Types of Pillbugs:
You can identify what type of pillbug you have based on their
primary gene. If your pillbug's primary and secondary genes match, they can be considered a "Pure" pillbug.
Special species pillbugs have a specific combination of colors and genes that identify them (see the first post for more info).
Laced - Multi-Plated Pillbug AKA Scaly Pillbug
The scaly pillbug is your classic pillbug. Because of its many scales, it is able to curl up into a ball to protect itself, similar to an armadillo. Compared to other pillbugs, scaly pillbugs are generally more calm and stoic. They are unfazed by most things and have a stubborn streak. They are from the deepest parts of the earth, so they tend to avoid strong sunlight. A pillbug with both Laced and Edged can be considered a Pure Scaly pillbug.
Metallic - Single-Plated Pillbug AKA Shiny Pillbug
The shiny pillbug's body is covered in a single plate of armor; thus it cannot curl into a ball in the same way that scaly pillbugs do. However, their armor is significantly stronger than the other types of pillbug. In terms of behavior, they tend to be slightly more aggressive than the other types, utilizing their venomous bite as defense against larger predators. They are also more active, with many seeking adventure or traveling to explore new places. A pillbug with both Metallic and Alloy can be considered a Pure Shiny pillbug.
Varnish - Modern Pillbug
The modern pillbug has evolved to have beautiful coloring that catches the eye, but has lost the ability to curl into a ball like the scaly pillbug. They are often more friendly and social than other types of pillbugs. However, just like the others, they still have a sort of absentminded feel to them that makes them quite charming to other dragons. A pillbug with both Varnish and Lacquer can be considered a Pure Modern pillbug.
Bar - Dappled Pillbug
The dappled pillbug is a variant only recently discovered due to their exceptional camouflage skills. They seem to be shy and reserved for the most part, demonstrating remarkable patience using ambush tactics when they are hunting for food. They can most often be found in forested areas as opposed to rocky areas, as they blend in well with the fallen leaves and other debris that tends to cover the forest floor.
Special Species Pillbugs:
Tangerine Pillbug
The first special species pillbug to be discovered, tangerine pillbugs have an affinity for the sun! They are much more active in the daytime than the other types of pillbugs; having evolved in the desert environment, they are able to handle the light much better than their mostly nocturnal cousins. For some reason or another, they tend to enjoy orange and yellow foods such as peppers. Perhaps the diet adds to their bright coloring? No one knows for certain.
Dairy Cow Pillbug
The second special species pillbug to be discovered! Dairy cow pillbugs tend to be quite social just like modern pillbugs, and often gather in groups. However, they also have a habit of being a little anxious when introduced to new things and are a bit afraid of change. Because of this, they have developed long-standing traditions that are passed down from generation to generation; one such tradition is the Dance of the Maze, which is a quick-paced zigzagging dance that was once used to confuse predators!
Iridovirus Pillbug
The third special species pillbug to be discovered! A bizarre phenomenon has been tracked down to a cavern deep in the Parched Canyonwalks below Greatwyrm's Breach. The population of pillbug dragons here have manifested crystalline structures within their skin, scales, bones and blood, seemingly caused by their unusual diet of magical crystals. With their vital organs crystalized their whole body has essentially become a gemstone.
The magic that has built up in their bodies due to their diet comes in waves or pulses. With each discordant pulse, the pillbug's magic tips over the edge and becomes too much for the host to bear. Side effects of this 'mind pollution' include aimless wandering, forgetting things, zoning out and slow and clumsy movement. Reaction time is often drastically reduced, causing these dragons to act unfazed in the face of most things. These symptoms may last for varying amounts of time and to a varying level of severity, although most commonly they only last for less than a minute.
Extended Lore (written by Fynite):
Within the Parched Canyonwalks (closer to the eastern side, near/below the Greatwyrm's Breach) there is a deep recess these dragons call home.
Below the sun's reach is a sprawling cavern with glassy glowing stones that light up the twisting halls. These transparent crystals gleam with many hues of cold purple-blues and yet radiate an energy, a heat. They even seemed to grow, as if it were alive...These gems storing energy became a prime (if unconventional) food source for these deep dwellers. With all things in Sornieth, there is magic, even if only residual trace amounts, there is still magic. While small, it was noticed that the magic almost pulses in an immeasurable way with inconsistent frequencies. An irregular heartbeat of the crystals. Of the caves? Of Sornieth? Of the planet? No dragon was sure, but they were sure of their hunger.
Diet also consists of small plants/weeds and insects, but primarily the mysterious stones.
Dragons thrived together in the caves, eating the luminant rocks but as new generations were born... The elder's noticed the magic beginning to accumulate within the hatchlings. Each generation, more, more, more. They began to glow... Eventually the crystalline based magic began to grow out of control, forming crystal structures on the bodies of these cave dragons. The former noted magic pulses or waves were connected to the magic in the dragons. Each discordant pulse made the internal magic levels "tip" over the edge and become too much to bear.
When the magic would spill over, the dragon enters a state that is somewhat similar to a dissociative fugue. Stints of aimless wandering, forgetting small things, zoning out, clumsy slow movements. They are usually unfazed as if under a spell. Some have described it as a nearly primal/instinctual state, relying on instincts much more than usual in these brief moments. These events last inconsistent amounts of time, most commonly occur for less than a minutes to varying levels of severity. Violence has NOT been noted thus far and by all accounts it seems that violence will never be a concern. Otherwise, these dragons are able to live as any other dragon.
Here in modern times the magic still pulses and has its effects, however some clutches have been noted to experience this phenomenon less. Whether they're evolving to handle the magic, or the more varied diet outside of the cavern has caused less magic build up, it seems the future generation by overcome these energy spillovers. This now official documented dragon subspecies is peaceful, calm, and love to eat their freaky rocks.
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