Lore: Rootworm theory
Lariana
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Everything we know about rootworms comes from The Argonian Account, Book 3. We know that they are giant bugs that can grow at least up to 8-feet long, with translucent gooey flesh (which is easy to break), have a very slow digestive system, and can rapidly move between the swamps of Black Marsh.
To me, these things seem to suggest that rootworms are actually the larval forms of some creatures, especially since some real-world species have been shown to have low activity of digestive enzymes in their larval stages. So it got me thinking, assuming that rootworms are indeed larvae, what Tamrielic creatures might they develop into?
Trying to narrow it down, I figured that these creatures would only be found in Black Marsh, be extremely large upon complete morphogenesis, and hence very rare. So looking at the many life forms found in Black Marsh, my best guess would be on swamp leviathans.
From The Argonian Account, Book 4:
Any thoughts?
To me, these things seem to suggest that rootworms are actually the larval forms of some creatures, especially since some real-world species have been shown to have low activity of digestive enzymes in their larval stages. So it got me thinking, assuming that rootworms are indeed larvae, what Tamrielic creatures might they develop into?
Trying to narrow it down, I figured that these creatures would only be found in Black Marsh, be extremely large upon complete morphogenesis, and hence very rare. So looking at the many life forms found in Black Marsh, my best guess would be on swamp leviathans.
From The Argonian Account, Book 4:
Half submerged in the water ahead was a mountain of spines, lying on nine-foot-long claws. White eyes stared blindly forward, and then suddenly the whole creature spasmed and lurched, the jaw of its mouth jutting out, exposing tusks clotted with gore.
"Swamp Leviathan," Shehs whistled, impressed. "Very, very dangerous."
Scotti gasped, wondering why the Agaceph was so calm, and more, why he was continuing to steer the raft forward towards the beast..
"Of all the creatures in the world, the rats are sometimes the worst," said Shehs, and Scotti noticed that the huge creature was only a husk. Its movement was from the hundreds of rats that had burrowed into it, rapidly eating their way from the inside out, bursting from the skin in spots.
"Swamp Leviathan," Shehs whistled, impressed. "Very, very dangerous."
Scotti gasped, wondering why the Agaceph was so calm, and more, why he was continuing to steer the raft forward towards the beast..
"Of all the creatures in the world, the rats are sometimes the worst," said Shehs, and Scotti noticed that the huge creature was only a husk. Its movement was from the hundreds of rats that had burrowed into it, rapidly eating their way from the inside out, bursting from the skin in spots.
Any thoughts?
Not even daedra have two left feet!
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runagate✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭People might also enjoy the book about the amber plasm (since it figures in the next DLC) right by the wayshrine in the argonian city in Coldharbour. Of course, almost everyone will have already made it disappear by collecting it and since there's no way to search Eidetic Memory you can always look on that site.1 -
ArchMikem✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭Riding a giant worm by climbing into its freakin stomach is just too fargone for me to accept as canon. Not to mention an eight foot long worm isnt that much larger than how big an Argonian gets, so the idea is even more preposterous.
...seems i just dabbled in some Necromancy.Edited by ArchMikem on August 11, 2018 10:57AMCP2,000 Master Explorer - AvA One Star General - Console Peasant - Khajiiti Aficionado - The Clan
Quest Objective: OMG Go Talk To That Kitty!1
