Eudotheric Wyrm

Coiled Around the Roots of the Magnificent Eudotree

Created & Written by Khali A. Crawford

These colossal, serpentine beings wrap themselves around the roots of the Eudotree, the Tree of Well-Being, drawing sustenance from the sacred sap that flows through them. The Wyrms are not merely parasitic; they perform a crucial role in the ecosystem, protecting the Eudotree from harm, consuming decaying branches, and purging toxins from the tree’s system, thus prolonging the tree’s life and, by extension, the planet it supports.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Wyrmus eudothericus typically measures between 56 to 94 Cubits (Cb) in length, though larger specimens have been recorded. The body is cylindrical, tapering slightly at both the head and tail. Its diameter ranges from 2.8 to 3.8 Cubits (Cb), providing substantial mass and strength.
The Wyrm possesses an intricate and powerful muscular system, allowing it to constrict and wrap itself tightly around the roots of the Eudotree. Its muscles are composed of dense, interlocking fibers that provide both flexibility and immense strength, enabling it to maintain its grip on the tree and maneuver through the soil and root systems with ease.
The skeletal structure of Wyrmus eudothericus is highly flexible, consisting of numerous vertebrae that provide support and mobility. Each vertebra is connected by semi-rigid, cartilage-like structures that allow for a wide range of motion, essential for navigating the complex root systems of the Eudotree. The skull is elongated and reinforced, capable of withstanding the pressures involved in sucking sap from the tree.

Genetics and Reproduction

Wyrmus eudothericus is oviparous, laying eggs that are often deposited deep within the root system of the Eudotree. The eggs are encased in a tough, resinous shell that provides protection from environmental hazards and predators. The young Wyrms are fully formed at birth and are capable of feeding on sap shortly after hatching, though they remain close to the root system for protection until they reach a certain size.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Wyrm’s digestive system is highly specialized for extracting and processing the potent sap of the Eudotree. Its mouth is equipped with a muscular, piston-like tongue that helps create a suction effect, drawing sap into the mouth. Once ingested, the sap passes through a series of specialized digestive chambers where it is broken down and detoxified. The Wyrm’s digestive enzymes neutralize the harmful compounds in the sap while retaining its life-giving properties, which are then converted into Wyrmresin.
The waste byproducts of sap digestion are minimal, as nearly all components of the sap are utilized in Wyrmresin production. What little waste remains is excreted through a cloaca located near the tail, with the waste being rich in nutrients that are harmless to the environment and often beneficial to the soil surrounding the Eudotree.

Behaviour

Wandering Phase

Hostility and Survival: During the early stages of its life cycle, before establishing a home, Wyrmus eudothericus is highly aggressive and solitary. These Wyrms are driven by the need to survive in the harsh environments of the cosmos, often engaging in fierce battles with other cosmic creatures. They display no social behaviors at this stage, focusing entirely on survival. Their interactions with other Wyrms are generally hostile, especially when territory or potential mates are involved.

Cosmic Wanderers: Wyrmus eudothericus may wander the cosmos for extended periods, searching for an unclaimed world to call home. During this phase, they are particularly wary and prone to violence when encountering potential threats or competitors. The Wyrm’s heightened aggression during this phase is a survival mechanism, honed by the constant dangers of the cosmic wilderness.

Interacting

Female-Female Interactions: When a wandering female encounters another female on a claimed world, she is typically allowed to remain, though the resident female remains hostile and on guard. This tolerance suggests a recognition of mutual benefit or an acknowledgment of territorial limits without escalating to direct conflict.

Male-Male Interactions: Encounters between two male Wyrms are generally indifferent unless a female is introduced. In the presence of a female, males are likely to engage in combat to assert dominance and secure mating rights.

Male-Female Interactions: When a male Wyrm encounters a female, hostility is absent. The male does not exhibit aggression, instead showing a willingness to coexist, which may lead to the formation of a mating pair if circumstances allow.

Upon finding a suitable home world, Wyrmus eudothericus undergoes a profound behavioral transformation. The aggression and hostility that characterized its wandering phase diminish significantly, replaced by a more social and cooperative disposition. The presence of an established home reduces stress levels in the Wyrm, making it far less likely to engage in conflict unless its territory or offspring are threatened by significantly more powerful cosmic entities.
Once a home is secured, Wyrms become notably more docile and even playful, especially towards beings they perceive as non-threatening. Wyrm Veterinary Technicians (VetTechs) are able to approach and tend to them with ease, and the Wyrms exhibit behaviors that are almost child-like in their curiosity and interactions. This docility is also extended to other mortal beings and weaker cosmic creatures, indicating that Wyrmus eudothericus does not view them as threats or rivals.
Wyrms exhibit strong parental instincts, showing great care and protection for their offspring. Unlike many other species, they do not force their young to leave the nest, instead allowing them to remain and thrive within the safety of their established home. Interestingly, if a wandering Wyrm that is young enough stumbles upon an established pair’s territory, the resident Wyrms may adopt it into their family. This behavior suggests a level of empathy and social bonding that is rare among such formidable creatures.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The skull of Wyrmus eudothericus is elongated and streamlined, with a reinforced jaw structure designed for both feeding and defense. The jaws are equipped with rows of sharp, retractable fangs capable of piercing the tough bark and roots of the Eudotree. The Wyrm's fangs also contain ducts connected to venom glands, though the primary purpose of these glands is to inject a specialized enzyme that facilitates sap extraction rather than to deliver venom to prey.
Wyrmus eudothericus is distinguished by its multiple eyes, which are arranged in symmetrical rows along the sides of its head and down the length of its body. These eyes are small but highly sensitive to a wide range of electromagnetic spectra, allowing the Wyrm to detect subtle changes in light, heat, and energy emissions from the Eudotree and its surroundings. This extensive visual system provides the Wyrm with near 360-degree vision.
Extending from the sides of the Wyrm's head are pairs of short, highly sensitive tentacles that serve as additional sensory organs. These tentacles are equipped with specialized receptors that can detect chemical signals and vibrations in the soil, allowing the Wyrm to sense the health and condition of the Eudotree as well as the presence of other organisms nearby.

As Above So Below As Within So Without Logo by Khali A. Crawford

Grandmaster SixPathsSage

Khali Crawford

   

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Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Metawyrms

Scientific Name

Domain: Eukaryota, Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Reptilia, Order: Draconiformes, Family: Eudotheridae, Genus: Wyrmus, Species: Wyrmus eudothericus

Average Height

5.6 to 9.4 Cubits (Cb)

Average Weight

10 to 20 Rockmasses (Rm)

Average Length

56 to 94 Cubits (Cb)