlcatchers without whiskers tend to normally be caused by a medical issue, although some rare few choose to pluck their whiskers for aesthetic purposes, much to the horror of most.
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» shape
Most adult pearlcatchers will have a near-perfect sphere ( many will call theirs perfect, but as far as any have been able to tell, there has been no true recording of a true 'god pearl' ) that can easily be cradled in tail, paw, or pearl pouch when need be.
Young pearlcatchers start with a more natural-shaped pearl, usually bubbled, oblong, and far from symmetrical. Due to the quick creation of their pearl and lack of experience, a hatchling's first pearl will always be seen as a starting point to work from. Over time, younglings will be taught by their parents or flock on how to care for it, how to layer nacre to help round it out, and how to find a sustainable habit to care for both their pearl and themselves.
It usually takes years for the pearl to start turning from its more raw shape to a more globe-like nature, by which point a young pearlcatcher should know more than enough on how to maintain the shape. Most of the shaping comes from keeping the pearl in their pearl pouch in their throat, but young pearlcatchers will often have to layer it with their tongues to avoid just adding to the warped shape in their throat.
It's not unheard of for pearlcatcher parents to help their hatchlings with their pearls, either layering to help give them a good base to start with or by using their claws to help manipulate the glossy nacre before it solidifies. While it's perfectly fine for nestmates and their parents to help each other in this method given their blood ties, getting help outside of one's roost ( unless from a mate or significant other in their future ) is seen as uncouth as one's pearl should be kept personal.
Some pearlcatchers keep the 'natural' shape of their pearls, especially water-based pearlcatchers who appreciate salt-water pearls found in mollusks. These tend to be bubbled and shaped from the original baby pearl's shape rather than forced into a sphere, and while they can be difficult to properly layer in a pearl pouch, are seen as a worthy effort to preserve one's beginnings.
» size
A grown adult's pearl tends to be fairly smaller than the width of their pearl pouch since it still needs to be able to be kept safe and in place. Pearls kept at this size are still able to be layered with thin coats at a time, and are easy to manage and care for. With further age and time, a pearl pouch can stretch out further or start to sag, but most pearlcatchers don't tend to use that as an excuse to make their pearl that much larger.
A massive pearl is seen as an ostentatious display of one's idiocy, as something that large can't be kept safe or cared for easily. While outsider species may look at a large pearl as if it was an impressive feat, most pearlcatchers understand that a massive pearl is simply a thing of impatience, laziness, and a massive lack of care. It's easy for a pearlcatcher to just slather layer upon layer around their pearl rather than choosing the time to carefully tend to it, choosing size over virtue.
Just because a pearl may be smaller doesn't mean there has been any less care put into it. Memories, essence, and magic are personally recorded in each layer despite the thickness of the layer. A thin, delicate layer of nacre is seen as something elegant and patient, which also allows for more recording of one's life into the pearl.
» colour
Despite the colour of pearlcatcher saliva, most pearls tend to keep to a pure white to dusty cream tone. The surface of pearls have a traditional pearlescent sheen to them, in that they have a heavy lustre to them that interacts with light to shimmer in rainbow tones. Unhealthy pearlcatchers may produce less lustrous nacre, which can usually be remedied with either a more balanced diet or outside medical intervention ( most situations like this tend to be caused by fussy hatchlings that have notoriously picky diets. )
In some rare cases, pearls have been recorded to being absolutely matte, where the object almost looks fake.
» gene-effects
Different genes have an effect on a pearlcatcher's pearl colour, either by changes in their metabolism that effect the nacre produced ( usually with darker pearls ) or by simply changing the tones of the nacre itself. Much like natural ocean pearls, the colour of natural pearls differs from pearlcatcher to pearlcatcher but is seen in more extreme circumstances when tied to genes.
Pearlcatchers with glimmer tend to have the most drastic pearl changes, a slightly faded mirror of their underbelly colour covering the pearl. Pearlcatchers with the strange mutation-like gene, capsule, tend to have a similar effect on their own, although it tends to be due to the interaction of the... liquid and their pearl pouch, staining the pearl rather than naturally coating it.
