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False Olm — Description
Though underground, the Underworld is similar to the surface world, with varying ecosystems and climates. The massive caverns and expansive tunnels are home to a variety of flora and fauna, all of which are adapted to the ecosystem and world around it. Many have adaptations to make up for the little to no light that exists in the caverns. Though a surface dweller would call them "alien" or "disturbing," the wildlife down in the Underworld are tied to the same food web that exists up above. Herbivores, carnivores, insectivores etc. live in the darkness, all relying on each other for food and population control. Animals that may seem monstrous to others may simply be herbivores that feed only on mushrooms and lichens. But that does not mean that there are no horrifying beasts down there, creatures that spread as much fear as a shark or bear would. There only a handful of species that terrify those who live down below, things that can scare demons and shadow stalkers out from the wild tunnels. And none are more famous than the False Olm.

A first time seer of a False Olm would be confused on why such an animal can send fear into the hearts of demons. With a slender pale body, webbed hands and no claws or teeth in sight, the False Olm looks just like an enlarged salamander. Further hitting home the point is the pathetic sounds it makes as it moves through the tunnels. Whimpers and mournful barks escape from its lips, as it limps around with hands outstretched, trying to orient itself in the pitch black. Its movements are like that of a wounded animal, slowly shuddering forward with each step. With all this, those ignorant of False Olms would see the animal before them as pathetic and harmless, having a hard enough time navigating the world. But these are the type of people that would never be seen again, as the False Olm is not only a vicious predator, but an apex predator of the Underworld caverns.

The display they put on is why they are called False Olms, because all the whimpers and limping is just an act. The stumbling around is nothing more than a lie. False Olms are blind, but they are far from senseless. Receptors on their upper lips and tail help detect scents and pheromones, getting traces of a trail that potential prey leaves behind. Their webbed hands are covered in receptors and delicate hairs, which allow them to detect changes in temperature, air pressure, sound waves and even air movement. They walk about with their hands stretched wide, slowly moving them around to detect faint changes. These arm movements are as if they have eyes on their hands, constantly moving and shifting them in order to get a read on their environment. With this impressive array of sensors, the False Olm will stalk through the tunnels, using its wounded act to lure in scavengers or potential predators, all while searching for signs of life. When prey enters the range of a False Olm, they will find it impossible to hide from it. The quietest of sounds can be detected, and they can even catch the slight breeze of an entity breathing. The range they can sense prey is quite wide, and as they say "If you can see it or hear it, it already knows you are there." Once a False Olm pinpoints its prey, it drops its act and the feral side of it is unleashed.

The second prey is detected, the False Olm will point its hands toward its location and fire off two tendrils from its palms. These tentacles are tipped in barbs and hooked spikes, launching at extreme speeds that basic eyes have a hard time seeing. These tendrils act like harpoons, spearing into prey and holding tight. When a tendril makes contact with prey, the False Olm strikes. Using surprising speed and agility, it will leap upon the hooked prey and latch on tight. If the other tendril missed, it will be retracted and refired into the flesh. Wrapping its limbs and tail around the caught victim, it will then peel back its lips and reveal several rows of razor teeth. These teeth will be used to shred through prey, using its sensitive hands to detect major organs and arteries, and then tearing into them with brutal force. Since the Olm lacks armor or defenses against struggling prey, it will do its best to take down prey as soon as possible, or at least sap the fight out of them. Its limbs will try to pin down flailing arms, while the maw rips chunks out of victims and releases as much blood as it can. Once the victim passes on, or is weakened by blood loss, the Olm will let out a territorial shriek and dig into its meal.

If one is lucky enough to dodge the harpoons of a False Olm, it is advised that they flee the area, and quickly. The False Olm will take a few moments to reel in the tendrils, and then it will give chase, hands outstretched as it follows the sounds of the fleeing prey. Once in pursuit, it will take a lot to shake a False Olm off your trail, as its sensors and receptors can easily pick up the many trails you leave behind. A way to shake them off is to either cross paths with another prey animal, or find a way to disorient, with either extremely loud sounds or rapid changes in environment. It is not recommended to flee into water, as False Olms have gills to survive in those conditions. And in water, their senses and agility is multiplied tenfold, and prey that is caught in water has zero chance of escape.

Though there are many creatures down below bigger and bulkier than the Olm, none can combat its agility and ferocity. The sensors used to detect prey can also detect incoming attacks and blows, allowing it to gracefully dodge any attack. Swings and swipes are easily dodged, giving it room to leap in and tear into prey. The dodging skill of a False Olm is so great, that those who can strike it in hand-to-hand combat are considered legends in their field. Even incoming projectiles can be seen and dodged, making a False Olm nearly impossible to fight.

False Olms are so well known in the Underworld, that they have made it into the culture that lives down there. The word "Olm" is slang for deceit or falseness, often used for those who feign distress or injury for their own benefit. Olms are often used as "boogie men" for the young ones, creatures that snag bad little boys and girls who wander alone. Thrill seekers and those who wish to test their skills often aggravate Olms in order to see if they can escape or successfully combat it. The tendrils of an Olm are seen as an extremely rare delicacy, and are said to help cure eye sight problems. The False Olm is also the symbol for the criminal group known as the Abyssal Olms, fiends who use dark magic and treachery to achieve their own ends.

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Do think I am fond of this creature? Maybe a little. (GOOD LORD I HAVE PUT WAY TOO MUCH THOUGHT INTO THIS THING)