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ILyssa writes...

Hello again I have another question about gargs.

1. Are Gargoyle hatchlings able to stay up in the daytime cause in Avalon pt 3 we saw Gaberial and Angela do so.

Greg responds...

No you didn't. You saw a bright moon-lit night. Or something where the color choices were bad, whichever explanation you prefer.

Response recorded on September 25, 2000

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Faieq writes...

1) You said that twins are a rare thing in gargoyles. Is it as rare as octoplets are in humans or more rarer or even less rarer?
2) When the rare occasion of twins happens, would the female lay two eggs or would both hatchlings be in one egg?
3) Do hatchlings have, an egg tooth to help hatch out of their egg or do the parents help the hatchling out?

Greg responds...

1. Very rare.

2. They'd both have to be in one egg.

3. Neither.

Response recorded on September 25, 2000

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Heidi Doeing writes...

Ok, this is the first time i'm posting, but not the first time i'm reading, so i checked the archives first.

Do the "fingers" of some gargoyles' wings have any mobility?

If yes, how much?

Greg responds...

Yes. Some.

Response recorded on September 21, 2000

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Dracolich writes...

Here's another question that might be alittle nitpicky.

I noticed that, when you refer to the ages of the Manhattan Gargs, you always add the 1000 sleep period in their age. Why? I thaught Gargoyles don't age when they sleep.

Greg responds...

Only when I refer to their chronological age do I add the 1000 years. That is when I'm making a reference to how long they have been on this earth.

When I'm talking about their biological age, I subtract the 1000 years from their chronological age, and then divide the result in half.

Unless I'm being a smartass.

Response recorded on September 21, 2000

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Lexy writes...

(Questions on Yama and Sora)

1) In "Bad Guys" you had planned on Yama being part of the crew. But I doubt that will occure exactly that way if the regular "Gargoyles" series ever comes back. So..
Did you plan on having Yama try to redeem himself in some other way?

2) You mentioned that Sora was going to be one of the females included in the Manhattan Rookery. Why did she go all the way there to lay her egg? Was it do to some clause in Bushido? (I personally don't think that gargs have a hang up on dishonor being passed down ..but thought I'd ask)

Greg responds...

1. No. If any garg-related series ever came back, I'd find a way to incorporate Bad Guys into it.

2. I categorically did not say that. I said they'd all be laying eggs around the same time. Not the same place.

Response recorded on September 16, 2000

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Matthew Smith writes...

If a gargoyle turns to stone in a place where the sunlight cannot reach him, would he be fully healed when he wakes up? If I'm not mistaken, a gargoyle heals itself by storing up solar rays, right?

Greg responds...

Yes. But it's o.k. to miss a meal on occasion, isn't it?

Response recorded on September 14, 2000

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Melissa writes...

Hey again,

When I first saw that Demona had red glowing eyes (unlike the others who had white) I thought that was intended to be a hint that she was on the evil side. Usually in children shows, the evil characters are dressed in darker colors (i.e. black and red) while the good guys are dressed in lighter colors (i.e. white, light blue). I know the show is deeper than that, but was that the initial reason why Demona had red glowing eyes, or was it planned that female gargoyles would have red glowing eyes all along?

Thanks a bunch!

Greg responds...

Both.

But I had no problem giving Angela, etc. red glowing eyes later, even though they weren't evil.

Response recorded on September 09, 2000

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Justin writes...

Greg,
Once again thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.So here goes.
Angela is the almost a carbon copy of Demona physically. Except for her coloring which is like Goliath's. Would I assume that if a gargoyle's offspring is female she looks like her mother but with her father's coloring, and if male than he looks like his father but with his mother's coloring?
I used to use this as a rule when I drew gargoyles. But then I learned of Gabriel and Broadway's parentage and that threw me off. Hope youcan clear this up. Thanks!

Greg responds...

There is no rule. But it's commonplace. Gabriel looks a bit like Coldstone with Coldfire's coloring.

But there's no rule.

Response recorded on August 23, 2000

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Gencie Salter writes...

A couple ?'s on gargoyle traits and characteristics:

1. Are there any aquatic gargoyles? Meaning, gargoyles who live primarily underwater.
2. Are there any gargoyles who can fly instead of glide? Perhaps if their wings were disproportionately large and stronger compared to their body mass?
3. Do all gargoyles turn to stone? Are there some who might turn to other things such as wood, or some substance similar to?

Greg responds...

1. Can't say.

2. No.

3. Stone only. And not really stone either.

Response recorded on August 22, 2000

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LSZ writes...

Are there any specific gargoyle-only diseases?

Greg responds...

Not that I'm currently aware of. But I reserve the right to come up with them later.

Response recorded on August 22, 2000

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equation writes...

yes, it's me again...

just another bio (actually physiology) question, concerning another one of my interests, biomechanics...

I was wondering if you, or any member of the team that did the series ever made an attempt to create a representation of the gargoyle skeletal structure... I thought it might be a possibility considering that it would make certain aspects of their animation easier... I have been trying to figure out this little problem myself, and am somewhat stumped as to how the wing arms integrate with the rest of their upper body structure... considering the general similarity to the torso structure of humans (from the way they are drawn, it can be inferred that the muscular and skeletal structures of humans and gargs are almost identical, with the main difference being the presence of the wing arms, and the different number of digits on the hands and feet), there doesnt seem to be a lot of space for their bones and connective tissues to fit -- this is obviously the main reason for their inability to actually fly, as the wing muscles cant be attached similarly to birds... from the artwork I have seen which shows the back area (admittedly not much does), would it be a reasonable assumption that the wing arms have their own 'collar' bones and 'shoulder' blades, independent (or mostly so) from the main arms?

thanks...