The colour of a pearl isn't seen as anything better or worse, but rather just another extension of a pearl's self. Diet changes and age can add to differing colours over the years, and as such it's not uncommon for a pearl to shift between tones over a pearlcatcher's lifespan.
» care
Pearlcatcher pearls are basically an extension of their body, another limb, another wing -- the entire thing is just as important as any scale on their body, if not more. Given how much they believe it holds memories and emotions, the pearl is a valuable item that could never, ever be replaced. Because of this, care is an absolute most from any pearlcatcher.
A pearlcatcher will always have their pearl on themselves, even in rather extreme circumstances. They're headstrong and refuse to trust the item with anyone else, which can often lead to some unfortunate outcomes for those stuck in dangerous situations. There are extremely rare situations in which a pearlcatcher may trust a close mate or friend with their pearl, but the bonds between those dragons must be infinitesimally strong.
Due to its constant presence, pearls are often carefully cradled in their tails or stored in pearl pouches when not needed for display. When placing it on the ground, pearlcatchers usually ensure the surface is suitable and will spend time smoothing their claws over the floor until they're satisfied that it's safe. This habit often leads to small spots of churned earth around pearlcatcher nests, the ground fluffed out to pad around a pearl rather than kept as a firm surface. In areas surrounded by stone, pearlcatchers may be more tentative to place their pearls down and will instead cradle the pearl beneath their wing in a fairly awkward manner.
When slumbering, a pearl is almost always kept in one's pearl pouch, otherwise neatly tucked beneath a wing or in the crook of their arm. Young hatchlings that are either too small to be trusted with a pearl in their pearl pouch or simply too tired to bother with it will have their pearl nearby, usually kept guarded by their parent or parent figure while they sleep.
The layers of nacre are extremely strong, despite the dainty appearance, and it takes quite a bit to damage the pearl itself. Because of this, very little has to be done to the pearl itself to care for it. Some may favour smoothing oils over the surface while others argue that it dulls the natural colours or that it can damage the inside of a pearl pouch.
» condition
A whole pearl is a happy pearl, one that is rounded, shimmering, and full of promise is the best kind of pearl one could have. As long as the pearl itself is in healthy condition, regardless of the shape or colour of the pearl, it's seen as in perfect health.
There may be bickering and discussion between flock members to argue about who's pearl is better than who's, but these tend to be in lighthearted jest rather than malicious as most understand just how personal a pearl is. That being said, there are some who will eagerly talk down about the state of someone else's pearl intentionally to rile up or slander the owner. If done in person, vocal arguments are commonplace and can sometimes lead to a vicious physical fight if riled up enough. 'Catfights' between pearlcatchers are extremely uncommon, but will almost always revolve around someone talking poorly of another's pearl.
Cracks in a pearl are fairly common, especially with younger pearlcatchers. Although the damage can seem like the end of the world to most pearlcatchers, after regaining some of their emotional balance, pearlcatchers can usually tend to the damage by nursing the crack with their tongue over a few weeks. As long as a pearlcatcher is careful with their pearl post-damage, it's usually fairly easy to fix. Most pearlcatchers will crack their pearl at least once in their life, which tends to be a learning lesson on just how important it is to care for them properly.
Bumps and grooves can happen with uneven coats of nacre, for those who prefer that aesthetic it's no problem, but those that prefer a globe-like pearl will usually have to work quite a bit to get it back to normal. Grooves are easy to fill over time, just like cracks are, but bumps are a much bigger issue. Grinding a pearl down is a terrible thing to do, not only do you chance destroying it further, but you erase so much of the effort and memory that went into it. Bumps are usually very small, and as such can be dealt with with a lot of patience and a long time, the pearl needing to be tended to by tongue rather than simply layering in a pearl pouch.
Chips in a pearl are also fairly common, a thin sheet of the nacre shearing off and revealing a ridged surface. Despite the embarrassment of the damage, it's rather easy to mend with patience and time.
Beyond health and dietary issues, a pearlcatcher's emotional needs can also be reflected on their pearl. For reasons unexplainable, a heartbroken, depressed, or mourning pearl may produce less lustrous layers of nacre, sometimes even being unable to properly layer anything on their pearl.
