Borewyrm (bɔrˈwɜrm)
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.
Species
There are three species of borewyrms that live across various landscapes. They all have similar features, but differ from one another by quite a bit.Earthwyrm
Main article: Earthwyrm
The earthwyrm is the most common of the borewyrms. They specialize in borrowing into the ground, even hard rock. There are two distinct subspecies, both of which share a similar appearance but are differentiated by a few notable characteristics.
The mireserpent subspecies is a remarkable semi-aquatic variant that inhabits wetland areas. They display a more streamlined body compared to its stonereaver counterpart.
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.
Icewyrm
Main article: Icewyrm
The icewyrm is the rarest of the borewyrms. With their horn that can generate heat, they specialize in borrowing into ice and even hard permafrost. They are one of the best swimmers among the borewyrm species. There are no known subspecies of the icewyrm.
Sandwyrm
Main article: Sandwyrm
The sandwyrm is the smallest of the borewyrm species. They are experts at burrowing into sand and sandstone. Sandwyrms have a less prominent horn, as they are adapted to burrow through loose sand. Their scaleplates differ from those of other borewyrms, too; they are elongated and smoother. There are two distinct subspecies, both of which share a similar appearance but are differentiated by a few, significant notable characteristics.
The dunewyrm subspecies possesses remarkable adaptations that allow it to glide effortlessly through the loose, sifting sands of airid desert landscapes. The dunewyrm features the least pronounced horn atop its head. Their bodies have been adapted to be more streamlined, optimizing their ability to navigate seamlessly over and under the sand.
The xeridianwyrm subspecies boasts the largest horn of its kind, yet it's overall size is smaller compared to the more robust earthwyrms. Preferring arid, xeric landscapes that line the edge of desert regions, they thrive in environments characterized by sandstone cliffs and intricate cave systems.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Wyrm borewyrm
Lifespan
80 years
Average Length
96 ft (29.26 m)
Geographic Distribution
Class: Reptilia
Order: Draconis
Family: Wyrm
Genus: Borewyrm
Species:
Idioms
Throughout history, idioms related to borewyrms have been created, many of which reference the Wyrm of Chaos due to his actions a century ago.Calling someone a Wyrm / Wyrmling / Borewyrm
> Used as an insult and said with emphasis.Like a Borewyrm
> Referencing the fact that borewyrms burrow into the ground. An alternative to "drilling" something like an ideology into people's heads.
I love them. I like the idea of their horns especially, and the different subspecies that live in deserts.
Explore Etrea | March of 31 Tales
<3 Thank you! I like the subspecies I added to a few of them; I feel like it really adds to the realism of the world.