Appearance

Sand Wyrms are not actually wyrms, but incredibly long reptilian creatures. At their largest, these massive beasts reach one-hundred feet in length. Their long bodies are covered in thick brown scales, with a jagged texture. Their stubby front legs are home to massive claws, which they use to burrow through the dunes. Their back legs are all but useless, a vestigial remnant from when they dwelled above land. Their tails are thick, made of pure muscle, and can deliver a painful blow.

The jaws of a Sand Wyrm are massive, and can widen enough to swallow a Hrok whole. Their teeth are numerous, and when one falls out another grows in to take its place. Their bottom jaw is shaped rather like a shovel, which aids them in their burrowing.

Perhaps the most impressive feature are their lack of eyes. Completely blind, Sand Wyrms navigate the world entirely by vibration, which they use to stalk their prey through the deserts. Many are ambush predators, and simply lie in wait until they feel a strong enough vibration overhead.

Abilities

Sand Wyrms are experts at burrowing seamlessly through the desert sands, like they’re swimming through water. They have incredibly adept hearing—navigating the world through the vibrations they sense. Their keen sense of smell also aids them in finding their way around.

Their patience is legendary. Why expend energy when you can wait for your meal to walk directly into your waiting jaws?

Culture

Sand Wyrms are solitary creatures. They come together only to breed, which is a brief period, as females are quick to drive males away when they’ve served their purpose.

Females nest above ground, and lay their eggs in the sand. They curl around their nests, unmoving and unafraid. No fool would dare approach a nesting Sand Wyrm, and anyone who does meets with an untimely and brutal end. Females will stay with their hatchlings for up to six months once they’ve hatched, protecting them until they’re able to hunt for themselves.

They kill indiscriminately, and will even eat their own kind, if they happen to be smaller than them.

Sand Wyrms detest strong odors with a passion, and avoid areas with strong scents. A common Sand Wyrm repellant is campfire ash mixed with incense derived from the bark of the Hala Tree. When burned, the potent smell disorients Sand Wyrms and keeps them at bay. Even the scent of the powder is enough to send the beasts in the opposite direction.