» breakage
The worst-case scenario for any pearlcatcher is to have their pearl broken. It takes quite a bit to break it, but once it breaks there's no fixing it. Desperate pearlcatchers may try to stick the pieces back together by layering thick nacre by tongue and pressing them together, but given the shattering, most of the dainty layers of pearl will just slip against each other or chip away further. Some pearlcatchers may try to put all the pieces back in their pearl pouch in the desperate hope that they'll fuse back together, often resulting in massive damage to the pearlcatcher from the jagged and torn pieces.
A broken pearl is a broken pearlcatcher. There will often be a period of mourning for a pearl by both the pearlcatcher who lost it as well as those close to them. Depending on how it was broken, a pearlcatcher may still be kept in a similar position as they were before within the flock, or sometimes outright chased out by the flock. Those that break their pearls in ignorance or lack of care are usually chased out and exiled almost immediately, forced to join other species' groups or lone pearlcatchers that went through the same experience. Those that had their pearls broken in battle or maliciously by another dragon are usually kept within the flock, treated gingerly and often visited by loved ones or flockmates to help support them.
Pieces of a broken pearl are almost always kept post-break, even with the tragic memories that come with it. Leaving the last pieces of all those memories and years of work is almost as bad as the break itself. Some pearlcatchers may have the pieces weaved between filigree and turned into amulets or jewelry to keep close to themselves.
» theft
A pearl thief, if caught, will almost immediately be killed by the flock. Pearlcatchers are notorious cowards and unwilling to fight at most times, but such a terrible act is only ever able to be met with violence and anger. En masse, pearlcatchers can form a rather vicious enemy, able to dart and weave to pick at the thief over time until they're no longer a threat and the pearl(s) have been recovered.
If the pearl thief was never caught or seen, an entire flock will go on high alert, guarding their pearls even closer to themselves and often too focused on looking after themselves to mourn with the robbed pearlcatcher. Having no piece of their pearl at all will often lead a pearlcatcher into a depressive void, usually unwilling to socialize or keep close within the flock.
Having no pearl at all also leads to some dangerous physical issues -- without a pearl to care for, the nacre-like saliva tends to overtake their teeth, causing jagged tusks to fill their maw. Over time, the bottom jaw and front of a pearlcatcher's neck may also end up pearlized, their vocal cords sometimes completely ruined from the oily saliva wreaking havoc on their body. In extreme circumstances, a pearlcatcher may simply suffocate due to the mass amount of pearl material clogging their throats, leaving a strangely beautiful skeleton in their wake.
» battle
Pearlcatchers will avoid battle and combat at all costs, preferring to fly from danger rather than deal with it. In some situations though, combat can't be avoided. Some clans have to resort to combat to protect their flock from other dragons or beastclans, some have to fight for their lives when under attack -- regardless of the reason, a pearl is always with a dragon when in battle.
Because they rarely ever trust anyone else with their pearl, it's almost always guaranteed to find the glittering treasure with a fallen pearlcatcher. Shifting deserts have unearthed old pearlcatcher graves at times, bleached bones and perfect pearls twisted together. If a body is recovered by a flockmate or a loved one, a pearl is usually buried with the body. Some pearlcatchers may take a shard of the fallen's pearl and craft it into an amulet, much like those with damaged pearls do, so that they can keep a piece of their lost one close at all times.
There are some scavengers, dragon and beastclan alike, that will purposefully go into an area with fallen pearlcatchers to take the orphaned pearls. Some simply keep them as trophies, others break them to craft into trinkets or jewelry while claiming they're 'natural mother of pearl' ( although discerning pearlcatchers will usually be able to tell otherwise and will either get violently sick or look into how to report the gravedigger. ) Some grind pearls down into dust to try and pass it off as a medicinal remedy for almost anything, perhaps for good luck or good health -- there is always a market for the glimmering powder if you know where to look.
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» communication
Pearlcatchers are known as a notoriously chatty species, their flocks constantly bartering any form of information in exchange for materials, currency, or almost anything else. Knowledge of current drama between dragons, secrets hidden from most, and even the quietest of love confessions hold a heavy value to any that come across it.
