#aquatic coral snake

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

Despite their misleading name, most coral snakes live on land-- with the exception of the aquatic coral snake! This species has adapted itself well to an aquatic life, and is often found swimming in rivers, swamps, and ponds in the Amazon Rainforest.

(Image: An aquatic coral snake (Micrurus surinamensis) by Mike Pingleton)

If you like what I do, consider leaving me a ko-fi!

[sitting-on-me-bum]

Emerald Green Boa

Snakes

Nicholas Hess

Amazon Tree Boa

Aquatic Coral Snake

[spicy-rainbow-pizza]

making us snakesonas rn :3

[herpsandbirds]

Aquatic Coral Snake (Micrurus surinamensis), family Elapidae, Peru

Venomous.

Some of you raised or educated in natural history in the United States, may have been taught RED AND BLACK, FRIEND OF JACK… That does not apply outside of the U.S., as this rather venomous coral snake shows us.

photograph by Cristian Torica

[fishenjoyer1]

Fish of the Day

Today's fish of the day is the yellow lipped sea krait!

The yellow lipped sea krait also called the banded sea krait, or colubrine sea krait, scientific name Laticauda colubrina, is a well known aquatic snake. The range of the yellow banded sea krait is throughout the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific. To be more specific, along the eastern coast of India and then stretching the coasts of the bay of Bengal to all other Southeastern Asian countries with a coast, including as far as Fiji. Although they are not native to Australia or New Zealand, several populations have been found across their coastlines.

These snakes live nearby coral reefs primarily and shallow bay like areas, as their prey is almost exclusively within these areas. Unlike other sea snakes the yellow lipped sea krait spends significant time out of the water, around 50% of its time once it reaches adulthood. Juveniles spend their time almost exclusively in the water, where they will hunt and rest, but once prey is caught they will leave the water to digest on nearby shores. The speed on land is significantly reduced to that in the water, and as such these animals will attempt to remain hidden during these times, presenting a problem for when unsuspecting animals get too close. Other than to digest, the time on land is also spent shedding old skins, and reproducing.

Hunting is done alone, despite large numbers gathering together before and after hunts, and they eat primarily moray eels. This is done by flushing out their prey from narrow crevices and holes, by probing their head in. They then used their striped tail to convince the eel that their tail is their head, tricking them into attempting to flee in the wrong direction, then once the eel is close enough, they strike. Another thing that the yellow barred sea krait is known for is their venom. This venom is a rather powerful neurotoxin protein from the alpha neurotoxin family, which disrupts the synapses, causing paralysis.

The life cycle of the yellow lipped sea krait is regular for sea snakes. Breeding is done throughout September-December on the gently sloping beaches at high tide, where courtship rituals occur. Multiple male snakes will find a female that they consider large enough to successfully carry eggs. Then, they surround her, aligning their bodies as close as possible and contracting rhythmically, until she chooses one of them. After this, she will lay 10 eggs in a clutch, and hide the nest. In adulthood, they can grow up to 3 ft in males, and almost 5ft in females, and have life spans around 20 years.

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

[oldschoolfrp]

Regarding purple dragons, wyrms, and worms (and sea monsters):

We can find D&D's five chromatic dragon types all the way back in 1971 in the "Fantasy Supplement" appendix of Chainmail by Gary Gygax and Jeff Perren (above). Their main rules are for fire-breathing red dragons, but they suggest variant rules for blue and white dragons and briefly describe the traits of the black and green.

Included among these dragons is the purple dragon, aka mottled dragon, described as "a rare, flightless worm with a venomous sting in its tail." This use of "worm" seems to have the Old English meaning of wurm/wyrm as a reptile, serpent, or dragon, rather than as an earthworm.

Three years later Dungeons & Dragons Volume 2: Monsters & Treasure (1974) gives specific rules for all five chromatic dragons and adds the gold dragon as the only lawful dragon. It also clearly shows and describes the purple worm as a separate monster with the general form we know today, an oversized earthworm that can swallow an ogre whole:

The "Sea Monsters" entry that immediately follows mentions the purple worm in comparison, but has no corresponding stats on the Monster Reference Table. The specifics are left up to DMs to research and decide for themselves. What I take from that entry is that a sea monster might use the purple worm's stats and the same rules for swallowing prey, but could take any shape or other stats the DM chooses.

Supplement I: Greyhawk by Gygax & Kuntz (1976) adds the other metallic dragons, their Platinum King, and a Chromatic Queen of evil dragons.

Supplement II: Blackmoor by Arneson (1976) introduces many new aquatic monsters, including the first official elasmosaurus, mosasaurus, and plesiosaurus, and the "Mashers: Coral eaters, harmless unless frightened, if so is just like 20 hit dice Purple worm."

