World of Terrania - On Slam-manders

Mud-lubbing Slam-mander (Natikus kellotus)

    While still an aquatic species in origin, Slam-manders have long since left the seas, adapting hardier skin to weather the (comparatively) harsh terrestrial climate. While some may assume their body plan is still best-suited for aquatic life, their tails are actually very well-suited to helping them traverse efficiently on land, and have become flat and muscular in order to aid in propulsion. Their skin is leathery, moist, and covered in ridges and folds of usually darker colors, and their head is adorned by several gill-like protrusions that are more commonly used for expression.

    Some, however, still struggle to properly get about, often due to an abnormality in the skin that reduces their ability to withstand the friction caused by their sandy home. This disability, often referred to as Volliver’s Disease, is named after the first known Slam-mander to contract it, and is largely seen as a holdover from their more aquatic history. For affected folks, specialized water-bowls are created to help them hop about on land as well as providing moisture to their more delicate skin. Flotation devices may also be provided when necessary, to aid in physically-demanding aquatic tasks.

    While seen as the closest living relatives to Masklin, they’re also somewhat related to Amphiblots, both simply adapted for land separately at different points.