Zhen worm
Zhen worms (pronounced ZHEN-wurms)1 are insects that dwell in warm and wet environments, but frequently migrate to locations with geothermic hot springs and mud pots such as Darkmoon Vale in Andoran, Gorum Pots of Numeria, and Teratze in the Mwangi Expanse. Most are just over an inch in diameter, but given perfect conditions, can grow up to 10 feet in length. No matter the size, zhen worms carry a series of orange bands along their lengths, which allow them to detect tremors and vibrations, used to sense the approach of prey. This ability is muffled by cold or rock-filled earth. The appetite of the worms include rodents, lizards, and slow birds. They don't have mouths, but absorb nutrients through the tiny holes along their sides, breaking down organic matter via a mildly acidic slime that they constantly secrete from their bodies.2
The slime from the zhen worm's body—called zhen distillate—can be used to preserve meat long-term although this meat will have to be well-washed before being prepared to eat.2
References
For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.
- ↑ . “Appendices” in Campaign Setting, 247. Paizo Inc., 2008
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 . “Chapter 5: The World” in Campaign Setting, 215. Paizo Inc., 2008