The 1977 AD&D Monster Manual names the opposing king and queen dragons as Bahamut and Tiamat. It includes the masher, now described as a large worm-like fish with poisonous spines, reduced to 8 hit dice from 20, and no longer compared to the purple worm. The MM also brings back the "mottled" name, formerly a synonym for the purple dragon in Chainmail, now an aquatic variant of the purple worm that almost feels like a replacement for the original masher and possibly recalls the OD&D sea monsters:

The same book also includes other sea monster options like a giant sea snake as a variant of "Snake, Giant," the new dragon turtle, and the return of the elasmosaurus, mosasaurus, and plesiosaurus listed under "Dinosaurs."

The 2e Monstrous Compendium II (1989) gives the mottled worm the same brief mention as an aquatic variant purple worm, then I believe it passes from official D&D rules in later editions.

The purple worm remains one of the iconic creatures of the game, now far removed from its draconic origins.

[wofredone]

Finally finished reading A Guide to the Dragon World! Because my notes ended up being quite long, I'm splitting the post into two parts. The first part (aka this one) is just a summary of the new lore introduced in the guide, specifically cultural elements of each tribe along with tidbits of history. I left out most character-specific content (such as the letters) because I was primarily reading this for worldbuilding, but I will talk about it in the second part, which will be my review.

Keep in mind that the majority of information is in the context of royalty and nobility. I will talk about this more in my review.

Be warned, this is a very long post.

Different tribes (probably) have different scents

It was stated that a male dragon has not ruled since the Scorching, implying that there may have been a king in the past

Treasure is used as currency on Pyrrhia

There are detective mystery genre scrolls/books

Hatching day cakes are a thing, and SkyWings traditionally set their cakes on fire (at least based on an offer Peril made, not sure if that's just because she's a firescales though)

Tamarin and Starflight invented a letter-presser for blind dragons

Mathematics and calculus exist

The lancehead snake is a cousin to the dragonbite viper, though not as deadly

Certain tribes are wealthier and/or bigger than others, but it is not specified which ones

The names of the three moons are Oracle, Perception, and Imperial, the last one being the biggest moon

The white dragon with wing stubs in Burn's collection still has no confirmed tribe; it's similar to a SilkWing but only has two wingbuds

+the SilkWing wing had washed up on shore

Pantalan queens used to host a queen gathering every few moons, which was used to address disputes

"For HiveWing Eyes Only" regarding the Book of Clearsight may predate Queen Wasp

SeaWings had also escaped to Pantala (I think this was previously unknown, but correct me if I'm wrong)

Krakens are confirmed to be real in the Book of Clearsight

MudWings

MudWing troops have specific roles (healer, treasurer, gatherer, communicator)

The MudWing palace is surrounded with blanket forts where groups of dragons can socialize

The palace also has a library and the oldest scroll is about the blood red eggs

The MudWing succession crisis happened ~200 years ago

There was at least one case of a MudWing being ordered to destroy a blood red egg

There is a royal hatchery for MudWing eggs

^ They're still, for the most part, left to fend for themselves with the exception of education and training beginning earlier

^ The queen still has limited interactions with her children (by choice)

^ The bigwings in particular is taken to be trained and has to fight the queen for the throne, same as other tribes

MudWings have their own language (at least during the MudWing Succession Crisis)

Structures are made of adobe

They have papyrus

The original royal bloodline was secretly ended during the MudWing Succession Crisis and later revealed in Princess Sawgrass's retelling

MudWings raise cows for dairy and there is a royal cowherd

SeaWings

There are stories (by Coral) written from the perspective of animals

Bunch of Aquatic information; there are phrases exclusive to Aquatic

One hatching day food is raw tuna wrapped in seaweed and stuffed with fish eggs

(Royal) traditional hatching day activities include a triathlon, treasure hunt, coral reef hide-and-seek, humpback-whale-themed singing competition, and an ocean pet fashion show

SeaWings keep seahorses, sea dragons, cuttlefish, and bobtail squids as pets

Hatching day feast includes sharks, tuna rolls, and lobsters

There might be a new palace/area for dragons of other tribes to visit in construction

RainWings

RainWings used to read and write

Other tribes wanted the rainforest territory (at least according to Handsome)

They used to eat meat

RainWings used to constantly kill each other for the throne

The nonlethal competition was introduced to reduce bloodshed

RainWings used to have scrolls and libraries (during the Darkstalker era), but transitioned to storytelling/oral history at some unknown point in time

RainWings used to be feared by every other tribe and were known for their assassins

^ There was an assassin training program

Queen Jacaranda was responsible for most of the changes in RainWing society

^ She ended the assassin training program, outlawed usage of venom on other dragons, ordered the construction of the hammocks and platforms at the top of the canopy (presumably leading to sun time) and was interested in "taming prey" (sloths in particular)

