The Nakahi is a species of Serpentes found in Iokeihiko. They are one of the last ‘monster species’ still living in the world. The Nakahi is revered in Echtoan mythology and culture as a representation of the god Lothes Kol. It is now protected in both Iokeihiko and Marcwith under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Description and Temperament
Wild Nakahi varies tremendously in color and pattern throughout its range. The ventral scales or the underside coloration of this species can be grey, yellow, tan, brown, reddish or black. Dorsal scales of the Nakahi may have a hood mark or color patterns. Salt-and-pepper speckles, especially in adult specimens, are seen on the dorsal scales. When the hood mark is present, are two circular ocelli patterns connected by a curved line, evoking the image of spectacles. Ontogenetic color change is frequently observed in specimens in the northwestern parts of their geographic range. Patterns on the throat and ventral scales are also variable in this species. The majority of specimens exhibit a light throat area followed by dark banding.
The wild Nakahi is a massively sized, heavy bodied species. This species can easily be identified by its relatively large and quite impressive hood as well as small ‘horns’ protruding from the back of the skull. This species has a head which is elliptical, depressed, and very slightly distinct from the neck. The snout is short and rounded with large nostrils. The eyes are medium in size and the pupils are round. The majority of adult captive specimens range from 2 to 5 ft in length due to selective breeding. Wild specimens may grow to lengths of 38 to 52 ft, but due to their massive size, these snakes have remained only on the island of Iokeihiko. Some believe that Nakahi grow to the size of their enclosure, although this has not been proven.
Behavior norms in wild Nakahi are not well documented. These giant serpents are often seen swimming shallow waters and sunning themselves in trees. They compete with other reptiles for territory but have evolved to have a diet consisting mostly of mice and insects, despite their large size. They have not been known to attack Ka’a’Crede, however, they will defend themselves when threatened. The animals are generally solitary in nature with the exception of territory disputes, which may erupt in a bloody fight involving both fangs and horns. In captivity they are considered good pets, with their relatively placid nature making them easy to handle. Once socialized, they are known to be affectionate and sensitive to emotional changes. They display ‘cuddle’ behavior; so called because constriction of the body around prey is not a habit these animals display in the wild.
Distribution and Habitat
The Nakahi inhabits a wide range of habitats throughout its geographical range. It can be found in dense or open forests, plains, agricultural lands, rocky terrain, wetlands, and it can even be found in urban areas, such as villages and city outskirts, ranging from sea level to 2,000 meters (6,600 ft) in altitude. This species is absent from true desert regions. The Nakahi is often found in the vicinity of water. Preferred hiding locations are holes in embankments, tree hollows, rock piles and small mammal dens.
In early expeditions to and from Iokeihiko, small specimens of Nakahi were taken and introduced to Marcwith and Asiri Asa. These ‘baby Nakahi’ thrived in the varied climates of Marcwith and became something of a regular sight, eventually becoming a popular pet.
In Culture
The Nakahi is greatly respected and even has its own place in Ectoan mythology as a powerful deity. The Echtoa god Lothes Kol is often depicted with a Nakahi or as a massive Nakahi. Lesser deities are usually portrayed as reclining on the coiled body of Nakahi with multiple heads or on a geometric pattern of Nakahi.
The Nakahi is particularly revered by the Deerless, who consider it symbolic of the earth. Many still treat Nakahi with great care whenever they come across one; they either let them roam or pick them up gently and return them to a forest or field away from houses. In uembian culture, there is a taboo towards Nakahi as people consider them a savior and cannot hurt or eat them. According to folklore, a Nakahi once helped a group of uembians flee from slavery by growing to a massive size and defeating their abductors.
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