Some worldbuilding for an original writing project I've been working on (which yes, involves gargoyles as main characters)

"Gargoyles are a unique species among legendary creatures, because they come in a wide variety of shapes and forms. This is because gargoyles have the ability to interbreed and produce viable offspring with most other sentient creatures (including humans), causing different populations to display a variety of wings shapes, muzzles, and feet. Some traits, however, have bred true across all members of the species.

Gargoyles tend to be fairly short and compact, comparable to humans in average height but with heavier musculature. Their chest muscles are not developed enough, however, for long periods of powered flight. This is why they prefer to roost in high places with sheer sides, such as cliffs and tall buildings, for the way these structures deflect wind into updrafts.

Hands have short fingers with large claws and rough pawpads for grip, but are still quite dexterous and capable of fine manipulation. Individuals with clawed feet are also capable of gripping quite well with their feet, while those with hooves have pads greatly resembling those of a mountain goat between the keretin hooves to create a “suction cup”-like grip. (It is believed that hooves were first introduced into Greek gargoyle populations through interbreeding with satyrs, and is a trait still mostly found in southern Europe.) Gargoyle tails are relatively thin with prehensile tips, with wing webbing extending part-way down the tail in individuals with webbed wings. Though their tails are not strong enough to support their entire body, a grounded gargoyle climbing back up to launching height will instinctively wrap their tail around solid protrusions in case a hand or foot slips.

All gargoyles are at least partially feathered, with feathering most commonly found on the head, neck, and back. Feather color matches skin color, with gargoyles being found in varying shades of browns and greys. This assists with camouflage against the cliffs and stone buildings that they favor.

Heads tend to have small horns extending from just behind the orbit, and have short, stubby muzzles terminating in either a beak, or lips concealing omnivorous, bear-like teeth. Gargoyles are capable of eating almost anything, though their favorite foods are items tainted with magic. For this reason, Gargoyles are one of the only species (aside from unicorns and vampires) with the ability to see magic. When using this ability, their eyes glow red with no visible pupil. A rare defect among gargoyles is the inability to turn this off in one or both eyes.

The natural habitat of Gargoyles are sheer cliffs and mountains in temperate regions across most of Europe, though the vast majority of gargoyle populations have moved into human cities. This is due to easy access to food (both human refuse and magical items), as well as an abundance of high locations for roosting and launching. Gargoyles are popularly associated with churches and cathedrals, due to these historically being the tallest buildings in villages and because their excessive ornamentation affords easy hiding places for roosts. The name “gargoyle” was actually first applied to these creatures because of their attraction to places of worship and because of their resemblance to the carved water drains on these buildings. (Churches then carved their gargoyles to resemble the creatures roosting on their roofs, in addition to the older lion and dragon shapes, leading to a lasting connection between Gargoyles, architectural gargoyles and grotesques, and historic stone buildings). Gargoyles are now found in most developed cities around the world.

The most unique, and famous trait of gargoyles is their ability to turn to “stone.” Gargoyles can consciously harden their skin until it is almost impenetrable, though the harder their skin becomes the less range of movement they have. When asleep, Gargoyles typically harden until they are locked in place for protection and safety. City Gargoyles picked up a habit of sleeping locked in frightening poses atop rooftops, to resemble the statuary chimeras and grotesques that decorate older buildings. (The fact that Gargoyles are nocturnal has led to an erroneous belief among some people that they are forced into a stone form by day, though the many diurnal gargoyles in modern society has well disproved this). The skin hardening ability has not been extensively studied, but is believed to be connected to their magical diet. Gargoyles with less magic in their diet cannot harden as completely or as often.

Gargoyles are very social and tend to live in large groups who roost communally. They are very protective of the buildings they roost on, and traditionally have been seen as beneficial for the protection they provide. As humans grew more hostile towards other sentient creatures and many species went into hiding, however, gargoyle roosts became smaller and more spread out to avoid detection.

Gargoyles do not form monogomous pairs, instead breeding freely with whatever partners they choose (even those of other species). Male and female gargoyles both posses cloaca, and are nigh impossible to tell apart visually. A single egg is laid around 2 months after copulation, which is placed in a spot where it can receive full sun during the day for warmth. (and is covered at night to retain heat). For this reason, most gargoyles breed in early spring so that the eggs may incubate through the warmer months. Eggs hatch after 4-5 months, and infant gargoyles are raised on pre-chewed food and regurgitated magic by all members of the roost. Upon reaching adolescence, most gargoyles feel the need to range away from their native roosts and cities. Some return, and some find new roosts. This encourages genetic diversity, and has contributed to the spread of varying introduced traits to populations around the globe.

Today, Gargoyles are seen as urban pests and human sympathizers by other mythical creatures, and rarely do they interact with other species as a result. They are a fascinating species, however, and we certainly hope these prejudices will fade as others discover their rich history and diverse appearances.

[Fun Fact: It is believed that a gargoyle with a prankster mind is the cause of the cryptid known as the “Jersey Devil”]"