Secrets don't often stay secret for long within a flock, which leads to most not bothering to hide their words or ways, whereas others struggle desperately to keep whatever morsel of secrecy buried under a blanket of lies or misdirections. If a well-aged secret does come to light, the pearlcatcher first to find it can often expect a handsome payment for the information, while others that trade it down the line will expect diminishing returns. If the original secret keeper comes out in public with their hidden secret, however, the value of it in trade becomes near to nothing.
Pearlcatchers caught in spreading intentional misinformation will usually be ostracized for a while, often resulting in other pearlcatchers unwilling to barter or deal with them until they somehow make up for the deceit. It’s not uncommon for a morsel of gossip to be warped over time, but starting a malicious rumour from the start is a heavily punishable issue.
Liars, cheats, and deceitful pearlcatchers may end up with their belongings or dens surprisingly ‘gifted’ or ‘decorated,’ usually in jarringly bright items that serve as an easy-to-see warning sign for other pearlcatchers to know to avoid. Until the pearlcatcher at fault apologizes or makes up for the intentional malice somehow, usually either gifting the dragon they intentionally verbally attacked with valuable items or by spilling some of their own important secrets, the other flock mates will refuse to help them remove the markings or items from their den.
Pearlcatchers are known to be extremely emotive in their communications, frequently using their hands to gesture with whatever points they’re making and flitting their ears back and forth while talking. Head-shaking tends to be common when discussing confusing matters, their heads tilting to the sides like a dog shaking off rather than nodding. Snapping teeth together causes a rather jarring noise, but can usually be seen as either a sound of agreement when followed by a low hum, or one of indecisiveness when followed by a snort.
Because of their emotive nature, pearlcatchers often hold their pearl in their tail when discussing matters rather than keep it in their pearl pouch, since the pearl can muffle or limit the more guttural noises they rely on to drive points home.
» lightweaver / the gods
Pearlcatchers are born with the innate knowledge that they were created as a superior species. Given Lightweaver's 'failure' with Imperials, in which she created literal monsters that wreak destruction post-death and ended up with her completely abandoning any future creation of the species, pearlcatchers understand that Lightweaver took the knowledge of those mistakes and shaped them into the most perfect being she possibly could. Although this is clearly all just assumption, given that no dragons truly speak to the elemental deities, pearlcatchers have taken this rough knowledge and put it on themselves as fact.
For most light-borne pearlcatchers, they see themselves as superior given Lightweaver's careful attention to detail with their creation, something other species were not necessarily given. Much like the 'rough draft' of imperials, other dragon species are seen as flawed in some way or another since they were put out into the world with no future twists to perfection.
Obviously, pearlcatchers stroke their ego a bit too much.
Regardless of elemental affiliation, pearlcatchers usually acknowledge their fine-tuned creation that came from Lightweaver's own claws, even if they don't directly worship her under her flight. Those that travel to reside in other elemental lands or are born under different elemental deities will always be loyal to their gods, but also know of the deep-rooted ties they have to 'Lightmom.' That being said, pearlcatchers beneath other gods tend to be extremely loyal, understanding that the deities truly strive for dragon perfection and the care needed for their ( and by extension, dragon-kind's... not that they'd admit it ) communities and survival.
» gossip / rumours
Gossip and word-of-mouth are a currency amongst pearlcatchers, but that doesn't always mean it's as straightforward as it may seem.
While, normally, pearlcatchers enjoy the social-based gossips discussing matters of other clanmates or neighbouring dens, even so much as gossiping about their own nestmates, gossip isn't always something negative. There can be discussions surrounding good news, new nests, hatchling achievements, or anything else. Pearlcatchers can be seen as gossiping little hecks to other breeds, but not many understand the social web that the little trait weaves.
Pearlcatchers, despite being prideful, arrogant little things, don't often vocalize their achievements out in the open. This doesn't make them secretive for the most part ( although most secrets hidden tend to be negative or embarrassing ) but that it's just commonplace for the word to travel through the mouths of other pearlcatchers. This is part of their social economy, their trade, their community itself -- not having anything to pass on leaves a pearlcatcher in a tricky situation when it comes to trading or providing for their nest.
