Luzia was excited. Today she was going on a little expedition in the swamps of Enmir, to learn about the local flora and fauna in real life. She was chatting up a storm with the other kittoms in her group, some older, some younger than her, but all equally eager to learn something new. The group of kittoms was led by three adults who watched over them and made sure everything went safe and smooth. It wasn’t long until they reached the dense and humid swamps. Fireflies darted through the air and landed on glowing plants, while big vines wrapped themselves around twisted trees. The swamp waters were green and overgrown and the group reached a clearing where the sun managed to break through the dense trees and the grass wasn’t too tall for the little kittoms.
“Settle down now, please, and watch out!” The teacher made their way in front of the class while the other two adults disappeared between the trees. Luzia was intrigued and wanted to wander off but she got scolded and returned to the group, finally deciding to listen to what the teacher had to tell them.
“Today, you will be learning about one of the inhabitants of this region, called the Mossback Serpent. It is a fascinating animal that is well-suited to its swampy and mossy jungle home. Its body is covered in a thick layer of moss and lichen, which helps it blend in with its surroundings. The moss can be found in different shades of green, brown, and even some bright colors, making the Mossback Serpent almost invisible among the plants and it also provides insulation against the damp and humid climate of the swamp. Its skin is smooth and moist, with a slight iridescence that adds to its ethereal appearance. With its slim and curving body, the Mossback Serpent can effortlessly glide through the tangled plants of the swamp and mossy jungle, resembling a winding vine. The Mossback’s underbelly is protected by slightly tougher, scaled skin, offering some defense against potential predators and the rough terrain it navigates. The scales have a subtle iridescence, providing a contrast to the velvety moss-covered exterior. Only its large, expressive eyes that glow softly in the dark, can sometimes be seen at all between the foliage as the snake otherwise blends in perfectly with the plant life of Enmir.
Being mostly herbivorous, the Mossback Serpent relies on a specialized diet of mosses, ferns, and small aquatic plants. Its long tongue is equipped with bristle-like structures, allowing it to easily scrape off moss and vegetation. In addition to plants, the Serpent has developed a special symbiotic relationship with certain bioluminescent fungi. These fungi grow on its skin and emit a gentle glow, attracting insects that become an extra source of food for the creature.The Mossback Serpent's role in its ecosystem is essential, as it contributes to the dispersal of beneficial fungi, aids in pollination, and helps control insect populations in the dense jungle and swamp areas.”
And just as the teacher paused for a moment, one of the adults came back, dragging a specimen of the Mossback onto the clearing.
“And there we have it, as expected. Please carefully step closer to take a look at our live example of this creature!”
