[RACE] Worm Basilisks
Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 2:41 pm
WORM BASILISK
“Beware always the Serpent of Worms, which perverts the righteous from beyond the veil of death.” - The Tale of Ser Madalin and the Serpent of Worms
Life Expectancy: 800
Population: Nearly extinct; between 5 and 8 are estimated to remain.
The Worm Basilisk is one of the oldest and most enigmatic races in Pal Tahrenor. These creatures are shrouded in myth, and only a few documented encounters exist in all recorded history. Most cultures revile Worm Basilisks and consider them incarnations of plague and death, but the people of Tzalxochitl revere them as the honored servants of Piltzintlicoatl himself.
Most of the information on Worm Basilisks comes from three sources:
DECEASED
WORM BASILISK TESZACOATL
Teszacoatl was supposedly Piltzintlicoatl's youngest child and the first Worm Basilisk. According to legend, he accompanied his father to the afterlife at the end of the Changers' War and never returned. It's commonly accepted that he most likely never existed and is merely meant to explain the origin of the Worm Basilisks.
WORM BASILISK ICHTACA
Worm Basilisk Ichtaca is the only one of its kind known to have lived in Eyropa. It secretly reigned over a large city in eastern Eyropa through its hierophant shortly after the Changers' War, and claimed to have served as part of Piltzintlicoatl's personal guard before his death. It called itself the Serpent of Worms, and is the main antagonist of Ser Madalin's legend. Ichtaca's atrocities led to Eyropa's negative perception of Worm Basilisks, and its uniquely draconic appearance started the misconception that Worm Basilisks were somehow related to dragons.
Ichtaca had its hierophant launch a bloody campaign on neighboring settlements to gather sacrifices for it to feed on. Its existence remained a secret until a neighboring town retailated and assaulted the city. Ser Madalin, a renowned knight, slayed Ichtaca's hierophant and confronted it in its sanctum. The fight's exact details are unknown and the legend almost certainy exaggerates it, but it ended with Madalin fighting Ichtaca to the death in the city square while his fellow knights dealt with its undead servants. Madalin killed Ichtaca, but lost his life in the process. Ichtaca's body was destroyed in the fight, but numerous witness accounts verify its existence.
Worm Basilisk Ichtaca was notably the only known self-identifying female of its kind. Its emblem was a purple ouroborus, and the handful aware of its existence worshipped it as a goddess. Ichtaca was a Necrotic Worm Basilisk at the time of her defeat.
A small underground cult to Worm Basilisk Ichtaca operates in Zhaltev, composed primarily of shifters. These shifters revere Ichtaca for her impressive magic and consider her a shifter because of her ability to assume a humanoid form.
WORM BASILISK XIUHCOATL
Worm Basilisk Xiuhcoatl mentored Gorian Snowmane and taught him almost everything science currently knows about the Worm Basilisk race. Snowmane met Xiuhcoatl in a cave in Tzalxochitl while exploring the terrain. To his surprise, Xiuhcoatl was incredibly friendly and helpful, much unlike the dreaded Ichtaca. Xiuhcoatl took on Gorian as its hierophant and the two became close friends over the years. Snowmane eventually published the notes he took from Xiuhcoatl, but the scientific community was understandably very skeptical. Xiuhcoatl reluctantly agreed to allow several of Snowmane's peers into its cave to verify its existence, but refused to make any public appearances and requested that they keep its location a secret.
Xiuhcoatl was revered in Tzalxochitl as a powerful healer with an impressive knowledge of medicine. It would provide villages with cures for plagues and diseases in exchange for sacrifices. Snowmane was understandably unnerved by his friend's insistence on sacrifices, but since the villagers were more than happy to oblige, he didn't object. At one point, Snowmane brought several prominent Eyropan doctors to meet with Xiuhcoatl, who shared its knowledge with them. Although the doctors were already aware of many of Xiuhcoatl's remedies, Xiuhcoat''s assistance contributed to the discovery of several new medicines derived from plants in Tzalxochitl.
After Snowmane's death, Xiuhcoatl decided to join its friend and severed its own connection to the Astral Plane, effectively committing suicide. Its emblem was a green eagle, which it chose because the eagle was Snowmane's favorite animal.
EXISTING (EITHER ACTIVE OR PASSIVE)
Exactly how many Worm Basilisks currently remain are unknown, but researchers agree that there are less than ten. Their life cycle stages are unknown, though some are almost certainly in their necrotic phase.
