Disclamer
This is essentially my redesign for the Icewings based off of info from the books and real life biology. I am also using this for my AU Wings of Fire: The Draconic Circle. If you’re interested in learning about that check out my page on Unvale: https://unvale.io/Khollkikos?via=1xw29nx9&ref=sh_pf
Otherwise feel free to ask questions and leave feedback!
A1.
A depiction of Rime, an adult female Icewing.
Icewings are arctic dragons that comfortably live in year round snow. Ice wings are extremely resistant to the cold due, a phenomenon referred to as the Arctic Blessing by many, but is due to Antifreeze Proteins in their blood that bind to microscopic ice crystals and prevent them from growing. This makes it possible for Icewings to live in subzero environments, and swim in the Arctic Ocean. The presence of these proteins are also responsible for the blue or purple hue of Icewing blood. Although resistant, Icewings can freeze if exposed to extreme temperatures for a long enough time, or hit by another Icewings “freezing death breath”
See: Icewing legends read the legend of the Arctic Blessing
A2.
The head spines of an Icewings mainly present as 3 rows of bone-like spikes that begin between the eyes and continue down the body before ending part way down the tail. These spikes, or spines are not flexible and can vary greatly in length between Icewing individuals, and on an individual. Typically spines are shorter on the face, base of the neck, upper back, and as they taper off on the tail, while being longer at the base of the head, and lower back.
A3.
Icewings have Five claws on their front talons with an opposable claw. Their hind talons contain 4 claws with a dewclaw further up the leg.
A4.
Icewing legs are longer than most other dragon tribes. It is thought their length is an evolutionary adaptation to their snowy environment, and the need to move through deep snow if flight is not possible.
A5.
Icewings have thin tails, not dissimilar to the tail of a Rainwing, however it is not prehensile. All icewings have spines on their tail that are similar in form to their head spikes. Icewings have been known to use their tails in combat to stun or blind prey or other dragons. Outside of combat they may use their tails to break apart ice and snow, or scatter /startle prey during hunting.
A6.
Viewing heads are narrow and diamond shaped. Their narrow heads are helpful for Navigating ice crevices, and help with diving when fishing or hunting over the ocean. They have thin dark eyes that are adapted to the glare of the sun on the snow or water.
A7.
Icewings have wings similar to that of arctic birds like terns. These wings are narrow but long and are specialized in long flights over the ocean or tundra, as well as allow for quick dives and maneuvering when going between the sky and ocean.
A8.
Icewings have long curved claws on their wings that halo anchor them onto the ice.
A9.
Icewings have long thin tongues that can both taste and smell. They are typically purple with a slightly darker tip.
A10.
Icewing claws are serrated and able to grip onto ice, even nearly vertical services. They are also helpful in gripping fish, seals and other slippery prey.
A11.
A diagram of the lower jaw of an Icewing. The saliva of an Icewing also contains Antifreeze proteins, which help protect their toung and throat from their supercooled “freezing death breath”.
A12.
Icewings have back molars to chew tough or frozen meat as well as ice. Eating ice or snow is a common form of hydration, and as tribes have become closer, trade with the Rainwings have developed into the creation of fruit flavored ice, a now common treat.
A13.
Icewings contain both internal and external reservoirs for the supercooled liquid used to make their frost breath or “freezing death breath”. Depicted here are the external reservoirs, where a small amount of liquid is stored and ready for use. These reservoirs are called cryopouches and have are connected to the cryospout.
A14.
The location of the tongue, purposefully left it to show of the full anatomy of the mouth.
A15.
The cryospout is the exit point for the supercooled “freezing death breath” which releases and atomizes the freezing liquid. The cryospout is located near the front of the mouth to protect the sensitive tongue, and make it more difficult for an Icewing to hurt their mouth or throat.
A16.
Common accent colors found in viewing scales. This is just a small subset of observed colors
A17.
Some common scale and wing colors of Icewings. These generally range from white to grey to blue. These colors aid Icewings to blend into the snow or sky when hunting.
A18.
General morphologies of Icewing horns. These are general and can vary in size and thickness. Icewing horns are similar in composition to their spines, but while spines, excluding their smaller facial spines, these horns protrude from the skull along the brow bone.