Was in a war/territory dispute with the SkyWings and signed a peace treaty (it's not directly stated who the peace treaty was with, it was either the SkyWings or the MudWings)

It's implied that extensive sun exposure makes RainWings lazier

RainWing culture is more open to expressing emotion as a result of their color changing scales

NightWings

NightWings have legends/stories, the described one is about a seer named Comet that rarely had visions and was thought to be powerless until he foresaw a storm that destroyed the kingdom

There is also a scroll about The Prophetess that Fatespeaker liked to read, which is about a seer that fought bad guys with her visions

NightWings hatched under one full moon gain seer or mind reading powers, while two full moons grant both powers

Three full moons amplifies the strength of these powers

Some believe there's a connection between the moons and animus magic, but Darkstalker disagrees with this

NightWings (in the old kingdom) made sure as many eggs as possible were born under full moons

NightWings were raised to believe they were inherently superior at some genetic level (yikes)

The whole prophecy and lies spread to Pyrrhia were born out of desperation (I guess this was already known but I think it's worth noting because here it's being outright stated)

NightWings were the first to develop a written Dragon language; they taught it to the rest of the continent to record history and communicate

+traveling NightWing teachers that brought scrolls and taught them

There were NightWing scriptoriums where they copied scrolls by talon to spread to Pyrrhia

NightWings were responsible for most of the treatments used by other tribes

In the past, seers used their visions to help other tribes and NightWings were more open to sharing their knowledge in general

The old NightWing kingdom has a lot of moon exposure and a cold climate

NightWings had theatre performances, including props

The listed plays include: A Midsummer NightWing's Dream, The Importance of Being a NightWing, and A Little NightWing Music

On the island, NightWings had abandoned theatre, art, and music

They also had gardens with nonedible plants

NightWings have hatching ceremonies

The full moon music festival is an ancient custom that was revived by Queen Vigilance, along with other unnamed customs

There were ceremonies for seers and mind readers

The full moon music festival involved musicians sharing their newest compositions and providing an opportunity for dragonets to learn about traditional NightWing music; Vigilance introduced an hour where amateurs could also share their talents

The seer ceremony involves giving a vision of the future for NightWings and the mind reading ceremony involves mind readers sharing good thoughts about Vigilance (probably just the queen in general)

There was an island temple dedicated to honoring the first librarians of the NightWing tribe

The Glass Jubilee, started by Vigilance, celebrates each year of her reign and involves glasswork, music, and dancing

SandWings

Some SandWing treasure: the Desert Tiara (worn by SandWing queens for centuries), the Twilight Necklace (possibly of NightWing origin), and the SandWing Scepter

Queen Oasis had a symbol

Sign off(s) : "Wishing you bright sun and strong winds"

SandWing kitchens (for royalty, at least) have cages where birds are kept for meal preparation

SandWings keep armadillos, coyotes, tortoises, pumas and snakes as pets (and also eat them)

There is a scroll for dragonets on pets, including recipes for cooking the pets

SandWings have tortillas

After Oasis died, councils and debates were placed to pick the next queen

SandWings have history museums, including multiple gifts from past alliances

IceWings

Sign off(s): "On the winds of blizzards," "Snow mountains of love"

Education is very important (at least amongst royalty)

Ice sculpting is a significant form of art

IceWings frequently host talent shows and competitions

Many are constantly trying to create things to share with the rest of the tribe and typically work solo

Walruses and seals are not kept as pets

An image of the ranking walls is included, showing the written language (not sure if it's Dragon or an IceWing-specific language)

There is another animus gift, the gift of understanding, with missing part(s) and an unknown purpose

A layout of the menu for a coronation/royal feast is given (ingredients include kelp, sedge, garlic, ginger, crab, moss, whale, polar bear, narwhal, fulmar, puffin, gannet, scavenger, shark...)

IceWings use sealskin for scrolls

There are wandering librarians that circulate scrolls around the Ice Kingdom villages

^ Dragonets are chosen to be the next bard of the village, which are storytellers that memorize the history of the IceWing tribe and folktales

In the Village-of-the-Plentiful-Seals, there are multiple dragons named Caribou to honor the animus that gave them the gift of subsistence

^ They also host an annual feast in celebration of Caribou that lasts five days and nights

Where-No-Dragon-Goes-Hungry has a statue of Caribou made of whale bone, and host a Caribou celebration involving an ice sculpture contest every year

The aurora borealis is believed to be the Great Ice Dragon's frostbreath

We-Remember-and-Venerate-Caribou has a year long market that trades food

There is a temple of the Great Ice Dragon that feeds dragons for free

Princess Caribou's gift had upset the IceWing aristocracy because it was meant for dragons outside of the circles

^ They believed that it would make them lazy, forget how to hunt, and that hunger motivated them to work harder (which of course was entirely wrong)

Outer villages are low in the IceWing social hierarchy; they're often neglected by the royalty/nobility/etc.