Greg responds...

I don't know. But it works.

Response recorded on August 22, 2000

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Gencie Salter writes...

Hi Greg.
1. Any idea where gargoyle civilizations started? Like, human civilizations started in Mesopotamia, Indus River Valley.?
2. Were there always gargoyle clans all over the world or did they migrate from wherever they started?

Greg responds...

1. Clans and civilizations don't have that kind of parallelism.

2. There must have been some migration.

Response recorded on August 22, 2000

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equation writes...

ok... I'm back with my bio q's...

1) well, this first one is more related to the canonicity of their biology... as their reproductive rate was never actually defined in the series, is their reproductive cycle as you have described it set in stone (proverbially speaking), or is there some significant leeway for further development of the specifics, perhaps going so far as to allowing for a faster cycle, still slower than humans, but perhaps more dynamic, maybe along the lines of kangaroos, the females of which can store male genetic material for a number of years (advantageous if one's mate is killed, and substitutes are unavailable or otherwise unsuitable), and choose the best time for pregnancy?

oops... that might be more than 1 question... 8P

2) now for a directly pertinent q... do the eggs experience stone sleep between the laying and the hatching, and if so does it correspond to the adult cycle? given the garg 'rookery' behavior, stone sleep doesnt seem to be necessary, as the rookery is always guarded at night, and very few predators large enough to handle garg eggs (there arent many able to bust an ostrich egg, and gargs' are bigger still) would be able to get into a sealed rookery, given that gargs tend to block the entrances with _big_ rocks! even if the behavior dates back to the dinosaur era, when there were predators able to eat them, they would have been hard pressed to get into the kinds of spaces gargs have been shown to place the rookeries...

3) and this'll be my last for now... as to the gargate question... they had to have a lineage to branch from... is it unreasonable to think that they are, however long ago, branched from certain known dinosaur groups? perhaps they shared a common proto-garg/dinosaur ancestor...

Greg responds...

Oh, good, more bio questions...

1. No.

2. Is there a question here? If so, I think the answer is yes. But you lost me.

3. It's possible. Though it could be the other way around, you know?

Response recorded on August 21, 2000

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equation writes...

hey Greg... this is not so much a question as a correction to one of your earlier answers regarding gargs in space... the poster asked how a garg -- in the flesh as opposed to stone sleep -- would fare if exposed to hard vacuum (space) without a spacesuit... I hate to say it, but animals dont explode under those circumstances -- although attempting to hold ones breath would prove fatal (but not instantly so), as the alveoli in the lungs would rupture, making it impossible for the blood to absorb oxygen if the person were returned to normal atmosphere. if one were to _not_ hold their breath, the oxygen in the lungs would just go out of the circulatory system in reverse, leading to unconsciousness in about 30 seconds, and death by oxygen deprivation about 90 seconds later. side effects include burst capillaries at the skin surface, swelling of skin and other tissues,joint inflammation and dehydration

and just in case anybody else asks, one cannot freeze instantly in a vacuum either -- that was stupid F/X in M2M...

I do have a few questions on garg biology, but those will be posted separately...

Greg responds...

What's "M2M"?

I was actually thinking about a Sean Connery movie called "Outpost" or "Outland" or something.

Anyway, I'll take your word for it, but let me ask, HOW DO YOU KNOW? Have you tested this on someone?

Response recorded on August 21, 2000

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Duncan Devlin writes...

This just hit me after watching the first season finale of a TV show about a certain Vampire Slayer, then Hunter's Moon.

Your ramblings on the wind ceremony did not have a little point about what happens to the corpse of a Gargoyle if it
is not cremated by morning.

Something tells me that the dead would not turn to stone at dawn. Since I seem like a jerk with this question if that assumption is wrong... I don't know.

What happens if a gargoyle experiences clinical death and crosses the threshhold of dawn while still in a state of death?
Will the Gargoyle turn to stone while dead, or what?

Assuming the gargoyle remains flesh after dawn, what will happen if he or she is revived.

Greg responds...

No. It's a biological process. The dead would not turn to stone at dawn. Because the bodies dead. Not breathing. Not doing any of the things a live gargoyle would do, like turn to stone.

As to your last question, it's not very likely, and in any case has never been tested...

Response recorded on August 21, 2000

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Dracolich5 writes...

I just read your answer to my first question about the clones (thanks!) Just to clarify the question you made, the clones who spoke had digitized voices. Brentwood, Hollywood, and Burbank had brief phrases, digitized. So maybe this will help in the explanation. Now, here's just a few questions on garg biology:

1: Do gargoyles have similar vocal cords to humans, or something different?

2: Are gargoyle bones (especially the wings) made of bone or cartilege? Gargoyle wings are pretty flexible.

3: HOW DO GARGOYLES DO THE COOL EYE-FLARE THREAT???!!!

OK, that's it. Until next time!

Greg responds...

I do not recall any futzing on the voices. I'll have to listen to the episodes to confirm what you said. No one had "digitized voices" or put another way, they all did, since they were recorded digitally. But as I said, I'll check some day.

1. They have two sets of vocal cords, one for talking, one for roars, etc.

2. There's bone in there, but I don't know how many joints.

3. Unconsciously.

Response recorded on August 19, 2000

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Mary Mack writes...

