Zaryn
Habitat
Cloud forest of Tanzania’s Eastern Arc Mountains (the two species specifically live the Usambara and Udzungwa ranges). Cool, humid and mist-shrouded at elevation. Dense canopy, heavy undergrowth, mossy branches and abundant vines.
Appearance
Usambara Bush Viper (A. ceratophora / A. matildae). True to species size. Has features of both of the A. ceratophora and A. matildae horned / eyebrow vipers.
Black base colouration with warm amber and gold scale markings throughout. Almost tiger-like stripes (just golden) until just before the neck where the markings become more dotted; the scales turn a full black with only the tips being golden.
Strongly keeled scales give a rough, almost spiky texture and produce a soft rasping sound when moving. A set of horn-like superciliary (“eyebrow”) scales above each eye, two larger ones per side. Yellow / amber eyes with a vertical slit pupil. Black forked tongue. Horns are black at the base and gradually transition into the golden colour.
Prehensile tail and, essentially, entire body. Used for anchoring in branches and holding on to things and people.
Characteristics / general infos
Arboreal. Spends almost all time in branches and low vegetation, rarely on the ground. Prefers to hang and coil rather than slither along flat surfaces.
The keeled scales rattle and rasp softly as she moves and slithers around. Tail often flicks a bit as she coils around someone (a sign of pleasure / enjoyment).
Branches preferred over open ground. Dislikes being fully exposed. Mostly nocturnal.
Tends to wrap around things and people she likes. Seeks out warmth actively. ectothermic (cold-blooded), so heat from another body is genuinely sought after, not merely just affectionate (but the warmth of someone she likes is much preferred over other heat sources). Horns are very sensitive.
Speaks with a pronounced sibilance (especially in text): “She often sssspeaks just like thissss~”
Quieter and more instinct-driven than other forms. More animal-coded. Female but also very much creature. Enjoys biting others and hunting, especially with her venom.
Preferences
Hanging off things: branches, people (especially those she likes), anywhere she can coil. Warmth. Wrapping around someone she trusts. Slithering around. Hunting. Biting.
Being fully exposed with nowhere to anchor. Cold. Touching horns without permission.