New Monster: Crimson Death Worm

Please note: while a "death worm" does exist in 4e (also based on the Mongolian death worm), the creature detailed here is much more in line with the old-school spirit, considering its rather small size (approx. 2-3' long) in relation to its deadliness. DESCRIPTION The crimson death worm is a segmented, sausage-like invertebrate that prefers to live in dark, cool, moist areas underneath otherwise dry desert terrain. While they do nest, they are generally burrowers that will not hesitate to abandon dry, hot areas in search of more hospitable accommodations. Crimson death worms feed on a particular family of toxic plants whose red conical flowers not only give the death worm its deep red color, but poisonous abilities as well. While the crimson death worm is relatively small (averaging 2-1/2' in length), it is truly a formidable foe. Crimson death worms tend to hide while burrowing and will surprise on a 1-3 (on a six-sided die.) The creature's main form of attack is an electrical bolt (2d4) which it will not hesitate to use should any other creature come to close (15'); it may use this attack up to ten times per day. The crimson death worm also has a nasty bite, that combines both shredding teeth (1d4 on hit) and poison (save vs. poison or die in 1-6 turns.) These scarlet annelids feature three forms of defense. The first is a poisonous secretion that envelopes it body; any creature coming in direct contact with any part of the worm's body must save vs. poison or die in 2d4 turns. The second is an immunity to any form of electrical attack. The third is an explosive defense caused by any successful "to hit" from a edged weapon or flame attack, or by any successful hit from a physical attack (including non-electrical magical attacks like magic missile) that does 3 or more hit points of damage; upon either of these conditions, the worm will "explode" spraying a toxic acid on everything in a 5' radius of the creature, causing 2d4 damage (acid) to affected creatures; additionally, any creature affected by the acid must save vs. poison or die in 3d6 turns; this explosion defense is fatal to the worm.

Oe/1E STATS FREQUENCY: Uncommon NO. APPEARING: 1-6 ARMOR CLASS: 7 MOVE: 9" (6") HIT DICE: 4 % IN LAIR: 10% TREASURE TYPE: Nil NO. OF ATTACKS: 1 DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-4 SPECIAL ATTACKS: See description SPECIAL DEFENSES: See description MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard INTELLIGENCE: Animal ALIGNMENT: Neutral SIZE: S (2-3' long) PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil Attack/Defense Modes: Nil BX STATS ARMOR CLASS: 7 HIT DICE: 4** MOVE: 90' (60') ATTACKS: 1 bite or special DAMAGE: 1d4 + poison NO. APPEARING: 1-6 SAVE AS: Fighter: 1 MORALE: 8 TREASURE TYPE: Nil ALIGNMENT: Neutral