Morphlet Info Sheet

Morphlet Basics :
Morphlets are little (Around 1 - 2 feet at the shoulder) elemental lizard creatures. Upon reaching maturity (6 months) a Morphlet will devote itself to a material, thus aligning itself with an 'element'. In the wild they typically choose a predicable and natural element; Earth, Air, Water, or Fire (Or some variation thereof); Domesticated Morphlets, however, are much more open with their definition of what an 'element' is and chosen elements can range from Coffee to Plaid Sofa Cushions.
Once aligned the Morphlet will go through a metamorphosis lasting between 1-3 weeks. During this time their body will change in certain ways (see guidelines) to accommodate and mirror the chosen element. More importantly, the Morphlet's body will alter in a way that suit's the Morphlet's personal view of the element. Thus, two Morphlets of the same element will never look quite the same.
A Morphlet after it's metamorphosis is still technically a Morphlet, although, often they will be called by their chosen element. For example; Electricity/Energy/Fire Morphlets are often called Sparklets, Water based Morphlets are Droplets, etc.

Guidelines for Elemental Growth :
Morphlets have three known growth patterns, ranked from Common to Royal in rarity and desirability. Growths along the Rump, Back, and Fins are Common. Growths on the back of the legs, top of the head (Crown) & Elbows/Knees are Uncommon. Finally, growths along the whole of the neck (Mane) and Ankles are Rare, and referred to by breeders as Royal.
As Morphlets age they continue to grow more and more elemental material in their growth zones. If the elemental growth becomes too cumbersome a Morphlet will forcibly shed their growth and start anew. A well groomed and strong Elemental Growth is a sign of a healthy Morphlet, whilst a scraggly or weak Elemental Growth normally denotes illness.

Eating Habits :
Morphlets are omnivorous, domesticated Morphlets subsist on a diet of specially made kibble whilst their wild counterparts subsist on a diet fruits, berries, nuts, small game and insects.

Breeding :

Morphlets are considered old enough to breed once they have acquired an element (As early as six months), although often they won't be acceptable to a mate until they have a substantial Elemental Growth (8 to 12 Months + ).

In the wild Morphlet seeking a mate will build small nests and altars of/to their element as offerings to potential mates. This not only shows that the Morphlet properly reveres their chosen element, it also proves that the Morphlet is able to control his/her Elemental Growth and that regrowth is swift; indicating Elemental Strength and Health.
Morphlet breeding pairs will almost always have complimentary elements (Water + Ice, Earth + Water, Stone + Earth, etc). Warring  elements in breeding pairs (such as Water + Fire ) make miscarriages common.

Morphlets give birth to live young who are able to fend for themselves as early as 3 days from birth. Litters usually consist of 1-2 pups with triplets exceedingly rare outside of Royals. The parents will often look after their young until they are ready to choose their element.
A Morphlet's parent's elements have a only a slight bearing on their elemental affinity, although this theory is highly debated amongst breeders. Despite the lack of proof breeders still seek out Morphlets based on their affinities for breeding stock.

Abilities :

Morphlets are able to manipulate and control their Elemental Growths, and to a lesser degree, mundane examples of their element. This usually includes a telekinesis-like ability. This power is more common the higher tier the Morphlet is. It is nonexistent in domestic Morphlets besides Royals.

Abilities and 'Purity' :
The closer a Morphlet's chosen element is to a Pure elemental form (i.e. Air, Fire, Water, Earth, Light, Dark, Void, Energy) the more pure it is considered. A Pure Element Morphlet is more desirable for breeding and is much more likely to have an ability associated with it's element, and a stronger one at that!
Breeding Purity can be determined by estimating how far removed an element is from the base elements; For example:

Steam Morphlet = Water + Fire
A Steam Morphlet is 2 combined Base Elements, thus it's purity can be denoted by a simple '2'.

Coffee Morphlet = Energy + Water + Earth
A Coffee Morphlet is 3 combined Base Elements, thus it's purity can be denoted by a simple '3'.

A Morphlet of 4 or more Base Elements is considered a Mutt and is unusable for professional breeding stock. Purebred Morphlets are highly desirable as show animals and pets. Alternatively, if the Morphlet's Element is man-made (Plaid Sofa Cushions) and cannot be traced back to the Base Elements the Morphlet is considered Artificial which has the same standing as a Mutt, albeit, a fancier name.

Domestication and Intelligence :
Wild Morphlets have a loosely tribal society with elder Morphlets given special respect. Wild Morphlets have intelligence at about level with a five or six year old human. They gather in small family tribes of 5-15 members and forage together for food.  

Domesticated Morphlets, without interaction with Wild Morphlets will not truely 'connect' with the Elements and will be unable to attain that level of intelligence. Typically a Domesticated Morphlet has an intelligence of a rather clever dog. While ideal for human companionship this fact has led to much debate as to the ethics of continuing to domesticate Morphlets.