Okay, so we all know that garg eggs are laid in even-decade-8 years (948, 1988, etc.) and hatch in odd-decade-8 years (998, 1958, etc.), and we all know that gargoyles age at about half the human rate, so that a 42-year-old garg is old enough to go to bars, but! what I want to know is at what approximate (human equivalent) level of development gargs hatch? The females lactate, so I'd guess most hatchlings don't start with teeth, but at a ten-year incubation period, it seems likely that garg hatchlings are more developed than human newborns. How much more, if any?
(By the way, this is my first post, and I read the whole Archive first. Aren't you proud of me? ;P)

Greg responds...

I'm so proud. They hatch at what I'd describe as just post infant. They are strong enough to hold their own heads errect. But not much more advanced than that.

Response recorded on August 19, 2000

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Anonymous writes...

Hi Greg.

Despite the fact that I'm hopelessly behind in my planned attempt to respond to all you episode rambles, I'm gonna take some time out to ask you a few questions I've been thinking about. This set is about gargoyle-beasts.

1. Would the Manhattan clan refer to Bronx as a "gargoyle-beast", a "gargoyle", or something else entirely. In other words, do they use a different name for Bronx's species than their own?

2. We know that Bronx is at least as smart as a very intelligent dog, possibly smarter. He's at least capable of thoughts such as "That is a big dangerous monster. I should most likely attack it." ("The Hound of Ulster") and "That is a robot. I may therefore maul its face, though this may not be permissible on a human being." ("Leader of the Pack") Something along those lines, though maybe not with such flowery language. Anyways, about how smart IS Bronx, or the average gargoyle-beast? Are the beasts in fact as intelligent as regular gargoyles, but simply unable to speak? As smart as chimpanzees? Not nearly as smart as I seem to think they are?

3. The other gargoyles in the Manhattan clan seem to realize that Bronx has a fair degree of intelligence. Lexington and Brooklyn tell him to "go get help" rather than "go find Goliath" or even "go back to the castle and bark". (Okay, so he did end up running down the street and causing havoc. But he understood.) Goliath tells him to "help Angela", not "move the roccks off of Angela".
How much does the clan think Bronx understands. Just commands like these? Or does Hudson think he understands every word he says when he talks to him?

Greg responds...

1. Generally, no. Which doesn't mean they aren't aware of the distinction. They do call him a beast on occasion.

2. They're pretty darn smart. They understand something like "FIND GOLIATH!" But they couldn't understand. "Hide in the dark for five minutes and then FIND GOLIATH!" The first part of that sentence would be gibberish to them. And they'd immediately take off in search of Goliath.

3. Simple commands only. Find. Help. Protect. Etc.

Response recorded on August 18, 2000

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Vashkoda writes...

Hi Greg. I don't mean to be annoying, but with all the studying I've been doing for my Boards exam, biology has sort of taken over my life. I know that stone hibernation is unknown in the rest of the animal kingdom, but gargoyles still have to obey fundamental biological laws, on which my questions are based:

1a) When gargoyles turn into the stone-like substance, does this include all of different cell types in their body (muscles, nerves, blood, bone)? 1b) I've seen their hair and nails transform as well. How do you explain this, as these cells are already "dead", and shouldn't respond to any signal made by the body? 2a) What happens to the water inside gargoyle's cells when they turn to the stone-like substance? 2b) What happens to the water in the gargoyle's blood when they turn to the stone-like substance? 2c) If the blood or nerves have solidified into the stone-like substance, how is the gargoyle "biological clock" able to send signals to the rest of the body that tell it when to transform? 3) Are cells that have turned into this stone-like substance active in any way? Please explain this in terms of how: a) gargoyles supposedly don't age when they sleep b) gargoyles can still dream when they sleep c) gargoyles can convert sunlight into a storable form of energy when they sleep d) gargoyles can heal wounds while they sleep. 4) If you said there is no water in the blood and tissues, there can be no diffusion of vital ions and molecules into and out of cells. How then are they able carry out the processes mentioned in question 3? 5) Gargoyles are obviously frozen and cannot move their lungs to breathe when they sleep. Therefore, where do they get the gases needed to feed the cells that are working so hard to store solar energy while they sleep? 6) Are you still certain that gargoyles turning to "stone" is a process done naturally and without magic (except their clothes and personal items)? =)

Greg responds...

1a. They all turn into an organic monochrome stone-esque substance, but that doesn't mean it's all a single substance. Maybe there are differentiations. I don't know. But none that you'd notice with the naked eye.

1b. Maybe their hair and nails do.

2a, b, c. Don't know. Hey, I've got an idea! Instead of using your bio-knowledge to nit-pick, why not use it to come up with an explanation!! (I know that sounds snide, but I'm serious.)

3. Probably.

a, b, c, d. Don't know. (As you can tell, I'm NOT studying for my boards.)

4. Huh?

5. Got me.

6. YES. Look, Vashkoda, this post is INCREDIBLY ANNOYING, despite the fact that you claimed you didn't want it to be. It's also BEYOND arrogant. I admit I know next to nothing about biology, but do you really think that you or even modern science is currently aware of EVERY POSSIBLE PERMUTATION that evolutionary paths COULD have taken? Look at all the miracles in nature which we take for granted because we're used to the idea. Chameleons. Electric eels. The EYE. (These just off the top of my head.) You will say, "Yeah, Greg, but those conform to the fundamental biological laws." To which I respond, that the fundamental biological laws have been written and rewritten to include this stuff. And they're constantly being rewritten again, almost every day. Cuz almost everyday, I see an article in the L.A. Times about some knew startling discovery about dinosaurs or deep-deep sea life or whatever. So don't tell me that the Gargs don't fit "fundamental biological laws". Aside from the fact that they are fictional, my response is that science hasn't caught up to them yet. Didn't have a reason to or an awareness to even try until after "HUNTER'S MOON, PART THREE". And even then, they haven't had a lot to work with.

