Gargoyle

"Guardians of the city, eh? And how do you propose to keep them bound to that purpose?"

Lord Tretch

Basic Information

Anatomy

Gargoyles are bestial hairless humanoids with fanged mouths, pointed tails and sharp talons. There are some variations in features, such as some having beaks or hooves, but the vast majority are winged, like a dragon. Many Gargoyles are also depicted with chains around their necks, symbolizing that they are controlled, or are in servitude to their creator.
Being a petromorph, gargoyles are creatures of stone and begin as carvings, but through  powerful magic are transformed into living creatures. In sunlight, they become rigid and immobile as their bodies return to the stone they were constructed from. At night, the creature sheds its outer layer of stone and becomes flexible, capable of lithe moment and flight. At the heart of each gargoyle is a substantially large gemstone the colour of which is reflected in their eyes. 
Gargoyles are intelligent, even though they may rarely speak.

Genetics and Reproduction

Gargoyles are constructs, given life by powerful magic and ceremony. They do not reproduce or age. Vital to the creation of a gargoyle is the statue itself, which must be carved to the very best detail, a sizable pure gemstone to serve as the creatures heart and container for its lifeforce, and vampire blood. Part of the ritual is also the binding of the will of the gargoyle to servitude or the completion of a specific task.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Gargoyles are lithivores and eat stone and minerals, delighting especially on gemstones, whether they be precious or not as they perceive delicate flavours from their consumption. It is the intake of stone that enables the gargoyle to shed its outer layer every dusk. Gargoyles also subsist on blood, although they seem to need only very little from time to time.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The eyesight of a gargoyle is keen and built for low light conditions. Their hearing is also exceptional, far exceeding that of a human and whilst they seem to have no sense of smell, they are able to taste a wide variety of flavours, albeit from their unusual diet.

Scientific Name

Petromorph

Origin/Ancestry

Construct

Conservation Status

Although most gargoyles are in the service of their masters, many also roam free.