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#raz in the bg: hEART EYES
secrecykept-lore · 4 years
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CREATURES: Shyddise
Available at the Supernatural Menagerie
In basic terms, Shyddise are winged serpents, and they have become quite rare. They are definitely not known by most, especially not humans, but some Supernaturals might have seen or heard of them before.
Variations in appearances, or subspecies, can occur in different locations/habitats but they all share common traits.
Wings: They can have dragon-like wings or feathered wings (ref img here is pretty perf!!) which allow them to be capable of flight. Both types of wings will have bright colours and patterns on the underside, which are revealed when the wings are spread and flared out. These patterns and colours are to attract mates but their primary purpose is to scare off other predators and to intimidate. The dragon-like wings commonly have luminescent patterns/colours. Patterns typically have eye-like shapes. Their wings can be folded up and tucked close to their bodies and will usually be that way most of the time, so sometimes it’s not that obvious they even have wings, and it will be a surprise to see them.
Crest: Regardless of wing type, Shyddise have a crest of feathers on their heads. They are recumbent, they lie flat down the creature’s neck and can be elevated at will (ref img!).  Crests are used to communicate with fellow members of their species, or as a form of defense to frighten away other species that approach too closely, making the Shyddise appear larger when the crest is suddenly and unexpectedly raised. Additionally, the crests act as a ‘radar’ of sorts, helping them pick up on sounds and vibrations. When curious, a Shyddise will raise their crest. Crest colours are usually the same as the body colour, or are the same as the under-wing’s main colour, but the crests can change colour regardless.
Spines/Spikes: Retractable spines or spikes run down the entire length of the Shyddise’s backs (ref img :’) ). They are extremely sharp and can be luminescent. Additionally, the tip of their tail can become a sharp point too.
Camouflage: Shyddise can change their colours to blend into their surroundings. When not actively using this ability, their scales and feathers usually have a dappled appearance of shade variations.
Venom and fangs: Shyddise are extremely venomous and even a small bite or scratch from one of their razor sharp fangs can be lethal. The venom works a little differently on animals than it does ‘humans’ or humanoids. Upon being bitten, a person will feel cold, like ice is spreading through their veins. The violent shaking will start after 5 or so minutes, skin will go paler, lips blue/purple.The body will attempt to heat itself, heart going overtime, aided by the terrifying visions that will start in the 7th or so minute after being bitten. Towards the 9th minute, death occurs. In animals, the venom causes the same chill but it paralyses the victim, trapping them in terror. In both cases, the heart stops. The venom fades after death, leaving no trace.
Ectothermic: Shyddise are Ectotherms, which means their internal physiological sources of heat are of relatively small or have quite negligible importance in controlling body temperature. Colloquially, this is referred to as being “cold blooded.” They rely on external sources to regulate their body temperatures. They are attracted to heat and will “sunbathe”, especially in the early mornings. Due to most of them being warmed by the sunlight as a preferred method, they can be very sluggish at night, especially in colder times.
Eyes: They can vary in colour but are usually red if they Shyddise has draconic wings, and green if they have feathers. They are “snake” eyes with the typical vertical pupil. The eyes will turn completely black when the Shyddise is preparing for an extreme attack. If you are bitten while their eyes are in this state, you will die within 2 minutes as opposed to the nearly 10 of a standard bite. Shyddise are capable of seeing in the dark and using “heat vision” to search out prey and warm spots.
Hoarding: A draconic trait shared by all Shyddise. The habit/instinct develops within the first year of life, and what they choose to hoard can be influenced by their upbringing or area. Some have been known to hoard the typical “shiny treasures” while others will hoard bones or smooth rocks or anything else that catches its interest. Some domesticated Shyddise have been reported to hoard plushies, empty boxes, or socks. A Shyddise usually will have one hoard but a few have been known to have multiple collections. A Shyddise will guard their hoard jealously and will lash out if anyone gets close. However, if a Shyddise bonds with you, it will gift an item from its hoard to you (and you better look after it, the Shyddise will check up).
Intelligence: Shyddise are very intelligent. They can’t speak, but they understand a lot and can be trained, especially if they’re “domesticated.” They can also have some interesting personalities. They are capable of great loyalty.
Size: They begin life quite small but grow to impressive sizes fairly quickly. A fully grown Shyddise (8 years) will typically be as large and long as python or could get to anaconda size. (Python are large and long, anaconda are large and heavy, not so long).
Diet: Like snakes, they swallow all their food whole. In the earlier stages of life, they usually eat insects, mice, birds, eggs, fish, frogs, lizards and small mammals. As they get larger, they are capable of eating larger mammals, even deer and pigs! A Shyddise will bite their prey and inject in venom, this can happen before or after wrapping itself around victim and constricting to crush them.
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