[Thundarr Thursday] Savage Menagerie: Lava Worm

No. Enc.: 1d2 (1d4)
Alignment: Neutral
Movement: 60' (20'), Hyperburrowing: 180' (60')
Armor Class: 4
Hit Dice: 12
Attacks: 1 (trample or lava stream)
Damage: 2d6/8d6
Save: L6
Morale: 10
Horde Class: None

A Lava Worm is a monstrously large orange- and red-skinned worm that appears to be completely ablaze. A Lava Worm's AC is fairly high due to its incredibly hot surface temperature. More common weapons will either bounce off of its hide or will melt upon contact. Because of this, Lava Worms are very susceptible to cold attacks (taking double damage). They can also be injured with large amounts of water.

A Lava Worm is slightly smaller than a purple worm (MF rulebook, page 90), about 8 feet in diameter and 80 feet long. Due to its monstrous size, a Lava Worm can literally "fall" onto its victim, crushing them from 2d6 hit points of damage. A Lava Worm can also spew a thick lava stream from its mouth, burning the unlucky PC for 8d6 hit points. This lava is also fairly corrosive due to the heat and will melt through surfaces of AC 6 or less. A Lava Worm can move underground at an accelerated rate using its hyperburrowing mutation. It prefers to tunnel underneath a victim, then explode out from the ground in front of them, gaining surprise if undetected.

Lava Worms are usually found in extremely hot and arid areas (i.e. deserts, active volcanoes). Due to their aggressive nature and dangerous surface temperature, a Lava Worm is best avoided. However, Wizards have been known to get a Lava Worm under control, sending them out to destroy a village or other Wizard. If that happens, it's best to stay out of the way.

Mutations: lava stream, hyperburrowing

NOTE: This creature was inspired by the episode "The Brotherhood of Night" from the classic Ruby Spears post-apocalyptic cartoon "Thundarr the Barbarian." Stay tuned each week for Thundarr Thursday!