Earthwyrm

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 Arkynish 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 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.

Civilization and Culture

Historical Figures

The only wyrm known to have attained Ancient status is the legendary Wyrm of Chaos, who was an earthwyrm. This influential character is believed to be one of the largest of its kind and is not affiliated with the "Council" the Ancient Dragonkin created. He wreaked havoc upon the lands of Azlov, leading to the formation of the Ancient Council and the Draconian Concord in response to his destructive power.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Borewyrm

Scientific Name

Borewyrm earthwyrm

Origin/Ancestry

Arkynshire
Drakemyst

Lifespan

80 years

Average Length

96 ft (29.26 m)

Scientific Classification
Class: Reptillia
Order: Draconis
Family: Wyrm
Genus: Borewyrm
Species: B. earthwyrm

Trivia

This was the first wyrm species to be created.

This species was made for a writing prompt during World Anvil's 2024 Summer Camp, but was then realized that there could be several other types with similar features. The next day, the Borewyrm page was created and used for the writing prompt instead.

The Earthwyrm species, and subseqently other Borewyrms, was based on the Ice Worm from Subnautica: Below Zero.^[1]

This species was also based on earthworms.^[2]

References

1. "Ice Worm" — on Subnautica Fandom Wiki; July 3rd, 2024.
2. "Earthworm" — on Wikipedia; June 22nd, 2024.