Borewyrm

Borewyrms belong to a distinct group of Wyrms that are adept at boring and digging into the ground. These creatures are characterized by their substantial size, featuring a specialized horn on their heads and a sturdy, toughened layer of scaleplates covering their bodies.   Borewyrms have the ability to manipulate their 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.   Borewyrms are commonly sighted in various locations across Azlov. They are particularly prevalent in regions with easy-to-excavate terrain, such as tropical areas and deserts, but intriguingly, they can also be found thriving in the harsh conditions of cold tundras. These elusive creatures are well-adapted to subterranean life and play a vital role in the ecosystem.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Wyrms, including borewyrms, are serpent-like creatures similar to dragons, but without legs or wings. Borewyrms 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.   Borewyrms have dorsal scaleplates on their bodies known as osteoderms. Osteoderms are bony deposits found in the dermis, forming scales and plates, and are also referred to as scutes.[1] [2]

Ecology and Habitats

The natural habitat of Borewyrms 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, Borewyrms 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 its body only shed once during its lifetime and do not regenerate. This shedding process, known as scaleplate exfoliation, is a critical part of the Borewyrm's life cycle.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Genetic Descendants
Scientific Name
Wyrm borewyrm
Lifespan
80 years
Average Length
96 ft (29.26 m)
Geographic Distribution
Scientific Classification
Class: Reptillia
Order: Draconis
Family: Wyrm
Genus: Borewyrm
Species:
  • B. earthwyrm
  • B. icewyrm
  • B. sandwyrm
  • Trivia

  • This genus group actually started off with the Earthwyrm, but was then realized that there could be several other types with similar features.
  • This genus, along with its species, was based on the Ice Worm from Subnautica: Below Zero.[3]
  • References

    1. "Osteoderm" — on Wikipedia; May 10th, 2024.
    2. "Scute" — on Wikipedia; April 4th, 2024.
    3. "Ice Worm" — on Subnautica Fandom Wiki; July 3rd, 2024.

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