Dragons from the outer villages were invited each year to compete for a spot in the palace school; this gave them a chance to enter the circles and better their social status

Every seven years, SkyWings hosted a challenge in the palace called the Clash of Claws

^ Consisted of seven days and seven challenges: flame, endurance, strength, cunning, guile, wit, and speed

The precision and heat of a flame is skill-based (at least partially)

Prince Cliff wrote the new SkyWing anthem (+ it's implied other tribes don't have anthems)

SkyWings

*Because Scarlet had a lot of influence and control over SkyWing culture, some bullet points are specified as pre, post, or during Scarlet's reign

SkyWings throw elaborate hatching ceremonies (at least according to Fierceteeth)

SkyWings may have weave tapestries (Smolder mentions an alliance gift possibly being given by the SkyWings)

SkyWings cultivate lemons

(Pre-Scarlet) The arena hosted parades, art shows, dance performances, and beauty contests; dragons from all over Pyrrhia were invited

^ Winning sculptures and tapestries were kept by Queen Firestorm

They have ironsmithing and host ironsmithing classes

Scale-polishing and muscle-building for beauty

(Pre-Scarlet) SkyWings had the option to choose partners for themselves, but often opted to be matched by the queen because they were busy

(Pre-Scarlet) Weddings are quiet, private rituals that only involve the two dragons getting married and are hosted in the sky

(During Scarlet) weddings became elaborate and were also celebrated with deathmatches in the arena; most did not want to deal with their celebrations and either didn't marry or got married in secret

Most did not want to be matched by Scarlet

There are SkyWing Ancestry Scrolls where dragons record their weddings

Families don't hold a lot of significance, parents raise their hatchlings then send them off to get a palace job

Diamond rings are used for engagements

(Royalty) White silk is worn for weddings

SilkWings

SilkWings used to take time off from school to explore Pantala after their Metamorphosis

SilkWings are naturally tree dwellers, but were forced to live on the webs between the Hives after the Tree Wars

SilkWing queens chose their successor, they did not fight for the throne

Monarch was the name of two of the best queens in SilkWing history

They have tea, lemon sugar crunches, and peanut butter cookies

HiveWings

HiveWings pick a specialization at a young age

Education is primarily agriculture based

There are universities for each hive: Wasp Hive University, Jewel Hive University, etc.

HiveWing abilities are genetic, but not always passed down

LeafWings

LeafWing dragonets have to practice jungle survival skills in the villages before being let out

The LeafWings had books in the Poison Jungle

^ They used plant fibers, bark, sap (glue), wood pulp (paper), and dyes for bookmaking

Most of their books and libraries were lost in the Tree Wars

Some LeafWing books: The Legacy of the LeafWings, Ash of Green Gingkos, The Count of Mount Kudzu, Rowan and Juniper, The Exceptionally Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Insects For the Discerning Entomologist, Mysterious and Mystifying Murders, and Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Several LeafWing artifacts survived the fires, one of which was the "Archival LeafWing Documents: For Future Historians," buried by Queen Sequoia

"Safe branches," "strong roots," "from roots to the canopy," and "till the full moon" are some sign offs

Names such as Belladonna (and presumably any other dangerous plant) were untraditional before moving to the Poison Jungle

New Year of the Trees is presumably a holiday

PoisonWings and SapWings were not initially on hostile terms, this was done by Belladonna

LeafWings cultivate bananas, potatoes, yams, papayas, avocados, kumbu, and dragonberries

Apologies if there's any information that was already revealed in the main series. Also, I included some more minor things (such as the sign offs) because it could give hints into some cultural lore such as values and language.

[mothpawbs]

WINGS OF FIRE FASHION HEADCANONS

i've been working on lists of headcanons for how the different tribes approach accessorizing for quite a while, and I think my list is finally in a good place to post it! headcanons are sorted by tribe. These are free to use if you would like to implement them in art or writing! if you have any suggestions, inputs or questions, please comment, reblog, or send me an ask!

