Worm that walks

Worm that walks
(Creature)
Common Aberration Swarm Level Varies Alignment Varies Images of worms that walk Source: Bestiary 2, pg(s). 296 Type Vermin (augmented) CR +2 Environment Any Alignment LG NG CG LN N CN LE NE CE Images of worms that walk Source: Bestiary 2, pg(s). 286–287

A worm that walks is a writhing mass of worms or other vermin that forms the shape of a spellcasting creature.

Appearance

A worm that walks is a mass of worms formed into the shape of whatever dead spellcaster the worms originally fed upon. Although worm-based variants are the most common, others can be composed of other forms of vermin, such as locusts, wasps, ants, cockroaches, leeches, and spiders.

Habitat and society

A worm that walks forms sometimes when an evil spellcasting creature is buried in earth infused by magic. The worms that feed on the corpse consume the spellcaster's soul, and gain a hive mind that retains the memories and magical abilities the corpse had in life.

Abilities

A worm that walks shares many of the traits of insect swarms, having no vulnerable organs and no discernible "front" and "back". Its unique composition makes it very resistant to weapon damage. It normally forms in the shape of the corpse, but if necessary it can split itself up into a mass of worms (for instance in order to swarm onto an opponent).

However, it is not a mindless collection of vermin, and can call upon the spellcasting power the original corpse possessed in life.

On Golarion

The nature of a worm that walks means it can form spontaneously wherever the appropriate conditions are found. However, several of these creature are known to serve the neothelids of Denebrum, and lead seugathi forces in the Ilvarandin district of Aumentral against the neothelid's xoarian foes.

Notable individuals

• The Lurker of the Woods in the Shudderwood, located just south of Ustalav
• Malkay Enrili in the sunken city of Xin
• The Plagued One in the Worldwound (locust variant)
• Rhenmari Thot deep underneath Osirion in the depths of Sekamina
• Urca Namat in the ruined monastery of Renchurch in Ustalav
• The Wriggling Man, the personal advisor of nymph queen Nyrissa in the First World

On distant worlds

These abominations can also be found on the dead planet Eox and distant Aucturn.

References

For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.