Appearance

Gargoyles are some of the most varied creatures in all of Antarsia. They come in all shapes and sizes with all manner of builds. Some walk on two legs, others on four. Their hands and feet are clawed or taloned. Their ears are pointed, and come in a variety of lengths. Some have beaks, others have muzzles, and some have flat faces. Horns and spikes are common on their bodies, as are wings and long tails--though some Gargoyles have one set of wings attached to their arms, making them better suited for gliding than flight. Those with wings on their backs have claws on the joints, allowing them some manner of extra grip. Some Gargoyles even have hair--their appearances are as varied as grains of sand.

The hide of a Gargoyle is rough and stoney. It’s flexible enough for them to move, yet durable enough to provide them with a great defense. The color of their hides vary. Desaturated earthen tones are the most common, but Gargoyles can come in all manner of color. Some have flecks of crystals or minerals in their skin, others have striations and stripes.

Gargoyles appear to be physically androgynous, but many have taken to covering themselves in simple human clothing, like loincloths and tunics. Jewelry is a new trend among the young, with the older Gargoyles looking on in confusion at the vanity.

During the day, Gargoyles becomes statues. The stone they appear to be is based on the stone of their surroundings, and generally matches that of their building.

Abilities

Gargoyles are durable and strong, much like the stone they resemble. They can heft boulders with ease, claw their way up stone walls, and even tear buildings down brick by brick with their bare hands. Thile not very fast on land, they’re swift and agile in the sky, and when working together they’re quite fearsome opponents.

Their weight makes it rather difficult to swim, so many Gargoyles prefer to avoid water as drowning is a very real cause of death. Smaller Gargoyles have better luck in water, as do those with four legs.

The most startling thing about Gargoyles is their daily transformation into stone. At dawn they become stone, frozen in place. This state is a double-edged sword; while they sleep their wounds are healed, but they’re defenseless and can easily be smashed to pieces, which means death.

At sunset, Gargoyles awaken, completely healed and refreshed.

Culture

Gargoyles are incredibly close to others in their clan. They have a strong sense of family, and look out for one another. From the day they hatch, they have a strong bond with those in their rookery, considering each other siblings even if they’re not related by blood. Clans are led by the wisest among them--one who has seen many battles and has gained experience.

They age rather slowly, spending a lot of time as a child, which is a time of play and learning--mostly flight and controlling their limbs. Once they become teenagers, they begin to learn the art of combat. Once they pass their combat trials--an event that takes place after 350 years of training--they begin to defend their home.

They communicate in various ways among themselves, growls, whines, grunts, even screeches and cooes. When communicating with other races, they speak formally, and outsiders invited to a Gargoyle party are rather surprised to learn how relaxed and jovial they are among their brethren.

Gargoyles are commonly found on churches, cathedrals, libraries, castles--buildings of great importance. These large buildings are home to large clans, where the Gargoyles will stay for their entire lives. Rookeries are housed underground, and are closely protected at all times. Gargoyles live in peace with the inhabitants of their buildings, and will protect them with their lives.

It’s not uncommon for clans to meet up during the night. Neighboring clans are usually on good terms with each other, and courtships between clans is not uncommon. When a Gargoyle population begins to rise too much, the youngest among the warriors will head out to make a new home on another building. Sometimes their chosen building will be as average as a house, and some may even claim individual homes within villages, with the clan protecting the entire village.

If the home of a gargoyle is destroyed, survivors will wander in search of a new grand building to house them. It’s very rare for there to be several survivors--most of their keeps fall during the day, when the Gargoyles are stone and unable to defend their home. Some Gargoyles are even so devastated by the loss that they wander endlessly, never settling down again.

History

It’s unknown as to the direct origins of the Gargoyles. Some believe they were born from already carved statues atop buildings, brought to life by the people’s desire to remain safe within the walls. Others believe that Gargoyles were crafted by Ganthor, and then granted life by the god. Whatever the case, Gargoyles have existed alongside the other races. As long as there have been grand buildings and keeps, Gargoyles have kept them safe.