Usually, good news travels quickly through a flock, publicly unspoken until most have heard of it, in which case a celebration or public praise finally follows suit. Pearlcatchers are able to preen and celebrate with others at this point, having been patient for the word to finally break. Young nestmates and hatchlings often struggle with this waiting period, itchy to simply celebrate whichever achievement they've met, but will often be steered away from blurting it out to others by their guardians.
Rumours are an entirely different issue, and while sometimes harmless, they can result in public shaming or negative gossip spreading about any pearlcatcher that maliciously started a rumour. It can be difficult for pearlcatchers to understand what is gossip, what is spread, and what is a rumour, but after passing through a few mouths it often becomes clear where the lie resides. Pearlcatchers know their flock very well, even more so due to this constant shuffle of information from dragon to dragon, and so when something seems surprisingly out of character, it doesn't take long for them to either reveal the truth or find the source of the lie.
Gossip can also come in another surprising form: knowledge. Breaking away from the flock-based conversations, discussions of politics, exploration, and discovery are also commonplace in a flock. In more knowledge-based flights like Arcane, Fire, Earth, and Lightning, where machinery, study, and excavation are needed, this type of discussion is almost prioritized over community gossip. Mixed-species lairs will find pearlcatchers more likely gossiping about new finds or neighbouring research results rather than their own internal affairs, although it can lead to the personal gossip standing out more to confused dragons nearby.
This itch for information and understanding of both their status, their flocks, their flight, and their world, has lead to a few more exploratory pearlcatchers who are more eager to go out and gather the information, treasures, or tomes themselves than sit back and have it delivered to them.
» imperials
Imperials are... tolerable, but pearlcatchers may make their lives troublesome at times with their constant arrogant nature and preening. Given Lightweaver's abandonment of the species and creation of pearlcatchers, light-borne pearlcatchers usually have no issue with making this point extremely clear to their massive cousins. Despite the size difference, pearlcatchers seem to let their ego overtake their brains, resulting in a few getting swatted by the giant dragons from time to time.
If they feel that the dragons understand their place in dragonkind's ranking pearlcatchers can be more accepting of the gentle(ish) giants, having no issue roosting with them given their same homelands or even trying to exchange gossip despite imperials having little to no understanding of why. The two breeds have strikingly similar grooming habits, so it's not uncommon for pearlcatchers to either help with their grooming routines or simply engage in a communal grooming session with the giant cousins.
While imperials tend to be fairly reserved or cautious in their spoken word, pearlcatchers have no issue in simply picking up in their gaps, talking well enough to cover both parties' side of the conversation. The few imperials that decide to delve themselves into the communication routines of pearlcatchers are welcomed in immediately, both as another source to gossip about and to exchange the same information with.
It's a bit of a love-hate relationship like any good siblings have.
» nocturnes
To have a species so eager to follow in a pearlcatcher's steps is an absolute gift, and as such, pearlcatchers have no issue whatsoever when adopting this bat-like breed into their flocks. It isn't uncommon for pearlcatchers to encourage nocturnes to learn more about their culture, delving further into their society than the bare mimicry that most nocturnes simply have as a habit.
Pearlcatchers will often treat these dragons like hatchlings, carefully guiding them through what makes a pearlcatcher a pearlcatcher, including them in flock communications and the exchange of information. It can be difficult to deal with a gossiping nocturne though as they're often likely to mirror someone else's information with unrelated snippets inserted, which can lead to a few short tempers with older pearlcatchers.
Having a nocturne fall so in love with a pearlcatcher flock or habits that they decide to breed change fully is an extremely celebrated event. The time spent welcoming and including the dragon comes to a peak conclusion and the dragon is usually swarmed by pearlcatchers in the flock welcoming them and doing their best to gift them with baubles, food, blankets, nesting materials, and much more, to ensure they have everything needed to start their new life.
» fae
Fae and pearlcatcher communications can be... strained at times. Given the emotive nature and constant movement from pearlcatchers as they speak, it can be frustrating for a fae to fully understand what a pearlcatcher is trying to convey. With their shaking heads, snapping maws, claws gesturing, ears and wings twitching, it can sometimes be a bit of sensory overload to fae.
