Earthwyrm (ˈɜrθˌwɜrm)
Earthwyrm is a species of borewyrm that specializes in borrowing into the ground, even hard rock. Like all borewyrms, they feature a specialized horn on their heads and a sturdy, toughened layer of scaleplates covering their bodies.
Borewyrms have the ability to manipulate the outer scaleplates, utilizing some of them for assistance in locomotion and burrowing, aiding in anchoring the wyrm and compressing the ground to stabilize the hole. This intricate use of scaleplates enables borewyrms to create and maintain their habitat with impressive efficiency.
The borewyrm's protection is attributed to the toughened scale plates that cover its body, providing a defense against potential threats or attacks.
Earthwyrms in particular are usually found within Arkynshire and Drakemyst, where there are tropical and desert climates.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Like all borewyrms, they are serpent-like creatures similar to dragons, but without legs or wings. Earthwyrms are characterized by their toughened hard platescales and a specialized horn, which they use for prying apart rocks. These creatures are formidable due to their powerful physical features and their ability to navigate through rocky terrains with ease.
Ecology and Habitats
The natural habitat of earthwyrms is in subterranean environments, where they are commonly found excavating intricate networks of tunnels and chambers beneath the earth. These elusive creatures are known to create their own underground dwelling by burrowing into the ground, utilizing their specialized horns and strong, muscular bodies to carve out elaborate passages. In addition to their subterranean burrows, earthwyrms are also found to inhabit caves, where they continue to display their adept digging and carving abilities, shaping the rocky surroundings to suit their needs.
Biological Cycle
Borewyrms, unlike other dragonkin, have a unique feature where the scaleplates on their bodies only shed once during their lifetime and do not regenerate. This shedding process, known as scaleplate exfoliation, is a critical part of the borewyrm's life cycle.
Subspecies
The earthwyrm has two distinct subspecies, both of which share a similar appearance but are differentiated by a few notable characteristics.Stonereaver
The stonereaver subspecies thrives in rugged mountainous terrain where it has adapted to an environment filled with dense, hard rock. This subspecies is the largest among the earthwyrms, and of all borewyrms. Stonereavers take to the base of cliff sides and existing caves, using their powerful bodies to carve out spaces further and create dens. They are limited to excavating tunnels only slightly longer than their own length; any attempt to dig deeper may result in one being trapped, unable to reverse direction. They are limited in excavating horazinatally, and cannot do so vertically, due to the pile up of rubble blocking their way. Equipped with particularly dense and moveable scaleplates, Stonereavers can crush rock using their immense weight. These scaleplates feature a unique center groove that aids in crushing and then shimming rock backward out of their tunnels, functioning much like a tunnel boring machine. This is why they can only dig about as deep as their own length; the tunnel behind them will be filled in and they won't be able to back out. The Wyrm of Chaos is one such example of a stonereaver earthwyrm, showcasing the remarkable characteristics that define this subspecies.Mireserpent
The mireserpent subspecies is a remarkable semi-aquatic variant that inhabits wetland areas. They display a more streamlined body compared to its stonereaver counterpart. Although not as large, mireserpents are still larger than other borewyrm species. This subspecies has evolved to thive in muddy and marshy landscapes, and are adept at digging through softer soils, mud, and rock. Their ability to navigate through softer substrates allows them to create extensive networks of burrows, providing them with both shelter and a hunting ground in their watery habitats.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Borewyrm earthwyrm
Origin/Ancestry
Lifespan
80 years
Average Length
96 ft (29.26 m)
Class: Reptilia
Order: Draconis
Family: Wyrm
Genus: Borewyrm
Species: B. earthwyrm
Subspecies:
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