Ramus flexibilis
(Limber bough)
Common names: woody tail, branch worm, rock rider, squirmy wood
Basic info
Size: 50-60 cm
Mass: approx. 2 kg
Lifespan: 50-65 years
Ramus flexibilis in rare solitary view
The solution came in the form of another magion, the shy Polypus silex, a rock-like polyorganidae with six legs. Polypus silex were happy to have a companion to help them pick up things (mainly food), as they have no arms, and being of rock mass could easily carry the curious Ramus flexibilis. They two magions are so commonly seen together that some mistake the Ramus flexibilis for a tail, but they don’t seem to mind (“tails are cool!”)
Habitat: The Ramus flexibilis naturally habit in the depth of woods and forests, but have always inspire to travel to new places. When they have a Polypus silex companion, they are most commonly found in forested mountains, preferably near high cliffs where the view is far and wide.
Description: Ramus flexibilis resemble a long branch, almost always moving and turning. Although quite thick and having the look of a mature branch, Ramus flexibilis are very limber and surprisingly quick. They usually have a single leaf at the top of their form, which provides for photosynthesis. They have rather short and thick roots that are nimble enough to attach them to nearly any surface.
Ramus flexibilis are naturally curious creatures and spent most of their time twisting around and sensing their environment. They do not see in our sense, being eyeless, but they do sense the world and creatures around them very deeply and are very keen on new experiences.
Sadly, their roots are not strong enough to carry their weight, especially when they constantly twist around. Many Ramus flexibilis attempted to emulate the movement of snakes or worms in order to move around, but this was very unsatisfactory both in speed and in the amount of insects and other creatures who tried to eat them.
A Ramus flexibilis attempting travel by emulating the movement of a worm
Diet: Like many silvidae, Ramus flexibilis use the same methods as plants for nourishment, via roots and photosynthesis. They absorb nutrients through their short roots, from the earth or on the back of their Polypus silex companion, often the area around their roots will develop some mossy growth that provides for them. Photosynthesis is also crucial for the Ramus flexibilis, it may seem surprising that a single leaf would be enough to sustain a creature this size, but the more surprising part is that this leaf does not change with the seasons or even years, but remains the same throughout their lives.
Watch an introduction video about the Polypus silex and the Ramus flexibilis
Habits & Culture
Ramus flexibilis are known for their chipper disposition and optimistic perspective on life. Its not entirely clear how they share these considering that they cannot speak and are, well, a branch, but they seem to have a positive aura that affects their surroundings and their energetic movement always gives a lively and cheerful air.
Despite their natural friendliness, Ramus flexibilies don’t usually form communities. They like each other very much, but are constantly in search for new friends and experiences, and the immobility of their kind means that they look for companions in other species. Their preferred companions are the Polypus silex, these naturally shy polyorganidae have remarkable mobility and their lack of arms makes the Ramus flexibilis feel extra useful. The two species became practically inseparable, with sapling Ramus flexibilis finding young Polypus silex and often spending the rest of their life with them.
Ramus flexibilis are a single long branch, but towards the end of their life, they begin to develop a new little bough. This will grow to become a sapling, which will remain attached to the old Ramus flexibilis until it parishes. Only then the roots of the young one will detach, thus proclaiming the sapling an adult. The development of a sapling is a mark that the Ramus flexibilis is nearing its end.
The sharp feet of the Polypus silex allow it to climb steep walls with the Ramus flexibilis enjoying the view. Such high locations are also perfect for catching small birds for the Polypus silex to eat.
Usually, its Polypus silex companion will also feel that its end is near, and the two will travel in search for a Polypus silex cocoon nearing its emergence stage. They will then settle next to the stony cocoon and await the emergence of a young Polypus silex. The emerging young will become the companion of the Ramus flexibilis sapling, and the two pairs, old and young, will remain together until the older pair parishes. Only then will the young Ramus flexibilis leave its parent and move to the body of the young Polypus silex, and together will head out in search of new adventures.
An emerging Polypus silex is greeted by an old pair of Polypus silex and Ramus flexibilis, as well as a Ramus flexibilis sapling that will become their life long companion.