I've said it before. Gargoyles are a species native to this world. The basic processes they go through are organic and natural and have nothing -- NOTHING -- to do with magic. Unless by magic, you mean the miracle that life exists at all.

Sorry, for the rant, but it felt like you were writing JUST to try to push me in a corner and make me admit a "mistake".

I apologize if your motives were pure.

Response recorded on August 18, 2000

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Todd Jensen (repost by Aris) writes...

In your opinion, in the Gargoyles Universe, can artificial intelligences such as the Matrix and Talos develop emotions (love, hatred, fear, etc.)? Or are their thought processes ones of pure logic?

Greg responds...

At the moment or ever?

Response recorded on August 02, 2000

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Aris Katsaris (repost by Aris) writes...

And now a question for those of us with dirty minds... <evil laughter> :-)

Where the heck does Zafiro keep his genitalia? I mean the guy's *very* anatomically different, compared to the other gargoyles... Is he like dolphins or something where the genitalia are tucked inside the body unless when aroused?

Greg responds...

Uh, sure.

Response recorded on August 01, 2000

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Entity writes...

Hello,

This is in response to your 'Leader of the Pack' memo. I noticed that the writer must have had a scene where the gargs' stone shards dissolve, because in the memo you mend it. However, I think that there may have been something there.

Don't misinterpret me. You know your series better than anyone else, yet it seems like a dissolving method would've been a good way to tie up the plot hole of what happens to all those stone shards.

What if the stone simply went into "hyper-rusting," where it loses cohesion over the course of the next few hours and eventually crumbles to dust, and is then swept away by the wind? Since the gargs usually perch on high places, the winds would even help in the break-down process. If not wind, then rain would accomplish the same thing.

This wouldn't conflict with "The Price" because Hudson uses a fresh stone shard. It hasn't had time to breakdown. And as for "Hunter's Moon," well, there are always inconsistencies in nature. It was just the little shard that could.

(Incidentally, it DID seem as if "The Price" was out-of-order. Not because of any detail or clue, but just the feel. It didn't seem to fit as the last ep before "Avalon." Moreover, if it aired AFTER the World Tour, as I presume it should have, that really would've helped with that section of the series - it was a bit thin ep-wise. And of course there's the way Xanatos' quest for immortality is confronted and pulled into question, and then shown progressing normally later on in the World Tour. Still, the episode is one of the best, no matter where it was positioned.)

Greg responds...

"The Price" wasn't THAT far out of order. It was definitely designed to air before "Avalon" and the World Tour. It originally aired even earlier. So that a couple episodes where Owen's hand was still flesh aired AFTER "The Price." But since Owen's hand was stone during "Kingdom", it's obvious that "The Price" wasn't meant to come after that. And therefore couldn't have taken place anytime after "Avalon". And your point about Xanatos' quest completely escapes me.

As for your dissolving shard theory, I never said that the shards were impervious to wind and weather. I just said they don't instantaneously start to dissolve. And they don't. Not in my Gargoyles Universe.

Response recorded on July 29, 2000

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Charles writes...

Hi

Sorry if this was asked already, but I was wondering why Lexington's wing structure was so unique when compared to all the gargoyles we've seen, ie: the webbing between his arms and legs rather than wings coming out of his back?

Thanks for a wonderful show. Good luck getting it back in the public eye in some form or another.

Greg responds...

Lex's wings are unique relative to his clan mates who survived. They're not common, but as we meet more gargs, I'm sure we'll see more with that kind of structure.

We've seen four structures:

Goliath, Hudson and Broadway have one kind.

Demona, Brooklyn and Angela have another.

Lex has a third.

Desdemona had a fourth.

Oh, and Griff, Leo, Zafiro and Una had a fifth.

Response recorded on July 29, 2000

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Tk writes...

One last one for today promise!
Does Goliath ever stand up straight his legs are always bent at the knees always . How come? Thank alot Bye

Greg responds...

He stands pretty darn straight in my opinion. But garg legs are more like haunches. His knees do not extend fully.

Response recorded on July 26, 2000

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Mycalia writes...

Here's an iffy question for ya..do a gargoyle's eyes glow when he/she is..um..aroused?

Greg responds...

It would depend on how much adrenaline was surging...

Response recorded on July 26, 2000

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Skylar writes...

Some questions about garg-beasts:

1. I was looking at some screenshots of Bronx and wasn´t able to find anyone where you can see his pupils.
So are Bronx´s eyes allways glowing? Can´t they stop?

2. This question might seem stupid, but: Are gargoylebeasts furry? (Sometimes I think they have hair, sometimes they don´t. - The stomach seems to be furry, but I´m not shure.)

3. If they are furry (or some of them), are also gargoylebeasts able, that have longer hair (like the different hair length of different dog races, for example), maybe that long, that they have to be trimed regulary so that it doesn´t reach the ground? (It´s not an idea, just a question. I was just wondering about in this moment.)

4. More a comment than a question: When once one person asked, if there are any cat-like or just dog-like gargoylebeasts, I think he meant more the looking than the behavior *g*

5. Are any gargoylebeasts out there that have wings, or aren´t they able to?

6. Is it right, that the word "gargoylebeast" or something like that never was used during the hole TV-Show? If so, can it be, that gargoyles never use this word and that they doesn´t even know the word, cause they never needed it, cause they call all gargoyles just "gargoyles" and talk of/with the gargoylebeasts using their name (- In case it´s a gargoylebeast that has a name..)

Greg responds...

1. No. They just glow more or less fiercely depending on his mood.

2. Generally, no. But some may have some fur or hair, just as regular gargs do.

3. I doubt it.

4. Does Bronx really look like any dog you know or does his behavior make him seem more dog-like?

5. No. They evolved without.

6. I don't recall whether or not we used that phrase. We certainly used the word "beast". In "HOUND OF ULSTER" at least.

Response recorded on July 26, 2000

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Punchinello writes...

To continue...

I think we can observe another example of what could be termed the gargoyles "genetic imperitive to protect." We can establish, already, that they exist in opposition to the pressures of natural selection that are usually internal to a species. (I suspect infanticide among them is low.) Every member of the species invests it's energies in the interests and well being of the entire species, as opposed to the individual. We can even observe this protective instinct to cross the species barrier. They invest way too much energy in protecting humans, in my opinion.

Perhaps, it's more than a protective instinct. Perhaps the inclination to protect is part of a larger phenomenon, at work. Perhaps they are what we could call "superassociative." They interact with one another and other species to an unusual extent. We have even seen a willingness among them to pursue courtship with non gargoyles. This is so dynamically opposed to the way evolution works in nature, that it could account for their small numbers.

Perhaps you could comment on some of this?

Greg responds...

I think Goliath and Elisa's relationship is HIGHLY UNUSUAL, but I agree it may be a natural end result of years of Gargoyle evolution toward "superassociation". Maybe humans and gargoyles both are evolving toward some sort of enlightenment that borders on the religious.

As to their small numbers, it's a chicken/egg thing. They reproduce so infrequently. I think once upon a time there was a risk of Gargoyles being a species that threatened to overtake the world -- as humans eventually succeeded in doing. Gargs were tough, intelligent, mobile, cooperative and nearly invulnerable -- even when asleep. Maybe Mother Nature gave them some handicaps on purpose. Maybe humanity was created as competition.

I sometimes feel like Mother Nature is now trying very hard to kill off a huge portion of humans. But she waited too long. Hurricanes, earthquakes, diseases. We die. But not in great enough numbers to reduce our dominance. And we keep learning new ways to outwit her, to subjugate her. Even destroy her.

I'm not really trying to assign an anthropomorphic intelligence to Nature. But maybe Evolution isn't simply a species by species thing. Maybe Evolution also works on a PLANETARY scale. As part of a whole.

Maybe.

Response recorded on July 26, 2000

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Faieq writes...

I know that gargoyle eggs don't turn to stone, because of AVALON part one, but do the beings inside them turn to stone? Do newly hatched hatchlings turn to stone, as the might not have enough force to break from their stone shells by themselves.

Greg responds...

Uh, I've answered this recently, I think. Check the archives under Garg Science.

Response recorded on July 26, 2000

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Skylar writes...

I wondered about how the mating of english gargoyles genetically works.

1. If a lion-type gargoyle mates with a griffon-type gargoyle, could their son or daughter be a unicorn-type gargoyle?

2. Or asked in another way: Have some griffon-type gargoyles also the genetically code for unicorn-type and lion-type gargoyles in their heritages and could give them to their descendants? (And lion-type gargs the ones of unicorn- and griffon-typed gargs, and so on.)

3. Is it right to think, that all genes, that make a lion-type gargolye to a lion-type gargoyle and a griffon-type gargoyle to a griffon-type gargoyle are coupled to each other, so that it can´t happen that for example a gargoyle hatches, that looks half like a lion and half like a griffon and a bit like an unicorn?

Greg responds...

1. Not likely, unless there's a recessive gene in their from some other ancestor.

2. See above.

3. All combinations are possible. Look at Angela and Gabriel.

Response recorded on July 26, 2000

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Punchinello writes...

Hello Mr. Weisman.

Punchinello, here again, with a new sort of ramble. I intend to pose this to you in the hopes that it will elicit comment from you, even though it is not a proper question.

I was thinking, recently, about darwinian evolution and the phenomenon of infanticide. A few popular authors like Richard Dawkins and Steven Pinker have made the idea that infanticide functions towards a selective advantage in the evolution of many species somewhat popular in the last couple of years. It can be observed among lions, killing the offspring of male rivals. In this way, nature can ensure that the lion is not investing his energy in protection of young that will not advance his genetic lineage. At the same time, I had been thinking of some of the more unusual features of your gargoyles. In particular, the extrordinarily robust array of physical forms. Polymorphisms within their species are more exaggerated than any species possesses in real life, to the point where we can observe within the same species, the variety of forms represented by the trio, as well as Zafiro, Una, etc. I had been considering the idea that their diversity may be due to the possibility that they are not subject to the rules imposed by natural selection through predation. (At least among their own species. I imagine that they can still be preyed upon by other animals. I think you even demonstrated this, although the animals capable of doing them harm are almost certainly few.)

