TERRAWINGS
A guide for general Terrawing anatomy.
THE SISTER TRIBES
Terrawings Size Comparison
An adult scavenger, Quaketerra, Riverterra, and Bayterra. In the background is n adult Mudwing. Click the turtle icon (top right) to enlarge.
Appearance
Terrawings are much smaller than the other Pyrrhian tribes. Terrawings have stout, wide bodies with short legs and necks. All Terrawings have large, webbed feet and enlarged talons for burrowing. Tough scales provide Terrawings extra defense. Most dragons in this tribe have smooth, barrel-shaped abdomens - the chest cavity is not as distinct from the rest of the abdomen as with the Pyrrhian tribes - giving Terrawings a omre streamlined body. A noticeable dip in the abdomen (that can be normally seen in Rainwings, Sandwings, and Leafwings) is a clear sign of malnourishment or disease for Terrawings.
Evolution
It is theorized that ancestral Terrawings remained small to avoid competition with other dragons. This theory is supported by Pyrrhian records - historically, Terrawings were cosnidered "lesser dragons" and were not given much consideration. There is some evidence that Terrawings used to be hunted by larger dragons - supported by the many defensive adaptatiosn Terrawings have and ancient records of Terrawing-Pyrrhian interactions being less than friendly. Terrawings are likely ost closely related to Mudwings, but diverged early on in Pyrrhia's histroy. Hybridization with ancestral Sandwings and Seawings likely produced Quaketerras and Bayterras, respectively.
Scale Pattern
All Terrawings have the same basic scale pattern, with variations for each sister tribe. Regions of the body not mentioned in the following bullet points are regular dragon scales.
- Three rows of thick dorsal plates from the back of the head to the tail, with the median row cosniderably larger.
- Enlarged scales or scutes scattered across the face, neck, limbs, and tail (optional).
- 2-3 flat scales on the tops of the forearms and heels of all Terrawings.
- A row of raised scales lining smooh, flexible belly scales.
The following traits are shared by all Terrawings and are key diagnostic features of the tribe as a whole. Stout bodies, dorsal plates, beaks, and cheek scutes are required traits for the species. A chest spike, multiple earlobes, and leg spikes (or the lack of) are all common traits that any Terrawing could have.
TRAITS
Tough Beaks
A bayterra with its mouth open.
All Terrawings have a keratinized beak covering the front of the upper and lower jaws. Paired with strong jaw muscles, Terrawings have an incredibly strong - and sharp - crushing bite. This allows Terrawings to easily snap through branches and roots, nuts, and even scales and bones. Terrawings also have teeth, but they are fairly blunt and more useful for chewing and grinding food than tearing it. ALl Terrawings have a pair of canines, one pair of premolars, and two pairs of molars in each jaw.
Dorsal Plating
A Riverterra.
All Terrawings have three rows of large, extra-thick scales along their dorsal surface, from the backs of their heads to their tails. The shape of these dorsal plates varies significantly between the three sister tribes. Their most obvious function is providing defense from above, though Terrawings often use them to press up on tunnel walls to pack in the substrate while digging. The dorsal plates are rigid and heavy, limiting an individual's flexibility and speed. They are highly resistance to heat and sharp objects, though can crack if put under great pressure. A cracked dorsal plate is considered unattractive by many, as it suddenly becomes a significant weak spot.
Cheek Scutes
A Quaketerra with pronounced cheek scutes.
All Terrawings have keratinized scutes on both cheeks, rooted in the lower jaw bone. Bayterras have smooth cheek scutes, and Riverterras and Quaketerras have larger, pointed scutes. Like an extra set of horns (as they are made of the same material), these scutes provide extra protection for the face. Terrawings will often bump their cheek scutes with another as a sign of affection - similar to a headbump.
Chest Spike
Two Quaketerras - one with a chest spike and one without. Limbs omitted for visibiity.
Terrawings have an enlarged plate on the front of their chest, signifying the end of the neck plates and the start of the belly plates. In some Terrawings, this plate protrudes outward, creating a spiked shape. Chest spikes are commonly found among Quaketerras and Riverterras, but are rare among Bayterras.
Ear Lobes
A Riverterra with six lobes on its ear, two of which are pierced.
A majority of Terrawings have multiple lobes on their ears. The purpose of this morphology is unknown, but it provides plenty of space for earrings. The size and number of lobes varies between individuals regardless of tribe. Having lobes or not are both common traits.
Leg Spikes
A swimming Bayterra, with three leg spikes on each leg.
Many Terrawings, regardless of tribe, will have a row of spikes running along the backsides of their forelimbs and/or hindlimbs. These spikes are hard, ekratinized scutes - the same material as their dorsal plating and cheek scutes. The number of spikes, shape, and size varies between individuals, though the spikes tend to stay small.