Earthwyrm (ˈɜrθˌwɜrm)

Earthwyrms are a species of borewyrm that specializes in burrowing 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 scaleplates that cover its body, providing a defense against potential threats or attacks and environmental hazards.

Earthwyrms in particular are typically found within Arkynshire and Drakemyst, where there are tropical and desert climates.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Like all borewyrms, these remarkable creatures have a serpent-like body with dragon-like features, yet they lack both legs and wings. Earthwyrms are characterized by their toughened, armor-like scaleplates, which encase their bodies and provide an impressive defense against predators and environmental hazards. One of their most notable features is the specialized horn that protrudes prominently from the top of their heads. The horn is designed to pry apart rocks, allowing these creatures to shape the landscape.

Stonereaver earthwyrms have long strands of large muscles connected to their horn. These powerful muscles enable the horn to vibrate with incredible intensity, akin to some bees that use their flight muscles to create a resonating buzz. This unique ability acts like a mechanical jackhammer, allowing stonereaver earthwyrms to efficiently break apart stone.

In contrast, mireserpent earthwyrms have adapted to a completely different habitat. Living in the damp, saturated ecosystems of wetlands, these earthwyrms have mostly lost the vibrational horn capability. Instead, they have evolved other skills better suited for navigating their marshy environments.

Ecology and Habitats

The natural habitat of earthwyrms is subterranean environments, where they commonly excavate 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 their bodies only shed once during their lifetime and do not regenerate. This shedding process, known as scaleplate exfoliation, is a critical part of the borewyrm's life cycle.

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: Reptilia
Order: Draconis
Family: Wyrm
Genus: Borewyrm
Species: Earthwyrm
Subspecies:

Stonereaver

Mireserpent

Characters

Ancient

Anaq

Historical Figures

The only borewyrm known to have attained Ancient status is the infamous 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 a council created by Ancient Dragonkin of the time.

He wreaked havoc upon the lands of Azlov, leading to the formation of the ancient council, the Dragonguard by the humans, and the Draconian Concord in response to his destructive power.

Subspecies

The earthwyrm has two distinct subspecies, both of which share a similar appearance but differ in a few notable characteristics.

Stonereaver

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. Stonereavers take to the bases of cliffs and existing caves, using their powerful bodies to carve out spaces further and create dens. They are limited to excavating tunnels only slightly longer than their own length; any attempt to dig deeper may result in one being trapped, unable to reverse direction. They are limited to excavating horizontally and cannot do so vertically due to the piling up of rubble that would block their way.

Stonereavers are the only borewyrms capable of vibrating their horns. Large, elongated muscles are connected to their horns, allowing them to resonate, akin to some bees that use their flight muscles to produce a resonating buzz. This unique ability acts like a jackhammer, allowing stonereavers to break apart rock.

Equipped with particularly dense and movable scaleplates, Stonereavers can crush rock using their immense weight. Their ventral scaleplates feature a unique central groove that aids in crushing rock and shimmying it backward out of their tunnels, functioning much like a tunnel-boring machine. This is why they can only dig about as deep as their own length; the tunnel behind them will be filled in, and they won't be able to back out.

The Wyrm of Chaos is one such example of a stonereaver earthwyrm, showcasing the remarkable characteristics that define this subspecies.

Mireserpent

The mireserpent subspecies is a remarkable semi-aquatic variant that inhabits wetland areas. They display a more streamlined body compared to their stonereaver counterpart. Although not as large, mireserpents are still larger than other borewyrm species. This subspecies has evolved to thrive in muddy, marshy landscapes and is adept at digging through soft soils, mud, and rock. Their ability to navigate through softer substrates allows them to create extensive networks of burrows, providing them with both shelter and hunting grounds in their watery habitats.

Unlike stonereavers, this species has lost the ability to vibrate its distinctive horn. However, they still possess the horn, which has been shaped to make mireserpents more streamlined, allowing them to glide more easily through marshy landscapes.

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 it 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 subsequently 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.