It would seem that this idea finds conjunction with other aspects of the nature of the gargoyles. They raise their young collectively, and do not even distinguish between their own offspring and the offspring of other gargoyles. This would seem to run in direct contradiction to the way natural selection, selects lineages for propagation. The strong gargoyles invest as much energy in raising the young of the weaker gargoyles as they do in raising their own young. This is interesting on several levels. First, it implicates the gargoyles as a species that are subject to their own branch of nature; something which exists, at least in part, outside of natural selection as we know it. It could also account for that remarkable polymorphism of theirs. It occurs to me that all other species look essentially like one another because certain genes have been selected to be passed down to succeeding generations. The parents that successfully raise their offspring. Among the gargoyles, you observe a different side of nature, wherein, the strong and the weak intermix, and have been passing down all of their selective adaptations and physical attributes since the origin of the species. There is not any competitive pressure within the species to selectively eliminate those features and regulate their form. As a result, you get this wild assortment of horns, tails, beaks, muzzles, etc.

It finds even further relevence, in the "protective" nature of the gargoyles. It would make sense that a species with an inclination to protect the weak would be subject to the alternate "rules of evolution" I am considering here. Contrary to conventional evolution, they are completely non-discriminatory. The gargoyles and gargate beasts seem to be integrated into a single community, and they both integrate themselves into the various communites of humans, forming a cooperative (hopefully) relationship. I wonder if other clans, such as the Guatemalan's, do not form cooperative relationships with other species due to their integration into the wilderness and proximity to wildlife.

Greg responds...

Wow, very cool ideas there. I agree whole-heartedly with your assessments.

And even the Guatemalan Gargs once lived in peace with their human Mayan "brothers". So they fit too if you look at the LONG haul.

Evolution has always fascinated me a bit. Look at the whale. The whale didn't evolve directly from a fish. Fish became amphibians which eventually became reptiles which eventually became mammals which eventually looked like lemurs or something, which eventually evolved into something that returned to the water and eventually evolved into a big old WHALE that resembles a fish more than it resembles us, though of course we're much closer genetically to a whale than either the whale or we are to a fish. Their are a lot of routes to any end.

Response recorded on July 26, 2000

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Gencie Salter writes...

Hi Greg!
I am not sure whether this question has been asked or answered or not, and forgive me for not having the time to go through the entire archive to find it, but I have been wondering:
1. In all the flashbacks we see Bronx as the only garg beast in Castle Wyvern. If that's so then where did Boudicca come from? Is she Bronx's or were there other beasts that we just didn't see?
2. And if she is Bronx's then could he mate with her or does it really matter in garg clans if biological relatives mate? Not like they'd know or anything, but wouldn't it dilute the bloodlines? I know Cheetahs have that problem and they are quickly becoming extict. I wouldn't want gargoyles to become extinct from such a problem :-)
Thanx for your time!

Greg responds...

1. Bronx wasn't the only Garg Beast at Wyvern. Just the only one (who wasn't an egg at the time) who survived. He's not old enough to have been Boudicca's father.
2. Gargs and gargbeasts probably have a sense of smell that prevents incest.

Response recorded on July 24, 2000

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jp12@mail.csuchico.edu writes...

Quick "fanboy" question:

Goliath is as Alpha Male of a pack as they come. He seems to have counterparts in other clans. Is that a finer part of the "two kinds of gargoyles" question, or is it coincidence (like chance that each generation tends to have a few really "big boy"s)? Just curious. Thanks again.

Greg responds...

What's the "two kind of gargoyles" question you're referring too?

I'm not sure I understand what you're asking, but think of it this way, some guys are tall. Some aren't.

Response recorded on July 24, 2000

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brok writes...

we know that grgoyle adults turn to stone in the day but do unhatched gargoyle eggs?

Greg responds...

The shell is made of that same kind of organic stone-like substance. The fetus inside changes back and forth.

Response recorded on July 24, 2000

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Basilisk writes...

I have a question as to what would happen in a situatuion.

Let's use Brooklyn as an example. Say, somehow Brooklyn looses the end of his tail, whether it is severed in battle or broken off during the day when he turns to stone. Would a stonemason or a scupture, when he's in his stone sleep, be able to carve the remander of the tail so that it looks normal again, or at least not like part of it had been severed? I know it would shorten it by a good bit, but would it simply be a cosmetic change or would Brooklyn awake with a massively mauled tail? I'd bet that huge carvings (like Jackal's fantasy to carve Goliath's face into a likeness of his own) would kill them, but would something smaller, like a tail in this case?

Greg responds...

I doubt it would kill him. And the final extent of the damage would depend on how early in the day your stomemason set to work, i.e. how much time Brooklyn had to heal. But think about what you're asking. Your mason is carving away skin to reveal what is really bone, muscle, etc.

I mean, man, what a gross question. Yuck.

Response recorded on July 24, 2000

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Cave writes...

why do civilians like macbeth and xanatos have laser weapons while the police force is using automatics and slugs?

Greg responds...

Macbeth largely uses Electro-Magnetic technology, but I get your point. Both these guys are extremely rich and have the time and money to invest in the development of hi-tech experimental weapons.

And generally speaking, aren't cops always a step behind technologically? (That's not meant as a criticism, just as a reality check.)

Response recorded on July 24, 2000

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Laura aka 'ad astra' writes...

I tend to annoying nitpicking, sorry. When somebody asked why gargoyles have breasts if they lay eggs you responded "Don't tell the platypus". I think they sweat milk all over their body to feed the younguns, and don't use actual breasts. I am less sure of it, but I believe the other egg laying mammal, the spiny anteater, feeds her young with breasts. I spent a lot of time watching PBS when I was little- it annoyed my baby sitters to no end.

The good thing about my extensive knowledge of mostly useless trivia does lead to some interesting tidbits- like: You seemed surprised to find out there is a town in Israel named Dimona. Here's the fun part: Dimona houses a 'toy factory' that is widely believed to be the nuclear weapons facilities. As for the etymology, I don't know.

Greg responds...

Cool.

Response recorded on July 19, 2000

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Laura aka 'ad astra' writes...

I had a strange thought- you said in your mind gargoyles and gargoyle beasts are the only two members of the Gargate family (class?, it has been a while since I knew the different parts of scientific names). Out of curiosity- do they, like humans, have a whole bunch of ancestor, and near ancestor species that did not make it?

Greg responds...

Sort of.

Response recorded on July 19, 2000

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Laura aka 'ad astra' writes...

Gargoyles are the "second sentient race"! What was the one that did not manage to hang on? Were they completely native to this planet? Did they have any genetic descendents surviving onto today or at least times when modern humans existed? Did they have any involvement in the rise of the other sentient races of this planet?

Greg responds...

1. I'm not telling.

2. They were native to the planet. Wouldn't count if they weren't. (For example, I don't count Nokkar as one of the sentient races on Earth.)

3. Don't overthink. But Yes.

4. Define "involvement".

Response recorded on July 19, 2000

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Basillisk writes...

Are Goliath and Coldstone biological brothers or just rookery brothers?

Greg responds...

Rookery brothers.

There are never any biological brothers of the same generation. Cousins, sure. Brothers and sisters, never.

Response recorded on July 11, 2000

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Joxter the Mighty writes...

One more time... Do gargoyles leave marks on hardwood floors when walking on them and what does it depend on?

Greg responds...

Generally, my Basset Hound does not leave marks on our hard wood floors. Neither do the cats. At least no marks I've ever seen. And I have no idea what it depends on. So I'm technically unfit to answer this question.

Response recorded on July 07, 2000

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LSZ writes...

Technology:
1) How long did it take for the New Olympians to develop their technology to the level seen in New Olympians?
2) In any respects are any of the three races involved in the Space-Spawn war less advanced than what we've seen of Earthly technology? Meaning is there anything in particular technologically Earth has that the aliens don't have? Like say, Sevarius' genetic manipulation, the NO's anti-gravity, Xanatos' Matrix..
3) How advanced were Gargoyles technologically by the time humanity came along? Stone Age-tech?
4) Castle Wyvern is a large stone-built fortress that looks like it was built using construction techniques and concepts that didn't appear in Europe until after the Crusades(I think). So why, in the Gargoyles universe, are the Europeans of 994 more advanced than in history? What in-universe explanation is there?
5) King Arthur of the 6th century seems to wear at least partial plate armour that didn't appear until the 1400's? what's the in-universe explanation here?

Greg responds...

1. Until 1996.

2. Generally, they are more advanced than us. But I won't rule out the possiblility that we might not be able to surprise them.

3. Not very. It was unnecessary to their life-styles. Humans are a much more adaptable race, for better and for worse.

4. In universe, I don't need an explanation if I don't feel like dealing. They just are. Perhaps less was forgotten. Perhaps magic was involved. Perhaps our knowledge is flawed.

5. He had access to sources of Armor that most people didn't. We assume that these things didn't EXIST until later. All we KNOW is that they weren't prevalent until later.

Response recorded on July 07, 2000

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Patrick Toman writes...

Hi, Greg.

I guess this is sort of a combination ramble and question, growing from a discussion that got started in the TGS comment room.

First, the ramble that explains the origin of my question. I recently saw part of a documentary on PBS about birds (David Attenburough's "Life of Birds" series) and a segment was shown about endangered species of birds being raised by humans from eggs to be released into the wild later. Part of it showed how whooping crane chicks raised completely by humans were being taught how to fly. It was really rather comical... the people were running about flapping their arms, but in the end by mimicing the gestures the young cranes caught on and were able to get into the air for their first flights.

So now to the question... would Katharine, Tom, and the Magus have applied anything similar to help the Avalon hatchlings learn how to glide, or did they simply leave the young gargoyles to their own devices and instincts?

And also related to this... how old must a gargoyle be before it's ready to begin gliding? Does it vary from individual to individual, or does a rookery all mature at about the same rate?

Greg responds...

1. Both, I think. If for no other reason than it would be fun to show in flashback someday.

2. I bet it varies a bit. Just as walking and talking, etc. varies among human children. Even between siblings.

Response recorded on July 05, 2000

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A Fan writes...

I'd appreciate your thoughts on the accuracy of my hypothesis. I know you are likely to be cryptic, so I promise to be only somewhat annoyed it you are, although I'd prefer if you weren't.

About time travel, why is the Phoenix Gate the only time travel device out there? Or is it?

It is likely the only magical way, because if not, why would Oberon want it so badly? Unless it is like a washing machine. You can wash it by hand but you'd rather use a machine.

You've established that the past cannot be changed, and that Xanatos's current position in society is solely because of his little trip to the past.

Establishing that the Phoenix Gate is gone, except for its little TimeDancing trip, does that mean that time travel in the gargoyles universe is now totally impossible?

the final question would have to be, since you don't believe in a changable past, does the Gargoyles universe contain parallel time tracks, entire other universes with a different version of events.

Finally, I apologize if I missed previous answers to these questions. I have been reading the archive since it started, but my memory is a little bad at times.

Greg responds...

1. I didn't say that the Gate is the only device out there. Depending on your point of view, one could say the Grimorum acted as a one-way time travel device for Goliath et al. And for the Coldtrio as well.