Mudwings

because of the mud they spend a lot of their time in, a lot of accessories aren't very feasible for them

like to use woven cords made of jute or other natural fibers. sib groups will often wear a cord around their neck with a coiled knot that has a ring representing each of their siblings.

higher classes wear jewelry made with gold and gems, and often inset gems into their scales so they're harder to lose in mud and water

textiles almost never used in accessories because of how hard they are to keep clean

love tattoos, like to get tattoos on their wings membranes and underbellies. clutches tend to get matching tattoos representing their group, and a first tattoo is considered a right of passage by mudwings

Sandwings

known for their opulent weavings and textiles, like to wear scarves, shawls, and capes for functionality as well as aesthetics. hoods, veils and masks are common to protect their faces from the sun and from flying sand

also wear a lot of gold, in the form of earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, septums, and tail rings

sandwings have very skilled glaziers, and often implement glass in their jewelry

occasionally wear gemstones, though not as common. onyx, topaz, sapphires, obsidian, and diamonds are popular

enjoy tattoos, often on the scales but especially on the wing membranes

dye their textiles and crests with natural materials, usually created from plants

motifs of desert animals, such as snakes, lizards, foxes, owls, and coyotes common in accessories

Seawings

prefer more organic materials, such as pearls, coral, seashells, pebbles, bone, and even seaweed

use very little metal, but usually gold (as it doesn't corrode in water)

love piercings, but don't often wear necklaces (or anything that has to go around the neck) as they tend to constrict both the gills and the back frills, which can be very uncomfortable.

gems are less commonly used in jewelry and are often restricted to upper classes. sapphires, diamonds, and emeralds are favored.

try not to wear anything that may conceal their glowscales, as this can make speaking aquatic difficult

motifs of fish (& their scales), shells, ocean waves and currents, and aquatic mammals popular

Skywings

LOOOVE treasure

wear lots of intricately wrought metal, usually gold but also silver and bronze. Skywings are famed for their metallurgy skills

during scarlet's reign/the war, accessories fashioned after armor (ex. scarlet's mail vest) became very popular

also very fond of gemstones, especially rubies, topaz, amber, and diamonds. the more, the better!

adopted gem insets in scales from the mudwings and consider them very attractive, in a "beauty is pain" kind of way, as it is a painful process to get them inset. as well as a symbol of wealth, it can also be considered a symbol of strength

sometimes wear capes or shawls, but prefer not to as they tend to restrict wing movement and can catch on fire if one is careless

Icewings

prefer elegant, minimalist fashion

wear a lot of furs, including seal, polar bear, caribou, lynx, and fox.

often wear silver or black metal, as it compliments their scale colors.

gems are less common, but diamonds, amethyst, opal, crystal and sapphires are favored. glass imported from the sand or sky kingdom are also popular, but became less common during the war.

upper classes commonly display their circle status in the form of pendants, rings, earrings, or bracelets

Rainwings

don't really understand the appeal of jewelry, as they can make their scales whatever color they want and don't need jewels to add vibrancy to their appearance

like wearing flowers, carve wooden tokens and pendants that are made into earrings or hung from necklaces, and sometimes wear cords woven from plants.

ultimately pretty minimal accessorising, but then again they're pretty naturally flamboyant in appearance anyways.

textiles are beginning to gain popularity as younger nightwing generations explore the continent and return with fashions from all over

Nightwings (pre-darkstalker era)

nightwings had lots of skilled crafters who made fabric, crystal, and metal items, which were common in the tribe

metal items, such as earrings, chains, bracelets, rings, and armor, were often made of silver or platinum to complement dark scales

crystal, diamond, moonstone, amethyst, and opal commonly used to accent jewelry or textile pieces

motifs of moons and stars were very common, with the three moons being sacred to the tribe

textiles were often diaphanous material in cool tones, with scarves, shawls, capes, and veils very popular. fur was also commonplace, especially in lower classes, and are either from prey animals or animals specifically raised for that purpose. some of these include foxes, wolves, bears,

nightwings had skilled glaziers (learned from the sandwings), and glass was very common in jewelry and spectacles as well as in architecture

Nightwings (post-darkstalker/island era)

many materials became scarce, and lots of skills were lost to time and lack

jewelry was simple and uncommon, and rarely made from metal (which had to be imported from the mainland)

most jewelry is carved from aluminosilicates (especially kyanite) and obsidian

textiles are practically nonexistent, and very ineffectual, as they get singed and stained with ash.

Silkwings

used to wear lots of silk items, which they prized as an art form unique to their tribe

never really wore much in the form of metal or gems, basically had the same conclusion as rainwings that their scales were so naturally beautiful they didn't really need a lot of accessories

don't really have the option of owning much jewelry (if at all) under hivewing rule, the main exception being ornamental silkwings in the jewel hive

Hivewings

depends on the hive, but love jewelry and textiles.

wear gem-encrusted gold pieces and fine silk items woven by silkwings

jewel hive dragons are big show-offs when it comes to their outfits and accessories

multiple dragons seen to paint their claws, could also do this to their horns??

insect motifs common

Leafwings

almost never wear metal jewelry

often use organics for accessories, including carved wood, dried leaves, and woven cords

stones are sometimes used, with jade being prized for its color

amber very common as well

motifs of leaves, flowers, and fruits popular

non-useful accessories became uncommon post-tree wars, replaced by bags made from leaves and fibers (especially with the poisonwings)

[lumilasi]

UPDATE: Decided to make Max' human form colors match her naga design better, I think that was what was bothering me about them

Note: Max has no ears on purpose even in human form, also they can transform only partially where their upper body still looks like the human one.