Tzalxochitl Worm Basilisks (3?)
Worm Basilisk Xiuhcoatl revealed to Snowmane that there were four of his kind still active in Tzalzochitl. There are now at most three, and it is unknown if any have been destroyed since Xiuhcoatl’s passing.
Xiuhcoatl confirmed that one works very closely with Tzalxochitl’s ruling class, though the extent is unknown. Researchers suspect that this Worm Basilisk is still active, and based on Xiuhcoatl’s information it is definitely necrotic. Strangely, almost nothing is known about it, including its name. It does not speak through a hierophant, nor does it demand worship or sacrifice.
Several independent groups have claimed to be under the protection of other Worm Basilisks. Given the reclusive nature of these creatures, it is nearly impossible to determine if these claims are truthful.
Tian Xia Worm Basilisk (1)
Xiuhcoatl also revealed to Snowmane that one of his brethren departed for Tian Xia many years before their meeting. He described this being as “a shy, optimistic youngster,” so it is likely benevolent and non-necrotic.
Eyropan Worm Basilisk (1?)
Worm Basilisk Ichtaca is the only confirmed of its kind to have lived in Eyropa, but it is likely that others may have traveled there since its destruction. Snowmane’s son – himself a Worm Basilisk researcher – believes there is certainly at least one.
Darleone Ocean Worm Basilisk (1)
Snowmane frequently wrote of Xiuhcoatl’s compassion for life and great empathy. Though its adherence to sacrifices bothered him, he understood that it had cultural and religious significance. He also noted that Xiuhcoatl even spoke of the bloodthirsty Ichtaca with disappointment and sorrow, not hatred.
But when Xiuhcoatl spoke of this Worm Basilisk, it was consumed with fury and only referred to it as “the abomination.”
This Worm Basilisk resides deep in the waters surrounding Darleone. According to Xiuhcoatl it is by far the oldest and most powerful, as well as the most malevolent. It reigns over hordes of undead deep beneath the sea, and it and its followers have supposedly mutated from prolonged exposure to Darleone’s magic. Though Xiuhcoatl refused to go into its atrocities, he stated that it often raises those lost to Darleone’s waters into its horde.
Its name and appearance are currently unknown, but citizens in Darleone have uncovered its rather grotesque emblem - an upside-down, tentacle-headed humaoid wrapped in bloody gauze. Though it still exists, it is currently passive. Many Worm Basilisk researchers dream of locating it, but few would dare tread Darleone’s treacherous waters.
APPEARANCE
Worm Basilisks vary greatly in size and appearance, but they generally share certain quailities. The following statistics are based primary on Xiuhcoatl’s appearance and description of his kind:
Height: 40ft
Length: 100ft
Scale Color: Various (Xiuhcoatl was crimson, and Ichtaca was purple)
Weight: Thousands of pounds
They very closely resemble snakes, but instead of having one long, tail-like body, their upper half stands upright to form a torso. Instead of arms, they have long, worm-like tentacles; the ends of their tails also split into a writhing mass of these tentacles, as well. Their heads are distinctly serpentine, complete with fangs and long forked tongues.
Similar to King Cobras, they have large flaps behind their torsos; however, theirs are distinctly wing-like and have visible bones.
Once a Worm Basilisk becomes necrotic, its color becomes pale and its flesh and scales look warped and decayed. Generally, it will fuse a corpse into its torso as a sign of its new status, though not all Worm Basilisks do this. Their wing flaps also usually become torn and mutilated over the years.
MYTHOLOGY
Most of the information on Worm Basilisks comes from mythology that isn't exactly reliable. All that is known is that the Worm Basilisks existed in Piltzintlicoatl's era and are associated with death, but their exact relationship with it is unclear.
Tzalxochitlian Legend
Long ago, Piltzintlicoatl, the great feathered serpent, reigned over Tzalxochitl. His people flourished under his rule and built great cities and monuments in his honor.
Yet his people were troubled. They lived happily under their god's watchful eye, but as the years went by, their loved ones began to grow old and die. Frightened and filled with sorrow, they approached Piltzintlicoatl and begged him to restore their friends and family. Piltzintlicoatl declined and explained that reviving the dead would disturb the natural order. But their plight moved him, so he offered to ensure that their loved ones would have a safe passage to the afterlife.