2. Who said Oberon wanted it so badly? Puck thought it would make a good bribe. Who knows if he was even right?

3. I wouldn't say "solely" but sure, what's your point?

4. Not necessarily. But I'd never make it easy. (And calling TimeDancer a "little...trip" is the understatement of the day, at least.

5. Ehhh.... Those things tend to be abused whenever they're introduced. Look at the X-Men. That book became unreadable to me eventually. As I've said before, I'm open to thinking about parallel universe/tracks etc. But I tend to think I'll end up saying no.

6. S'O.K.

Response recorded on July 05, 2000

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Joxter the Mighty writes...

A couple of questions about, of all things.... Shaving.

1. Xanatos- Electric or old fashioned razor?

2. Owen- Does he need to shave at all, or is a side effect of the "out Vogeled vogel" character include always being clean cut?

The gargs- In the past whenever anyone assumed that Hudson is odd because only has a beard and that the other gargs don't shave, you've basically responded "Who said they didn't". So...

3. *DO* the other gargs need to shave?

4. If so, what do they shave with, particularly Goliath on the Avalon tour?

5. Would Brooklyn ever seriously consider growing a beard, since it'd probably look rather akward on his beak?

6. COuld Brooklyn grow a beard even if he wanted to?

Just an odd tangent I was suddeny inspired to ask. Thanks for your time Greg.

Greg responds...

1. Ask Fox.

2. He shaves.

3. Not Angela.

4. Superman checked in periodically, and volunteered his heat-vision.

5. Would you in his circumstances?

6. Only a Goatee.

Response recorded on June 26, 2000

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Lexy writes...

Hey Greg.

Did Lex hatch after his Brothers Brooklyn and Broadway?

If so round about how meny? (if you answered this..Ill understand)

People seem to that his hatching later plays a role in his size and personality..like it made some big difference..can you tell me if that is true or if that is how he is regardless of a few lousy days?? IE: he's less mature or short? *L* I dont think it does..but I realized I never really asked the man so here it is

Thanks again:)

Greg responds...

They all hatched about the same time, give or take a few hours.

How many what?

It's got nothing to do with anything. Don't you know two people who have close to the same birthday who are different heights? What does date of birth have to do with size?

Response recorded on June 23, 2000

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Doug writes...

Alright so I wanna get this straight. So if gargoyles don't age at all when they are "asleep" and when they are awake they age at half speed right? So they really only age at quarter speed of humans right which would have made goliath 29 as of the last episode of hunters moon thats human years which would mean he has actually been alive for 58 years total right? not counting the BIG SLEEP.

Greg responds...

No. They age normally when awake. They basically don't age when asleep. So all told, they age at half-speed.

And yet, because, frankly, your math is awful, you still basically you got the numbers right.

Response recorded on June 23, 2000

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Vashkoda writes...

1) Without stating my obvious suspicion lest it be interpreted as a new idea, who will Bronx's mate be? 2) What gender is/are the gargoyle beast/s on Avalon other than Boudicca? 3) Do you have any specific plans for that big red beast we saw in "Bushido", or was it just thrown in by the artists? 4) When the Guatamalan clan's eggs hatch, will there be any beasts? 5) Are all gargoyle beasts land-bound?

Greg responds...

1. Boudicca, of course.

2. Male and female.

3. We get to everything eventually.

4. Yes.

5. Pretty much. (If I get your meaning.)

Response recorded on June 23, 2000

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The mysterion writes...

Are gargoyles red blooded?

Greg responds...

Yep. (See "Awakening, Part One")

Response recorded on June 20, 2000

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Faieq Ali writes...

This question has been eating away at me for two years. I can't find an answer to it. So I decided to come and ask the man who helped produce the gargoyles themselves.

What happens to the pieces of stone skin that the gargoyles shed at sunset?. Something has to happen to it or else it would pile up on the battlements of the castle or fall on the streets below. In one episode , I can't remember it's name, the stone skin falls on top of a man who was walking under the clocktower. In 'The Price', Hudson escapes with the aid of his stone skin. So what does happen to the stone casing of a gargoyle, do they store it in the basement for some strange use? Do they eat it? Does it get absorbed by the ground? What's the answer, I need to know!!!

Greg responds...

They sweep it up and toss it in the dust bin.

Response recorded on June 14, 2000

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Scientific Addendum to Wind Ceremony

Even in peaceful times, Gargoyles -- even very old gargoyles -- all but never died in their sleep. Sleep for gargoyles is borderline suspended animation. If an old, weary Gargoyle actually made it to daylight and stone, that bit of sleep would tend to freeze the aging process, the deterioration if you will. Rejuvenate the gargoyle even just a little bit. They'd be much more likely to die after the sun went down, after transforming back into flesh. Even before the iron age, when Gargoyles had little to fear from most any species, when turning to stone was an excellent daytime defense and not a liability, most ancient Gargoyles died just before sunrise, after an exhausting night, rather than after the sun had risen.

So again, the disturbing notion of surviving gargoyle mourners having to pulverize a perfectly preserved stone corpse is a veritable non-issue. The practice of reducing stone remains to dust was a result of gargoyles having to come to terms with stone-sleep having become a vulnerability. If you're loved one is already rubble, there isn't much reason to keep the rubble intact. That doesn't mean the process isn't emotionally painful. But not much more painful, I would think, then cremating a corpse of flesh. (Though of course it's more immediate. You are doing the damage, not the Fire.) At any rate, that was the custom that evolved.



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