Bio below: (unfinished, I'm gonna need time to develop them/her)

Name: Max Karuna

Nicknames: Snakes (Sebastian, Chouma) Maxie (Franziska)

Nonbinary, uses She/they

Age: 29

Height: 167 cm (human)

Occupation: A rockband's drummer

Family: They apparently has a MASSIVE family, but rarely sees them due to her job (not relevant to the main story either)

Love Interest: Franziska Belmont (A sith cat/cat witch)

Friends: Sebastian Kravchenko (Wyvern, bandmate) Chouma (A moth spirit, bandmate) Kaspian Kravchenko (Also a Wyvern, Sebastian's brother) Laurent Delune (Sebastian's friend) Taiga Delune (Laurent's GF)

Powers:

Aquatic abilities: They can breathe underwater, dive into the depth of 4 km, swim 50 mph, and send supersonic signals through water and has some water elemental powers, though she needs to be in contact with water to do so, unlike actual elementals.

Excellent drumming skills: Self explanatory

Shapeshifting: They can switch between a human, a half or full-naga, as well as a full snake form. The latter is the size of a normal python snake, whereas her naga form can be up to 10-15 meters long.

Snake hair: She can turn her hair into snakes that have very sharp teeth, and can choke or crush things. (Being a python type, Max is one of those rarer Naga with no poison production, most Nagas are venomous snakes)

Venom: She can produce venom from her fangs and clawed hands that can either sedate, paralyze or kill a target. They aren't the most poisonous type though, so typically the venom doesn't work lethally on most healthy humans, let alone nonhuman beings.

Sixth sense for treasure: Her kind generally are well known for finding anything lost that holds importance, and she is no different. If something is missing, their bandmates often ask them to find it.

WEAKNESSES:

Max can be easily coaxed for shenanigans, which can cause some issues and messes to be cleaned. She, as a snake, is not fond of cold climates and can get the flu extremely easily during winter.

PERSONALITY:

Max is confident, outgoing and friendly person, who makes friends easily and is generally seen as a bit of a sunny personality to be around. They have a mischievous side despite seeming very chill and mature at first glance, and tends to pull pranks on people a lot. They are also very attuned to people's emotions and vibes, and can tell when someone is having a bad day and what could perhaps help, or when is not the right time to talk about something.

They can be a bit of a potty mouth, but they try their best to censor themselves when around kids or people who don't like swearing (at least, if they like said people)

EXTRA FACTS:

Her snake colors and pattern is inspired by the banana/coral glow python

Max enjoys ridiculously sugary and sweet drinks and freakshakes.

Max' trademark coat was actually designed by Sebastian's brother, it was a special birthday gift and not available for sale anywhere. Kaspian made it based on her ideas.

Max finds it funny how all of their love interest are cats; Sebastian and Chouma with the Bakeneko brothers Alois and Quinn, and her/they with cat witch Franziska. (Though it takes a while before Frankie actually dares to ask her out, basically this happens properly post-main story for Frankie's brother)

Max loves action movies and silly goofy b-movie horror movies, finding them hilarious

They can't sing, at all. But they do make sick beats with the drums

Max of course largely follows punkish/grunge style, but also tends to enjoy including something really bright and colorful to it.

In general she tends to wear one really eccentric statement piece with almost every outfit, or at least one with a very strongly contrasting color.

Max's favorite style of party is treasure hunting, and anytime they celebrate her birthday or something, their friends arrange a hunt of some sort.

She has a habit of jokingly saying "oooo, Shiny!" about anything she likes, not just actual Jewels. It could be a friend, their girlfriend, clothes they like, etc.

Their kind tend to not have ears by default in human form, so if trying to blend in with actual humans, they have to remember to shapeshift their head to include those.

[terry-the-insane]

Palaeophis is a type of giant aquatic snake that spawns in tropical oceans and rarely in mangroves. Palaeophis prefer to use coral or plants as cover to ambush their prey, they mostly prey on dolphins and don't hunt players because I'm not adding vore to minecraft.

In real life, palaeophis was one of the largest survivors of the K/PG mass extinction reaching lengths of up to 40ft long, making it the third largest snake behind Gigantophis and Titanoboa.

Edit: More recent finds suggest that it was even bigger than Gigantophis, albeit still smaller than Titanoboa.

