The Death Worm
by Gilles LeblancOD&D statistics
Death Worm ( Allghoi Khorkhoi )
Armour Class: 8
Hit Dice: 1 (S)
Move: 40' ( 20' )
Attacks: Spit
Damage: Special
No. Appearing: 1
Save As: Fighter 1
Intelligence: 2
Alignment: Neutral
XP Value: 100
Monster Type: Monster ( Very Rare )
AD&D 2E statistics
Death Worm
Climate/Terrain: Adri Varma Plateau, Desert Ring Frequency: Very Rare
Organisation: Solitary
Activity Cycle: Day
Diet: Micro-Organism present in soil
Intelligence: Semi ( 2 )
Treasure: None
Alignment: Neutral
No. Appearing: 1
Armour Class: 8
Movement: 4
Hit Dice: 1
THAC0: 16
No. Of Attacks: 2
Damage/Attack: 1d6 ( limb ) / 1d6 ( limb ) Special Attack: Heat Drain, Surprise Attack Special Defences: See below
Magic Resistance: Nil
Size: M ( 8' tall )
Morale: Average (8)
XP Value: 175
The Allghoi Khorkhoi, also known as the Adri Varma Death Worm. Death worm are thick red worms ranging in length to 2 to 4 feet. They look as though they were intestine, hence they are also known as intestine worms. The head of the death worm contains a venom sack that can be used to catapult venom to a distance of up to 10 feet. The inhabitants of the Adri Varma plateau fear the worm for it's potent poison. For the Ogrhiz it is taboo to even mention or talk about the worm. The Ogrhiz believe anyone who talks about the worm will be the victim of extremely bad luck, which may result in injury or death. Local folklore also lend a long range electrical attack to the worm. The truth is this is just an exaggeration of the worm's already deadly abilities.
Combat: The worm is not a predator and spend most of it's time underground at a depth of 15 feet or less. From time to time it surfaces, and if it senses something within it's spitting range, it will spit to protect from a possible attack. A sort of offensive defence. The poisonous yellow spit is shot from the worm's mouth by a venom sack in its head segment. The venom spit has the THAC0 of the worm and a range of 10'. If the venom hits the victim must save versus poison or die within 2d4 rounds. A successful saving throw still means 1d20 points of damage for the victim. This poison spit is highly acid and a little bit corrosive. The worm is also poisonous to the touch, which acts as a form of self-defence. Any unprotected living creature touching the worm automatically suffers from the worm's poison but receive a +1 bonus to his saving throw. Gloves will protect someone touching the worm has it is not corrosive to the touch.
Habitat/Society: The death worm burrows underground in the soil where it feeds in the same way of most worms. As other worms, it also comes to the surface, especially when it rains and it's small fragile tunnels are flooded. The worm is solitary and does not encounter others of his kind frequently. When it does it either ignores the other death worm or reproduce. The worm is said to be drawn to the colour yellow.
Ecology: The Adri Varma death worm is the source of many legends and fright among the inhabitants of the plateau. Has it is not numerous it does not have a big impact on the ecology. Since it sometimes kills creatures which it does not eat, it offers carrion to vultures. After a few hours the poison loose it's potency, which permits scavengers to eat the carcass safely.