Sunworm

Odd little creatures are the sunworms, but their value is great. They work tirelessly to create the revered sun-touched silk, making this venture their life's work. Their very essence is perhaps the greatest testimony to the generosity and compassion of the most beloved of goddesses, her goodness shining through what can easily be overlooked as the simplest, most unassuming form of creature. This gift to the people of Pynzitria continues to thrive and exhibit the great love Ramura has for all living things.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Sunworms resemble caterpillars more than worms, although they have no legs. There are tiny antennae on their heads which are used to create their silk. While the largest grow no longer than about two inches, they are about half as wide as the average human adult thumb.

Genetics and Reproduction

Sunworms lay several hundred eggs at a time. Those eggs are buried in the soil under the sunworm nest, and hatch eight to ten weeks after they are laid, the newly hatched worms quickly working together to dig their way out of the dirt.

Ecology and Habitats

Sunworms thrive in any area the sun's rays reach, although they are more prolific in warmer areas. They live in nests made of dirt and moss, using the moss as sustenance.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Sunworms primarily feed on moss, although can survive on other forms of plant life as well.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Sunworms are somewhat hive-minded, frequently working together to create larger pieces of silk. They have no queen or other "leader," acting instead as one unit, or family.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The Sunworm creates sun-touched silk, which is then used to create magical items of healing, including clothing and bandages.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Sunworms can be found in any part of the world in which the sun shines for most of the year, regardless of temperature. They are far more frequent in Ramura's country Erinzeir, as she is the one who created the species.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Sunworms in any given hive are connected to each other through a hive-like mind, all warnings and other necessary communication instantly transmitted from one to the others. They also have a form of tremorsense, being quite sensitive to the movement of the area around them.

Civilization and Culture

History

Sunworms were created long before the gods on Pynzitria fell by the then-goddess Ramura. She wished to gift the world with something that could be raised and used for the common good. She decided to merge the powers of her domains of healing and crafting in the creation of the sunworm and making them a prolific creature so that their bounty might be available to as many as might need it.
Ramura's temples became the central breeders of these worms, taking great care and nurturing them. None were ever to be made to pay for silk created by the worms, clerics giving it to those who needed it regardless of wealth. While there were always those people greedy enough to raise the worms for profit, they would soon find that the insects would often create less silk that was usual, making it difficult for those who might want to deny others.

Scientific Name

Insect

Lifespan

2 to 3 years

Conservation Status

These worms are quite plentiful, as there are very few who want to see them gone from the world. There are a number of people and groups that keep them and breed them so that their silk can be used by those who might need them. Ramura herself has the largest number of these creatures on the grounds of her palace, where they are well cared for and protected.

Average Weight

2 - 4 oz.

Average Length

1.5 in.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

They range from a pale yellow colour to bright gold. Some have faint stripes or dots of varying colours, although most are solid-coloured.

Discovered by

Ramura

Related Materials

• Sun-Touched Silk