Alias: None
Origin: Geba (planet-wide, subsurface caverns)
The Darkroot is a massive, subterranean creature native to Geba’s planet-wide subsurface caverns, known for its digging behavior that collapses galleries and reshapes underground ecosystems. Its robust, limbless body burrows through collapsed exo-core layers and mantle outgassing zones, creating tunnels that house entire ecosystems. Non-aggressive but highly destructive due to its size, it was historically feared by early Geban explorers for destabilizing cavern structures. Its presence indicates active geological zones, making it a critical marker for subsurface surveys, though it poses significant hazards to expeditions.
Darkroots inhabit Geba’s subsurface caverns, thriving in collapsed exo-core layers and mantle outgassing zones miles below the surface. They prefer loose, mineral-rich substrates where their digging clears paths for other organisms. They avoid surface biomes, as their physiology is adapted to high-pressure, low-light environments.
Found at extreme depths, estimated at 2–5 km below sea level, Darkroots dominate Geba’s subsurface cavern systems. They are never observed on the surface or in shallow caves, as their massive size and digging behavior require deep, stable geological structures.
Geba’s subsurface caverns maintain a stable, cool climate, averaging 5–15°C, with high pressure and minimal light. The Darkroot’s physiology is suited to these conditions, relying on chemical and thermal cues rather than light, unlike surface-dwelling fauna like the Boughstrider.
Unaffected by surface weather, Darkroots navigate stable, high-pressure cavern environments. Seismic activity, common in Geba’s caverns due to tectonic convulsions, can trigger increased digging, collapsing galleries. Stellar disruptions (Izhara’s plasma storms) have no direct impact but may alter surface access to caverns.
Darkroots live 50–80 Geban years, with slow growth in the first 10 years and peak digging activity thereafter. They reach maturity at 15 Geban years, reproducing infrequently due to their solitary nature.
Mature Darkroots stand 2.3–2.6 meters at their thickest point, with limbless, cylindrical bodies extending 5–7 meters in length. Juveniles (under 10 Geban years) range from 1–1.5 meters in height and 2–3 meters in length.
Estimated at 4.5–5.2 tonnes, based on their dense, robust structure suited for burrowing through Geba’s mineral-rich caverns, comparable to the Boretheris Titan (5.8–6.3 tonnes).
The Darkroot’s gallery-collapsing behavior made it a significant hazard during the Era of Absolute Expansion (~3,000 YBM), slowing subsurface exploration. Its role in creating cavern ecosystems supports species like the Neron, though its destructive digging complicates expeditions. Partial retrievals due to damaged remains limit anatomical understanding, as seen with the Boughstrider. Expedition teams should use seismic sensors to detect Darkroot activity and avoid unstable tunnels. Its exclusive subsurface range restricts its impact to Geba’s cavern biomes.