Here is my submission for the Draconity.org Art contest on all its completed glory.

My understanding is that the otterdrake wasn't as original as I thought when starting on it. I searched and searched for something to compare it to, but to no avail. It is my only hope, then, that this is an original design.

And now story time!

"Where do Easterns find their exquisite pearls? Where do Westerns get their sparkling jewels so coveted by man? Why from none other than the otterdrake! Otterdrakes have the unique ability to swim in the rivers of ether where great pressures refine rough stones and mineral filled carbon compounds. It is also the only place where Soulpearl Mussel spawn -- The only pearl capable of reflecting what is in the heart of those who view it.

The otterdrakes have a thick coat of fine fur that acts as a buffer to the intense energetic effects and pressures of the ether river, as well as possessing horns and spines capable of dissipating buildups of electrical energy. The otterdrakes' shining scales -- much like the stones of the river -- have been charged with metallic molecules often forming spectacular arrays of color, themselves appearing as glimmering gems.

The only thing the otterdrakes ask for in return for their harvesting services are HaKarat fish, a delicacy that does not live in ether waters."

Drawn fully on an Wacom Intuos3 watchamacallit 6x8" tablet
Colored in the gimp. Layers = 21