Some visuals for MoonWing development and how damage affects growth.
A more in depth analysis below :)
MoonWings have particularly unique growth stages in comparison to most tribes. As dragonets, they lack the fur, antennae, wings, and keen eyes of an adult- they don’t even possess the framework of these traits inside their bodies, no hidden wing bones or budding antennas waiting to pop. This makes the transformation they undertake all the more remarkable.
When the time has come and a dragonet enters adulthood, they begin to shed their skin. But rather than flaking off as it usually would, it just continues to build up layer after layer. It thickens to the point of near immobility, becoming a rigid shell, and as it does it takes on a vibrant hue. The color is often random, and can vary from one monochrome shade to an array of colors and patterns- no two sheds are alike.
Once this shed appears, the MoonWing will gain an almost insatiable appetite while their body holds on to as much fat as possible. Their tails expand and begin to drag, their stomachs round out and they become increasingly chubby. All of this extra weight is crucial to the next stage- pupation.
When a MoonWing pupates, their shed balloons out and fills with fluid- forming a structure akin to an egg. The outer layer hardens into a tough, leathery shell, and within it the MoonWing will drift into unconsciousness for the entirety of the proceeding weeks. It’s recommended to take on a curled up position before the pupation so that the pupa is easier to move if need be and is spacious for the dragon inside- post pupation cramps are a very common problem with poorly formed pupae, because the limbs are squished and sprawled out for too long.
Week 1 of Pupation:
The body begins preparing for change. The spines along the neck and hips fall away and dissolve into the surrounding fluid, providing a small amount of extra nutrients to build from. By the end of the week, a portion of weight is lost and buds have formed where the antennae and wings will sprout. The scales on the neck and elbows will begin to soften and spread out to prepare for the fur to grow.
Week 2 of Pupation:
By now the significant growth begins. Fur forms in patches, most often starting at the base of the head, and the antennae bloom with little wisps of fluff. The wings become more recognizable- soft webbing forming in furled up swirls as small bones take shape within. With this a large amount of the fat stores have been used up, and the tail noticeably thins.
Week 3 of Pupation:
The rapid growth finalizes. The antennae become strong and flexible, and the neck is entirely covered in fur. The wings open up, the claws and fingers solidifying. All of the fat stores have been used up at this point, leaving the tail stick thin and ribs protruding, the MoonWing now having a malnourished appearance.
When they are ready the MoonWing will wake up, and now they fight for oxygen within the pupa. It’s not unusual for panic to set in, even for a dragon that’s prepared for the process. They bite and claw the shell to get out, tearing their way back into the world- while most can do this on their own, if a dragon doesn’t get out quickly enough caretakers will intervene and cut the pupa from the outside. It’s not unheard of for a MoonWing to drown within their pupa, and because of this it’s strongly advised to have pupae looked after by trained caretakers rather than kept at home.
Because of their malnourished state, MoonWings celebrate their post-pupation with feasts- some even spanning days or weeks in length, high status MoonWings will typically host longer and larger parties.
For some, if they didn’t have enough fat for pupation, the body will eat into the muscles to complete the process- these dragons require a more lengthy recovery period and, in worst cases, medical assistance.
Damaged Pupae and Deformities:
When a pupa is damaged it can seriously affect development. While it’s possible for a pupa to get some cuts and scrapes and have the MoonWing turn out perfectly fine after a few patch-ups, it’s still a very real risk. These damages can stunt growth, or even stop it completely- causing wings, fur, and/or antennae to grow incorrectly along the path of the scar. Fur can become thin and patchy, antennae never growing strong enough to be moveable, and wings taking odd shapes or never taking shape at all.
Caretakers go to great lengths to prevent such things from happening- but a careless slip up is all it takes. Pupae can split open when dropped during inspections or when moved, an envious dragon may sneak in to rip up the pupa of a rival, and the unstable tunnels dug by RiftWings cause anxiety for many as the thoughts of caves collapsing on the helpless pupae itch at the mind.
Thankfully, though, for most it’s a very safe and easy process- about as terrible as pulling a tooth. Scary, of course, but once it’s over it’s forgotten soon after, and all of the dreamed up troubles wash away in time.