Likewise, pearlcatchers often feel unsure about how to discuss matters with fae. Used to having open communication and rather flamboyant mannerisms at times, the monotone drawl of the small dragons can often discourage a pearlcatcher from pursuing any chatter. Either assuming the monotone means they're not interested or unwilling to engage, a pearlcatcher may turn to other dragons for information instead. They're also much less likely to gossip or exchange information with fae out of fear of them either not caring at all or misunderstanding the reason it was discussed in the first place.
» guardians
Pearlcatchers can empathize with guardians on the constant protection needed for their guard, mirroring the image to their own pearl, but often have difficulty understanding why a guardian may choose to look after their given charge. When dealing with guardians that have item-based charges or something physically tangible, they can at least somewhat understand the pull, but when it's a concept, a study, or even another dragon, they can often just not relate at all.
This sometimes leads to a bit of mockery from pearlcatchers, hypocritical given their constant vigil over their own pearls while guardians do the same for their charge. Tension can be rather thick between the breeds, guardians either unwanting to deal with the haughty dragons and the insinuation that their pearls are much more valuable than their given charge, or not always willing to allow a pearlcatcher to even compare their pearls to their charge.
In the rare case where a pearlcatcher is somehow a guardian's charge, the entire treatment gets turned on its head almost immediately. Of course a guardian would understand a pearlcatcher's value, of course it's the right thing to look after a pearlcatcher. Hypocritical and vain, a pearlcatcher may look at a guardian in this kind of position as 'better' than the rest, leaving the guardian in an uncomfortable position.
» baldwin / bogsneaks
Baldwin is a traitor to his species and should never be talked about in good light. He abandoned his species to turn into a disgusting swamp creature and keeps his pearl on display like some sort of ancient relic. Most pearlcatchers may not speak highly of him, let alone speak of him at all, but there is at least an undercurrent of appreciation for his work and the fact that he had the right mind to keep his pearl at all, even if they don't feel like he deserves it any longer.
Bogsneaks usually get a poor rep because of this connection.
Bogsneaks have no elemental reasoning to them, no real creation other than... simply being a mess, and it doesn't help that their natural affiliation tends to be in a messy environment.
» coatls
There tends to be a quiet agreement between the two species, especially as coatls tend to be happy to gift others at a whim to quickly solve disagreements. Pearlcatchers are not likely to start arguments with them, especially as they're often a rather positive species that are more than happy to engage in open conversation. Despite the issues in understanding, pearlcatchers are more than happy to fill the void with their own chatter as long as coatls are patient enough to let them yammer on. Pearlcatcher's animated way of communicating often helps coatls catch on to their emotions and meanings, and pearlcatchers are far from unwilling to repeat themselves or discuss stories again if a coatl feels like they've missed something.
Coatls are one of the few breeds that pearlcatchers are more likely to barter with items rather than words, valuing their cross-species relations given the easy benefit for both.
Pearlcatchers are also highly unlikely to disagree with a coatl, at least not upfront. They're more than aware of their quick-fuse temper and are not built to deal with a quick attack at any time. The dragons outweigh them and are a fair bit larger than them, and are much more suited for battle than pearlcatchers are, so it's not worth the risk whatsoever.
Because of this, pearlcatchers are often unusually diminutive when it comes to disagreements around coatls, something that other breeds may use to their advantage when negotiating with pearlcatchers. They're far less likely to lose their temper around coatls and will often take the time to think over things carefully rather than being rash.
» wildclaws
Wildclaws are terrifying.
They're everything that pearlcatchers aren't -- strong, fast, and brutal. While pearlcatchers understand that those things don't necessarily mean the dragon is the same, it's difficult to see any difference when it's so ingrained in wildclaw culture.
Pearlcatchers usually prefer to distance themselves from wildclaws, especially since their quick tongues can often put them in tricky situations, and they're not physically able to keep up in combat with wildclaws without seeming like a coward for depending on magic.
