Sea serpents

I never saw it. Just a huge shadow closing in on our ship, and the next second, the ship was gone. Split into a thousand splinters!

Folklore

The sea serpents are thought to be huge, snakelike creatures, taking residence in the deepest parts of the oceans. Anytime a ship has gone missing rumors always appear that it was a serpent. There are countless tales about them from people claiming to have seen one.

Sightings

In almost every village along the coast, there is someone claiming to have seen one of the serpents, or even surviving an attack from one. Considering the contradictory descriptions of their appearances, and the fact that the sightings are more common in areas where creatures like whales exist leads many experts to dismiss the rumors. This hasn't stopped them from keeping on spreading. There has also been proof that the serpents exist. While it can't be proven things like a board with a huge bite mark came from the creature of myth, it can't really be explained either.

Scales

The scales of the sea serpent is the most famous part. Said to shimmer more than any gem in existence, they're highly sought after despite never being seen. A bunch of fakes has been produced, but they've all been disproven. The scales are also famous as it's said to be the only thing you can see before the serpent attacks. A huge shadow approaching an unsuspecting ship, a small glimmer from beneath the surface, a back full of spikes and then it's over.

Physical characteristics

There are many descriptions of the serpents, some more fantastical than others. There are a few things most agree on though.

Bodyshape

The serpents are said to be thin, long snakelike creatures, bigger than most boats and ships. They have big mouths with many and sharp teeth. Along their backs they're said to have large spikes. Along their body they have fins helping them to move.

Colours

The serpents are usually described as being blue or green in color, sometimes even purple. They're often described as very vibrant, even making the sea around them appear to shimmer in that color, but there are also more realistic accounts that say they're fairly dull.

Behaviour

Not much is ever discussed when it comes to the serpents behavior. They're just said to hunt trading and fishing ships, either to eat the people on board or to steal the ships riches.