[es46]

Another sketch, this time a snake wyvern based on sea kraits. - ORCINA KRAI Title - Reef snake Monster class - Snake wyvern Known locales - Coastlines, islets and reef outcrops Element/ailment - Ice + Poison Elemental weakness - Thunder (3), Dragon (1), Water (1), Fire (1), Ice (0) Ailment weakness - Stun (3), Blast (2), Paralysis (2), Sleep (2), Poison (0) Orcina Krai is a snake wyvern principally found along coastal regions, occasionally straying inland via estuaries or marshlands, or further afield by coral reef outcrops and islets. It is distinguished by its lustrous pink and green scales and various aquatic adaptations. The rudder-like hindlimbs and flattened tail enable excellent mobility underwater, whilst the large dorsal fin erects or flattens to assist direction. Orcina Krai is predominantly a piscivore, pursuing schools of fish underwater, though occasionally it comes inland to search for wyvern eggs or small creatures (more often than not the juvenile carapaceon Brineling). Some individuals lurk in rivers or by outcrops to ambush larger prey, though this is rare given Orcina Krai's bright colours don't entail subtlety. While humans are not usually considered prey, field workers should keep their distance from the snake wyvern, who may be tempted to attack either by aggravation from close proximity or simply testing a potential meal. Alternating between inland and oceanic activity, Orcina Krai are not particularly territorial and are reasonably tolerant to their own kind. Come the mating season, males gather on the shoreline, flaunting their fins and colours to intimidate each other and attempt to impress the larger females. After mating, the females take to sheltered coves or lakes, producing live young and guarding the brood for a few weeks from opportunistic predators. After that, the young are on their own and must become adept marine hunters quickly, lest they be deemed runts and preyed upon by their own mothers. As the snake wyvern's bright colours may suggest, Orcina Krai is venomous; powerful toxins are concentrated in the spines lining its forelimbs. Orcina Krai is a defensively aligned monster, evading attacks with sinuous motions or baiting aggressors into colliding with its venomous spines. Should it go on the offensive, Orcina Krai can spit an strange residue from glands in its mouth that solidies into an icy coating. This chilling concotion is usually used to slow down fast-swimming prey and proves just as effective in battle. Otherwise, strikes of its sharp fangs and claws or a swings of its tail fell most enemies. Orcina Krai is a reasonably challenging opponent between its use of ailments and surprising mobility (Low Rank - 3, High/Master Rank - 2). Hunters should avoid challenging the snake wyvern in the water and find a way to lure it onto land, where traps and barrel bombs can assist in hindering its mobility. Attacking the head when Orcina Krai is readying its icy spit could potentially make the snake wyvern choke on its own residue. As a predator of Brinelings, Orcina Krai are targeted for attack by the adult Brinataur on sight and must flee from the powerful carapaceon. Otherwise, the snake wyvern tends to have few natural enemies thanks to its toxins, though attacks from the likes of Lagiacrus or Torrenial can happen. Interestingly, Orcina Krai has little tolerance for the piscine wyvern Hyborlex and has been known to attack it without provocation; researchers theorise that this may be due to Hyborlex being a major predator of newborn Orcina Krai. - Thank you for reading and take care.

[coelacat]

If you were a gorgon, what species of snake would you want for hair? You can safely style them any way you want too

ohhh this is a good question.... the obvious answer is some sort of aquatic snake to let me be a little mermaid type creature, but snake. coral reef snakes (not just plain corals) are venomous and cool looking and would make for awesome hair

for just generally cool looking hair... probably a bush viper!! spiny bush vipers specifically. or dragon snakes, i mean look at both of these guys

for color, there arent blue snakes, so.... pink! both coachwhips and rattlesnakes... both of them can appear a salmon-y pink, or close to it.

[n3onwraith]

Did a species meditation thing where i thought of the environment and the feelings and followed the thread! anyways, here's what I remember our species looking like! (this isn't me, just a basic one of us!)

we lived in kelp forests or deep marine trenches and swam like snakes or sharks (side to side) with the occasional up and down swim if we were feeling playful/needed to have more precision while charging prey! we were massive! i can only think to measure it as 2-3 orcas tall and wide and 6/7-10/12 long depending on the individual and their environment! we were migratory and would migrate all around the globe! we had a sub species we'd run into on migrations that lived in coral reefs or similar structures and ate sponges and other small fish! they were about human sized or smaller! we were solitary and only gathered for mating season, migration and egg laying. we functioned a little like turtles on the egg laying side, that's what those arms are for! they were never used except to haul ourselves onto land or out of trenches. we would just leave the young to fend for themselves unless we ran into one later and felt like keeping it alive! we had quite a few of us with a reputation for adopting younglings and some would be escorted to them by one who didn't want to look after the youngling! we were fully aquatic minus the very rare land trip, so it was mostly a hold your breath/race against the clock excursion. we ate large prey like giant squid, sharks, whales and each other if food was scarce. the planet wasn't like ours in most ways. like we didn't have humans, or at least they were too far inland for us to see besides the occasional ghost story that happened to be similar, but it could've just been apes.

anyways, ta-da!!!