There tends to be a quiet truce between wildclaws and pearlcatchers that roost in the same lair or den, both approving of the ornate decorations and luxurious items that they keep. Wildclaws usually understand that it's unfair to put pearlcatchers in a position where they need to fight, the same as they see fae, and will usually try to be patient around them, although there's only so far that patience can stretch when dealing with over-confident hatchlings.
» skydancers
Pearlcatchers tend to have a difficult relationship with skydancers. Given their rather passive nature, skydancers are usually tricky to talk with freely. They seem to prefer mediating things rather than being involved in them, and although their knack for weeding out truths through rumours can be handy at times, they also tend to disrupt the natural exchange of information between pearlcatchers.
It isn't uncommon for a skydancer to overhear a snippet and, instead of letting pearlcatchers do as they do, instead go to the source of the rumour or gossip and try to either break things down or encourage them to come out publicly about it. While most pearls understand that there's a time and place for such things, skydancers seem to have a difficult time processing the natural flow of gossip amongst the flock. They also sometimes seem to have a difficult time reading or understanding when a piece of gossip is harmless or not, which can lead to a few awkward conversations down the line.
Skydancers that understand how pearlcatchers communicate, however, tend to be a rather helpful player in a mixed-species flock. Those that are willing to engage in discussions or exploration are usually rewarded for their time, especially when a skydancer is willing to step in when things get a bit more heated. During moments where a malicious piece of gossip was intentionally spread, a skydancer can help curb a pearlcatcher's anger and help encourage the flock to deal with the matter properly, although it isn't unheard of for a skydancer to sometimes take the side of the troublemaker out of misunderstanding and making matters worse.
» mirrors
No. Just no.
Mirrors are feral little mudpuppies with no tact or sense of manners. They show no respect to a pearlcatcher or their pearl, and seem more intent on causing problems than anything else. They also seem uninterested to talk whatsoever, which has led to a lot of pearlcatchers simply assuming they're mute or dumb.
It could honestly be both situations.
» snappers
Despite what one may assume given the massive difference of aesthetic between pearlcatchers and snappers, the two species get along extremely well. Given snappers' innate collection of knowledge, pearlcatchers are often excited to come across one to exchange gold, food, or various trinkets in exchange for any new information. Snappers seem more than happy to sit down and discuss things at a length in great detail, much to a pearlcatcher's delight -- giving them every bit of knowledge they can share in a manner that is easily digestible and easy to break into segments for future bartering between other pearlcatchers.
It isn't uncommon for a pearlcatcher to feel territorial over a new snapper, feeling entitled to gaining whatever insight or knowledge they can share before anyone else in the flock can. This may lead to some snappers having short patience with them, but the matter is usually easily solvable.
Some more nomadic pearlcatchers will often stick with snappers, more than happy to live their lives amongst the walking encyclopedias and hearing story after story that the snappers will warble on about. The main difficulty that they face is keeping up with the walking tanks, especially those who seem to be focused on reaching a specific destination. Some pairs may split up at night, the snapper continuing on in their trek and the pearlcatcher catching up on wing during the daylight hours.
» spirals
Pearlcatchers and spirals have a bit of a difficult relationship, some being able to keep up with the energetic little noodles while others struggle to understand their logic. Younger pearlcatchers may enjoy the challenge of keeping up a conversation with spirals, eager to bounce between topics to see just how much they can learn or snatch in terms of knowledge or gossip from the blabbering dragons. Those that are a bit older, however, struggle to make much sense of the constant jumps in whatever topic at hand. For many, it feels like a spiral will spin off into another topic the moment something gets juicy, which negates the effort put into actually keeping up with them.
Those that are more familiar with spirals and their fast-paced nature wholly enjoy their company, but often find it difficult to then engage with other slower dragon species.
» ridgebacks
Relations are strained between the two species -- Pearlcatchers seem unable to understand why ridgebacks constantly lean towards thievery ( despite them calling it 'borrowing' ) and are often quick to speak ill of the ridgeback at fault. Gossip about whichever unknowing ridgeback that overstepped in a pearlcatcher flock is extremely common, and while not malicious, it may come off as fairly salty. When the ridgeback does come back to discuss the reason for the 'borrowed' item, the gossip tends to trail off and honest discussion sprouts between the two breeds.
