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Serpentbloom — Description

It is at the coast where the fleshy land meets the fluid sea, creating locations that are both beautiful and ever-changing. The tides come and go, the fluids advancing upon the ivory shores or retreating to the soggy depths. Weather may make these places calm and perfect for a beach day, or incredibly violent as ocean storms make landfall. The coast is what the "seafolk" call home, but they are not the only ones. Life from both land and sea meet here, with some choosing a lifestyle that takes advantage of both environments. Skittering things that rush in after the tide leaves to feed on what gets stranded, small critters that thrive in the tiny world of a tidepool. There is a vast array of life here, which attracts eager visitors, but it also attracts predators. After all, with this many species hanging around, it means a good chance for dinner for certain species.
While there are certainly a number of predators that stalk the shorelines, one of the most well known doesn't really stalk. Frankly, it can't really move that much to begin with. And with such vivid colors, it doesn't hide either. That is why the Serpentbloom is often compared to a flower, as do all sea anemones. Its body is rooted in one place, while its form unfurls like a gorgeous bloom, replacing petals with fleshy tendrils. The Serpentbloom shows off a dazzling array of yellows and greens, all made mesmerizing by its undulating movements. Different types of tentacles and tendrils radiate from its central mouth, while simple eyes ring the gaping orifice. While there is certainly beauty to be found here, it should be appreciated from a good distance away. Those colors are not just for show, and it is more animal than plant, which means this thing has a hunger...
Serpentblooms grow in shallow reefs, amongst tide pools and even on coastal cliffs. Wherever there is reliable moisture and food. Though many specimens are found submersed in the sea, they can survive in the open air as long as they stay damp. The tidepools retain the moisture they need, while those on coastal walls are supplied by the crashing waves. Since the places they grow can be varied, that also applies to their size. Serpentblooms in the tidepools can be as big as a dinner plate, while those in the sea get bigger. Those that cling to the coast walls, however, can even rival those in the depths in size. Because food also dictates how much they grow, and those that can feed on both the land and sea have a good advantage. There are those elder specimens that have been said to grow big enough to swallow a hut in their bloom, while the Aquanauts suggest that this may not be their max size. Who knows what monstrosities develop in the deep, far from human eyes?
They are carnivorous, feeding upon any flesh they can get their tendrils on. However, their rooted position seems impractical for a predator, as how does one reach prey? If they cannot move, than food simply has to walk away from them to escape. But as any who have gotten too close to one can tell you, they are far from helpless. Merely touching one will teach a painful lesson, as their tentacles are coated in stinging cells that inject burning Yellow Bile. Though a normal dose is far from lethal, the sheer pain can be immobilizing or disorienting. Those who get far more into their system, like unfortunate souls that fall into an open bloom, may actually die from the sheer agonizing shock, their heart organa simply giving out. But if it is touch that causes this agony, one just needs to keep their fingers away, but it still isn't that easy. Serpentbloom tentacles are flexible and stretchy, able to reach farther than one may expect. They easily prey on those who think they are safely out of reach. And even if they are, they got another weapon.
For those who stand mockingly out of range, the Serpentbloom calls upon its ties to Phlegm to coax them closer. The pulsing colors of the creature are enticing, emitting a calming, soothing lightshow that can easily make one drop their guard. Those entranced may not even realize that they are walking closer, til the terrible tendrils seize them and inject fire into their veins. Certain tentacles can even fire Yellow Bile or Phlegm from their tips, spraying victims with burning liquid or tranquilizers. In the ocean, this results in clouds forming around them, weakening nearby fish so that they can be easily nabbed. Because their tentacles aren't the only thing they can grab with. Within its mouth is an extending "tongue" that can strike with the reach and speed of a serpent. Incredibly long, flexible and quick, it lashes out at food with a false maw. Its "gums" are lined with stubby tendrils, each packed with stinging Yellow Bile. So though it may lack teeth, this snake head still has quite the "bite." Its reach is astounding, easily going twice its body length to grab prey and reel them into its burning embrace. This is how they eat well despite their rooted nature, its snakey tongue grabbing everything in sight. Those who hang on the cliffs will use these appendages to nab fish from the sea or even pluck birds straight out of the air.
Serpentblooms act as a painful reminder to not be distracted by pretty things in and around the ocean. First time visitors to these coastal regions typically fall for their beauty and receive nasty stings for their blunder. Many that are encountered are the tidepool variety, and thus are not big enough to truly endanger man. They just inject pain into any who try to touch them or get too enamored with their colors. These types are often collected and kept in aquariums for their looks, while seafolk may harvest them to get their double store of Humors. However, there are bigger specimens that hang upon the walls and coastal caves, and these are the ones to not be trifled with. At such incredible sizes, they can easily grab human-sized prey and yank them off their feet. Once you get pulled into the flower, the tendrils snap shut and trap you in its burning embrace. Then the central maw will swallow you whole, leaving nothing behind. And with their Phlegm-powered lightshow, you may not get the chance to evade its attack, too entranced to notice the danger. Seafolk warn others of recklessly exploring such coastal caves, as you never know where a Serpentbloom is growing. Some legends suggest that there may even be huge anemones that hang around tight fluid ways and straits, with necks so long they pluck men from ships as they try to navigate the treacherous fluids.
It is believed that not everyone who vanishes by the shore has been taken by the sea, for there are always terrible beasts that lurk in and around the fluid to claim them for themselves.
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Some of the lovely sights to see when walking the coasts! But that's for you to enjoy, cuz I ain't waiting around to get ate- oooh shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii