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Long ago, the first Vigil dragons began appearing throughout the Tangled Wood. Their silhouettes loomed among the gargoyles and grotesques that were tucked in throughout crumbling ruins. Many of their number stood watch over the Forum of the Obscured Crescent, while others scattered all throughout the region at other sites of interest. Shadow clans are rife with myths and legends of these watchful dragons. While most stories revolve around their original purpose and the belief that Shadowbinder charged them with serving as sentinels and protectors, the truth behind their creation has been lost to time. Regardless of their origins, Vigil dragons eventually gave in to their own curiosities and began spreading all throughout Sornieth to satisfy their inquisitive nature.
Physical Attributes
These dragons strike an imposing figure, with twisted, towering horns and an impressive wingspan—even for their large size. They're most well-known for possessing a singular eye, protected by a pair of small horns that arch up over it. These protrusions are anchored into fine muscles, which can flex to adjust the angle of the horns in order to defend from debris, attacks, and bright light. This proves to be especially useful for those who left to explore beyond the Tangled Wood's borders, since their eyes are so light sensitive that they struggle to see well in the bright daytime. In the depths of night, however, they have quite the advantage. Vigil dragons' eyes are formed with a tapetum lucidum; a layer of reflective tissue behind the retina, which grants them exceptional vision in low light.
Their wings double as their forelimbs, formed with long, webbed digits. While these appendages are broad and powerful enough to wrap around most potential prey, they primarily utilize their talons and beak to interact with anything small. Their sharp fangs help them tear food into bite-sized pieces, though they also use them to drain additional fluids from tougher meals for better hydration—whether that comes in the form of juice, or blood. Accustomed to the cold nights in Tangled Wood, they often hang their tongues out for temperature regulation. This offers a good look at the flexible barbs at the back of their tongues, which help to manipulate food and drink down their throats.
While Vigil dragons have a versatile diet, they hunt as ambush predators, especially in areas where foraging is a challenge. Some will set lures to help draw in unsuspecting prey. While lying in wait, they are able to enter a state of stillness that mimics a mild version of hibernation; their heartbeat and breathing rate slows, their body temperature dropping to something closer to the ambient air. Even in this state, however, their senses remain sharp. Between their fantastic hearing and impressive visual perception, little escapes a Vigil dragon's notice. When a potential meal comes along, they are well-prepared to drop down onto it from above. From there, their muscled back legs and powerful talons make short work of their quarry.
Social
While Vigil dragons are often sociable by nature, friends may struggle to recognize their methods of connection for what they are. Much like the stony sculptures that history found them amongst, Vigils tend to take comfort in wordless companionship—often focused on sharing an interest, curiosity, or mystery. When something sparks an individual's inquisitive nature, they can settle in for hours or days at a time to study the subject in depth. In some cases, they enter the same still state they utilize while waiting to ambush prey.
Regardless of the source of their rapt attention, Vigil dragons often remark that the delight they gain from their interests is exponentially multiplied when shared with others. Before settling in to investigate a novelty, they may use their sweeping horns to scrape away tree bark, gouge stone, or otherwise leave marks that prompt other perceptive dragons to scrutinize the area. As a result, it isn't uncommon to find a whole cluster of Vigil dragons perched in the same location, unmoving but for the rapt attention of their singular eyes and sensitive ears. Those with creative inclinations may also enter this same meditative state while crafting or daydreaming up new ideas.
Some historians speculate that Vigil dragons' instinctive attentiveness is tied to their original function; to serve as steadfast sentinels. For some, this kindled the same insatiable curiosity that prompted them to explore the rest of Sornieth. Still, when integrating into mixed clans, many of their number find fulfillment serving as protectors and watchers. Those who do spend time out exploring often return with gifts of trinkets or curios for their friends—anything that made them think of the recipient.
Lairs
Vigil lairs can take a variety of forms, but they almost always share the common denominator of having a skyward exit. Being able to perch and observe their surroundings is one of the key criteria a Vigil dragon has when searching for a lair location; having plenty of space to practice their hobbies and store their stashed-away curiosities is another. Upon exploring "abandoned" ruins, it is not unheard of for adventurers to find themselves the subject of half a dozen gleaming eyes, reflected from Vigil dragons tucked away in stony crevices.
More than anything, lairs are an outlet for Vigil dragons to engage in personal expression. As a result, their homes tend to be as colorful as they are cluttered. Other dragon breeds may find cohabitation frustrating at times, as their lairmates will place an object wherever they think it looks best. Practical concerns take a backseat to aesthetics, and most Vigil dragons view lair spaces as communal in nature.
Tactics
Protectors at heart, a Vigil dragon is most likely to break their otherwise still, static demeanor when someone—or something—important to them is on the line. Their tough hide and sheer size give them an advantage when standing between their ward and a would-be attacker, but they are far more than simple obstacles in a fight. Unfamiliar enemies are in for a shock when a Vigil's docile, stony posture explodes into relentless ferocity.
Whenever possible, Vigil dragons prefer to take their conflicts to the sky. Their powerful wings grant them a good deal of speed and surprising maneuverability. Between this mobility, their crushing talons, and deadly jaw strength, there are few aerial warriors who can match a Vigil's formidable skill. On the ground, they rely on their sharp beaks and nigh-unbreakable horns to tear into opponents.
A Vigil dragon in a steep dive is the most dangerous of all. Tucking their wings around their bodies, they careen downward at breathtaking velocity. Even in a plunge, their sharp perception makes them accurate to the most minute targets. Enemies who aren't deft enough to escape often meet their (literally) gory end speared by a Vigil dragon's horns.