Despite these constant patterns of upset and then understanding, the two species never seem to change their ways.
For most pearlcatchers, however, confrontation is next to impossible -- ridgebacks are more than a daunting dragon in terms of stature and nature, and so gossip and frustrated words are a much more likely result rather than any actual argument over whichever item or situation was at hand. Those that are brave enough to snap at a ridgeback tend to have a difficult time holding their tongues, usually climbing on something to allow them to have level eye-contact with the breed ( while also allowing them to quickly fly off if they push their luck too far. )
» tundras
Tundras are... somewhat of a wasted interaction for most pearlcatchers. Their innate difficulty in keeping conversation or remembering anything but sensorial echoes of a dragon makes them almost useless in terms of conversation or information exchange. While the dragons are content to simply listen to a pearlcatcher, the fact that there's little to no feedback on the matter will easily drive a pearlcatcher up the wall.
Despite this strained relationship, there is some pride when a tundra addresses them in a positive light, knowing that, despite the lack of memory or understanding, the dragon understands that they're sill a good and righteous species. The opposite can happen as well, pearlcatchers often slinking off in shame if a tundra seems to blatantly call them an enemy or disliked, which may lead to neighbouring flock members to scrabble in the hopes of unearthing the reason behind the animosity.
» ancient breeds
Most pearlcatchers aren't sure what to make of the ancient species. Gaolers are fairly reserved and unwilling to speak much about anything, Banescales have no knowledge of their past, and Veilspuns are frustratingly difficult to talk to.
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» pearls
When a new dragon decides to convert to a pearlcatcher, one of the first things that happens is the start of a new pearl. Pearlcatchers will often encourage the 'hatchling' ( a term used for new pearlcatchers until they can fully adapt to their new bodies ) to use a sentimental item or something intrinsically important to them to form the new pearl's inner core. Because they aren't able to use their hatching shell as a baby pearl, a new pearl can take a long time to start. Pearlcatchers are often more than eager to help the hatchling round out their new pearl, the 'adoptive' parents often pitching in with the early care of the pearl much like a pair would help with their young's.
Hatchlings may have a difficult time in getting used to storing the pearl in their pearl pouch too, something that can be somewhat amusing to younger pearlcatchers.
» education
Breed hatchlings are often placed amongst new-born pearlcatchers to learn the basics about their bodies and the care routines needed to keep in shape. While some dragons may feel degraded by this placement, flockmates are usually quick to explain the reasoning and give examples of the importance of such lessons. Those that are still unwilling to sit in with the younglings may sometimes be taken under the wing of another pearlcatcher, although this is usually a last resort for most. Encouraging a hatchling to learn amongst the younglings is a way to form societal bonds and to strengthen the sense of community between them all, despite how it may seem like babying.
Once a breed hatchling has grown to understand the basics, they're usually pulled from the youngling lessons and encouraged to mingle with the majority of the flock, participating in group grooming and the idle discussions that take place. A hatchling may have difficulty in picking up just how to communicate properly within the flock, but others are always happy to indulge them in private lessons in the way of long-winded gossip or tales of the flock's past. Information that is already publicly known is always discussed with a hatchling to bring them up to speed while also allowing them to try and share the same knowledge with others. Over time, they may be included in newer gossip or information as long as they seem to understand how and when to exchange the newly acquired words with others.
» breed specific quirks
Despite changing into a pearlcatcher, some breeds may still have a few odd quirks to them. These are usually dead giveaways to other pearlcatchers to quickly discern if one is a nested pearlcatcher or an adopted one.
Spirals tend to forget about their pearls, much to the frustration of others, and often need to be reminded to keep it close to them at all times. Snappers tend to forget to keep to regular sleep schedules and may be much slower in their conversations. Coatls tend to over-groom themselves, perhaps enjoying the vain nature of pearlcatchers a bit too much. Fae sometimes struggle with their new forms and the tonal shift in their voices, sometimes still keeping to the monotone due to the innate discomfort that may come with the change. Nocturnes may struggle to learn how to relay their own information rather than mirroring someone else's in the same way, and are much more likely to say the same thing to the same dragon on accident.
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