Tidal Blades
Hagworms are ancient eyeless creatures that look like massive worms. They navigate, hunt prey, and evade enemies using the rows of sensitive transmitters that run along the sides of their bodies. These transmitters let them detect prey from very long distances, while also emitting ultrasonic sounds that confuse other creatures' sonar systems. Their large vertical mouths are filled with row upon row of teeth.
They are most often spotted near the Reef Barrier, where they dig underground tunnels through dead patches of coral.
Motive: Hunger for flesh
Environment: Deep sea, particularly along reefs
Health: 20
Damage Inflicted: Moderate wound (6 points)
Movement: Long
Modifications: Hides in coral as level 7; surprise and Speed defense as level 7
Combat: Hagworms prefer to hunt from a hidden place inside their coral tunnels. They wait patiently for prey to come along and then emit a series of ultrasonic sounds that confuses creatures within long range. Anyone who hears the sounds must succeed on a level 6 Intellect task or become disoriented, which hinders all their actions for one round. Each round, the victim can attempt a new Intellect defense roll to break free.
When a hagworm emerges from its hiding place to attack, its many rows of teeth do lasting damage by tearing flesh from bone whenever possible. Hagworms can carry future meals in the pouches on either side of their mouth, allowing them to tear huge chunks of meat off a victim, secrete it away, and continue fighting.
Interaction: Hagworms can't be reasoned with, but hey can occasionally be tricked using sound. In an effort to keep them away, some fishers use devices like the flummox, which is designed to emit ultrasonic sounds and confuse the giant creatures.
Use: Hagworms have been known to make surprise attacks on boats, floating homes, and anything else that floats or sails near their hidden locations.
Young characters with something to prove might dare each other to "ride the hagworm," but even the bravest sense that's a dare best left on the table.
Loot: Hagworm teeth make excellent points for sharp, stabbing weapons. Additionally, some scientists seek out the creatures' transmitters for their research, paying as much as 6 to 8 shells for one that's perfectly intact.
GM Intrusion: The hagworm misses its bite attack, but manages to grab the character's weapon instead.