[herpsandbirds]

May I humbly request some native Florida amphibians/reptiles/whatever strikes your fancy

Florida Herps:

Yes, we can certainly handle that!

Scarlet Kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides), family Colubridae, Florida, USA

Coral snake mimic.

photograph by Luke Smith

Ornate Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin macrospilota), juvenile, family Emydidae, Hernando county, Florida, USA

photograph by Jordan Schmitt

Rainbow Snake (Farancia erytrogramma), family Colubridae, Florida, USA

Fossorial, semi-aquatic, known for feeding on eels (but feed on other small creatures).

photograph by Kevin Enge/FWC

One-toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma pholeter), family Amphiumidae, Florida, USA

* Amphiumas are large aquatic eel-like salamanders, with 4 very small limbs.

photographs by Dick Bartlett

Florida Softshell Turtle (Apalone ferox), family Trionychidae, in a freshwater spring in Fl, USA

photograph by Isaac Szabo

Florida Redbelly Turtle (Pseudemys nelsoni) enjoy a tasty spatterdock flower, family Emydidae, Everglades National Park, Florida, USA

photograph by Robert Krayer (@natural_wanders on Instagram)

Striped Newts (Notophthalmus perstriatus), family Salamandridae, Florida, USA

photograph by Tommy Hamrick

Southern Toad (Anaxyrus terrestris) in defensive position, family Bufonidae, northern FL, USA

photograph by Dick Bartlett

[strengervinay]

Scuba in Pondicherry: Immerse Yourself!

When it comes to thrilling water activities, Pondicherry stands out as a hidden gem on the eastern coast of India. Known for its pristine beaches, this charming destination offers some of the best scuba diving experiences in India.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone looking to explore the serene underwater world, scuba diving in Pondicherry is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Along with crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, Pondicherry offers a variety of water activities, including snorkelling in Pondicherry for those who prefer staying closer to the surface.

Scuba Diving in Pondicherry: An Overview

Pondicherry offers a unique diving experience compared to other locations in India. With its untouched coral reefs and diverse marine species, divers can explore the magic of the deep sea. The scuba diving sessions last for around 45-60 minutes, giving you ample time to take in the beauty of the underwater world.

The scuba diving cost is approximately ₹ 6500 per person, which typically includes all the necessary gear, expert guidance, and safety measures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable dive.

Why Pondicherry is the Best for Scuba Diving

Pondicherry is one of the few places on the eastern coast of India that offers a world-class diving experience, making it one of the best scuba diving in India. The rich marine biodiversity, vibrant coral gardens, and diverse aquatic species set it apart from other locations. The waters around Pondicherry are relatively clear, allowing divers to explore at depths of 12-30 metres with excellent visibility.

This gives divers a chance to spot fascinating marine creatures such as lionfish, sea snakes, manta rays, and even the occasional whale shark, adding to the thrill of the dive.

Water Activities in Pondicherry

Apart from scuba diving, Pondicherry is a paradise for thrill-seekers with a variety of water activities in Pondicherry to choose from. For those who prefer a more relaxed yet immersive experience, snorkelling in Pondicherry offers a chance to swim in shallow waters and observe colourful coral reefs and marine life up close.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping excitement, water rides in Pondicherry such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing are perfect for family fun and group activities. With options catering to all skill levels and ages, Pondicherry truly offers something for everyone on the water.

Scuba Diving Cost and Package Details

For a scuba diving experience in Pondicherry, the cost is typically around ₹ 6500 per person. This fee covers:

A 45-60 minute dive session.

Diving gear, including wetsuits, fins, and oxygen tanks.

A professional dive instructor for guidance.

A safety briefing and practice session in shallow water 

Underwater photography or video (offered by some packages).

It’s advisable to book your scuba diving experience in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.

Best Time for Scuba Diving in Pondicherry

The best time to visit Pondicherry for scuba diving is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant, and the sea conditions are ideal. The water temperature remains comfortable, ranging from 28°C to 30°C, providing a perfect environment for underwater exploration. Monsoon season should be avoided as the visibility underwater can decrease significantly.

Make Scuba Diving in Pondicherry a Must-Do on Your Next Adventure

If you’re planning a trip to Pondicherry, make sure to add scuba diving to your itinerary. With its rich marine life, clear waters, and well-organised diving centres like Universal Adventures, Pondicherry offers one of the best underwater experiences in India.

Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, this adventure will leave you with unforgettable memories of the vibrant and mysterious world beneath the waves. So, pack your gear, dive in, and let Pondicherry’s underwater treasures mesmerise you!