…/species/devils/stone_wyrms.md

The Stone Wyrm is a highly intelligent and aggressive species of pseudo-silicate Devil, endemic to the OTHERWHERE.

Morphology

Stone Wyrms possess a serpentine body structure, lacking defined limbs and typically reaching 60 m in length. They have small, solid wings with a wingspan of approximately 12 m, though these do not function for conventional flight. Their heads are nearly featureless, adorned only with small horns, and they lack both a mouth and a nose.

A defining characteristic of Stone Wyrms is the hollow structure of their bodies. Instead of functional eyes, they have empty eye sockets that expose the tubular, hollow nature of their entire form. The interior of their bodies is significantly darker than their exterior.

Their cellular structure is carbon-based, but with a silicate exterior, forming an outer shell that gives them a rock-like appearance and texture. This composition is further enhanced by specialised chromatophores, allowing the organism to change colour to blend seamlessly with surrounding rock formations.

Unique Abilities

Stone Wyrms exhibit a remarkable ability to pass through solid stone and rock. This is achieved by rapidly shifting their cellular structure and fusing with silicate-based materials, effectively allowing them to “swim” through solid ground without leaving a trace.

Due to the rigidity and small size of their wings, Stone Wyrms do not achieve flight through conventional means. Instead, they propel themselves forward by creating a vacuum in front of their bodies, generating thrust-based movement through the air.

Unlike most biological entities, Stone Wyrms lack a central brain, spine, or internal organs. Their structure is highly adaptable, allowing them to flatten their bodies when necessary, further contributing to their mobility and defensive capabilities.

Sensory Perception

Stone Wyrms are completely blind, lacking the ability to detect light. However, they compensate with an acute sense of smell, facilitated by specialised internal cells, and highly sensitive hearing. Their outer skin is capable of analysing the chemical composition of materials it contacts, triggering their chromatophores to adjust their colouration accordingly.

While they rely on resurfacing to breathe, they can circumvent this limitation by absorbing oxygen from plants, reducing their need to emerge frequently.

Feeding Behaviour

Stone Wyrms sustain themselves by absorbing organic matter from soil and plant life. This process depletes the soil of nutrients, rendering it completely barren and inhospitable. Similarly, any plant life in their vicinity is at risk, as Stone Wyrms can extract nutrients directly from plant roots, causing rapid desiccation and death.

Reproduction

Stone Wyrms reproduce asexually, laying irregularly shaped eggs that resemble common boulders. These eggs are abandoned after being laid, and over time, they undergo a gradual transformation into juvenile Stone Wyrms rather than hatching in a traditional sense.

Intelligence

Stone Wyrms are exceptionally intelligent, displaying advanced cognitive abilities, including strategic thinking and complex problem-solving. However, they exhibit little to no interest in social interaction and remain solitary throughout their lifespan. Their lack of social bonds suggests either an inability or a disinterest in communal behaviour.