Purple Worm

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Purple Worm Introduction

In the shadowy depths of the earth, where sunlight dares not venture and the air is thick with the scent of damp stone and ancient secrets, there lies a creature of immense power and primal terror—the Purple Worm. This colossal beast, a true titan of the subterranean world, is a force of nature that commands both awe and fear in equal measure.

The Purple Worm is a monstrous serpent of unimaginable size, its body stretching over eighty feet in length and as wide as a small house. Its skin is a deep, bruised purple, glistening with a slick, mucous sheen that reflects the dim light of the underworld. Rows of jagged, chitinous plates run along its spine, each one sharp enough to cleave through rock and bone alike. At its head, a gaping maw lined with razor-sharp teeth opens wide, capable of swallowing a grown man whole with a single, terrifying gulp.

These behemoths are relentless burrowers, carving through the earth with a single-minded determination that leaves vast tunnels in their wake. They are drawn to vibrations, the slightest tremor in the ground alerting them to potential prey. When a Purple Worm surfaces, it does so with explosive force, erupting from the ground in a shower of stone and soil, its roar echoing through the caverns like a thunderclap.

The lairs of Purple Worms are found deep beneath the surface, in the labyrinthine networks of tunnels and caverns that stretch for miles. These subterranean realms are places of perpetual darkness, where the air is thick with the scent of earth and the distant drip of water. It is said that the bones of countless adventurers lie scattered in these depths, a grim testament to the worm's insatiable hunger.

Legends speak of the Purple Worm as a creature of ancient origin, a remnant of a time when the world was young and untamed. Some say that these beasts are the guardians of hidden treasures, their lairs filled with the spoils of those who dared to venture too close. Others whisper of a darker purpose, that the worms are harbingers of doom, their presence a sign of impending disaster.

As you stand on the precipice of the unknown, the ground beneath your feet begins to tremble. A low rumble grows into a deafening roar, and the earth splits open before you. From the chasm emerges the Purple Worm, its massive form blotting out the light as it rises to meet you. In this moment, you are faced with the raw, untamed power of the natural world—a force that cares not for the struggles of mortals, but only for its own insatiable hunger.

Purple Worm Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception: +4

Senses

• Blindsight: 30 ft.
• Tremorsense: 60 ft.
• Passive Perception: 14

Languages

• None

Abilities

• Tunneler: The worm can burrow through solid rock at half its burrow speed and leaves a 10-foot-diameter tunnel in its wake.

Actions

• Multiattack: The worm makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its stinger.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 22 (3d8 + 9) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw or be swallowed by the worm. A swallowed creature is blinded and restrained, it has total cover against attacks and other effects outside the worm, and it takes 21 (6d6) acid damage at the start of each of the worm's turns. If the worm takes 30 damage or more on a single turn from a creature inside it, the worm must succeed on a DC 21 Constitution saving throw at the end of that turn or regurgitate the swallowed creature, which falls prone in a space within 10 feet of the worm. If the worm dies, a swallowed creature is no longer restrained by it and can escape from the corpse using 15 feet of movement, exiting prone.
• Tail Stinger: Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one creature. Hit: 19 (3d6 + 9) piercing damage. The target must make a DC 19 Constitution saving throw, taking 42 (12d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

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Battle Tips for the Purple Worm

The Purple Worm is a formidable creature that can provide a thrilling challenge for adventurers. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing this creature effectively can create memorable encounters. Here are some tips on how to use the Purple Worm in battle:

Using the Purple Worm in Battle

• Element of Surprise: The Purple Worm's ability to burrow through the ground makes it perfect for ambushes. Have it emerge suddenly from the earth to catch players off guard, creating a sense of urgency and chaos.
• Environmental Hazards: Use the worm's burrowing to create unstable terrain. As it tunnels, it can cause cave-ins or open up new passages, forcing players to adapt quickly to changing environments.
• Swallow Whole: The Purple Worm's ability to swallow creatures whole can be a terrifying prospect for players. Use this ability to isolate characters, creating tension and encouraging creative problem-solving from the party.

Coordinating Multiple Purple Worms

• Divide and Conquer: If using multiple Purple Worms, have them attack from different angles. This can split the party and make it difficult for them to focus their attacks, increasing the challenge.
• Burrow Tactics: Coordinate the worms to create a network of tunnels. This can allow them to retreat and re-emerge in unexpected locations, keeping players on their toes.
• Overwhelm with Numbers: Use the sheer size and power of multiple worms to overwhelm the party. This can be particularly effective in open areas where the worms can maneuver freely.

Retreat and Flee Tactics

• Strategic Retreat: If the battle turns against the Purple Worm, have it retreat by burrowing underground. This can give it time to recover and potentially set up another ambush.
• Use of Terrain: Utilize the worm's ability to reshape the battlefield to create barriers or obstacles that slow down pursuers, allowing it to escape more easily.
• Distraction and Diversion: If multiple worms are present, use one as a distraction while others retreat. This can confuse the party and provide an opportunity for the worms to regroup.

By leveraging the unique abilities and characteristics of the Purple Worm, you can create dynamic and challenging encounters that will test the skills and creativity of your players.