[Korgothursday] Savage Menagerie: Hookleech

No. Enc.: 0 (2d4)
Alignment: Neutral
Movement: 10' (3')
Armor Class: 9
Hit Dice: 1 hit point
Attacks: Special
Damage: Special
Save: L1
Morale: None
Hoard Class: None

The Hookleech is a parasitic worm found in large bodies of stagnant, filthy water. They feed by latching onto a victim with their powerful jaws which are lined with barbed hooks (giving the creature its name). Their mouths secret a powerful anesthetic saliva, which numbs the skin during this initial attack, so a victim may not even notice when one has bitten them. Once attached, the Hookleech will slowly drink the victim's blood, doing 1d6 hit points of damage during the initial attack and draining them for 1d6 additional points every 4 hours thereafter. If a PC does not notice the initial "latching on," this hit point drain should be recorded in secret by the Mutant Lord. A Hookleech will detach itself once it's consumed 15 hit points worth of blood.

Removing a Hookleech is a challenge as fire, acid, and other attacks may kill the creature, but it will still stay firmly attached even upon death. If a Hookleech is "torn off," the tearing will do 1d6 points of damage to the victim as the hooks tear their flesh. Plus, if the creature is torn from the face, neck, bare arms, or other exposed part of the body, the horrible, unhealing scar that results will also cause the victim's Charisma score to permanently drop by 1 point. Other than letting it fall off naturally, the only other way to remove the Hookleech is through an arcane salve know to only a handful of healers across the lands.

Mutations: none

NOTE: This creature was inspired by the post-apocalyptic, sword-and-sorcery cartoon "Korgoth of Barbaria." Let's see how much material a 22-minute pilot can provide us! Stay tuned for future installments of Korgothursday!