Summoning his children, Piltzintlicoatl told them that he would transform one of them into the guardian of the dead. His youngest son Tezcacoatl bravely stepped forward and volunteered. Soon a great change came over Teszacoatl: His brilliant feathers fell from his wings and the color drained from his scales; long, worm-like tentacles erupted from his tail and claws; and his eyes turned crimson. Piltzintlicoatl blessed Tezcacoatl and declared him the first Worm Basilisk.
Worm Basilisk Teszacoatl began ushering souls into the afterlife, protecting them from oblivion with his large, skeletal wings. But his burden soon became too much to bear. Piltzintlicoatl, noticing Teszacoatl's stress, drew several small worms forth from his son's body. The serpent god blessed them and transformed them into basilisks, then commanded them to assist Teszacoatl with his mission.
The Worm Basilisks remained hidden beneath the earth, surfacing only at night to claim the souls of the departed. The people of Tzalxochitl both revered and feared the Worm Basilisks, and left them offerings of spiced meat and cooked dough after burials. By sacrificing to the Worm Basilisks, they hoped to convince them to take special care of their deceased loved ones.
During the Changers' War, Piltzintlicoatl summoned several Worm Basilisks to serve as his personal guardians. Worm Basilisk Ichtaca claimed to be among these esteemed serpents. They fought and died to protect Piltzintlicoatl, but their spirits were so great that even death itself couldn't stop them. The Worm Basilisk's minds persisted after their deaths and reanimated their corpses so that they could continue to fight for Piltzintlicoatl. But despite their best efforts, Piltzintlicoatl was defeated. Teszacoatl, overwhelmed with grief and shame, guided his father to the afterlife and remained there with him.
The Worm Basilisks disbanded after Piltzintlicoatl's downfall. Some remained in Tzalxochitl, while others left their home to explore other lands. To this day the people of Tzalxochitl continue to leave gifts and sacrifices for the Worm Basilisks when they bury their departed and honor their ancestors.
Eyropan Legend
Eyropa's mythology does not reference Worm Basilisks nearly as much as Tzalxochitl. Worm Basilisk Ichtaca is the most prominent, and most writings do not even properly identify it as one.
The Serpent of Worms was born from the remnants of Piltzintlicoatl's wicked magic shortly after the end of the Changer's War. This wicked sorceress took on the form of a massive purple dragon with horrifying worm-like tentacles, and often corrupted men into her service by appearing to them as a beautiful young woman. She dedicated her life to destroying the Puradynes for their faith in Theogios, and sought out his most faithful followers so she could devour them. The cowardly snake hid behind her servant and used him to spread chaos throughout Eyropa.
Although Theogios was gone, the brave knight Ser Madalin was prepared to defend his honor and smite the wicked sorceress. He seiged her city and defeated her champion, then traveled to her lair deep beneath the castle with his men. Ser Madalin and his knights fought the Serpent of Worms in an epic battle that soon poured out into the city. The Serpent of Worms used her dark magic to animate hundreds of Madalin's fallen brethren, but nothing would stop him from bringing her to justice. Praying to Theogios, Madalin threw his spear with all his might and pierced the wicked demon's heart. The Serpent of Worms exploded in a blast of dark magic and incinerated Madalin, taking him with her.
The battle's survivors quickly spread word of brave Madalin's deeds throughout Eyropa. The Puradynes portray Madalin as a hero of Theogios and cite the Serpent of Worms as one of many examples of magic's inherent evil. Puradyne priests often tell this story to children, who often pretend to be Ser Madalin and go on adventures to slay wicked demons.
Only when Snowmane's notes were published centuries later was the legendary Serpent of Worms correctly identified as Worm Basilisk Ichtaca. The Puradynes accepted this new information and extended their condemnation to all Worm Basilisks for serving Piltzintlicoatl and defying Theogios.
BEHAVIOR
Nature: One must note that a Worm Basilisk's motivations are almost entirely incomprehensible to anyone outside of their race. They operate under a completely alien moral code and consider consequences centuries down the line when they make decisions. As such, it is useless to try and find a rhyme or reason behind a Worm Basilisk's actions, and they'll rarely ever explain their reasoning to anyone other than their hierophant. Usually its best to just roll with whatever they're trying to do, no matter how strange or counterproductive it may seem at the time.
Worm Basilisks base their behavior on a set of complicated rules that would confuse most people. They learn these rules from their parent at a young age, and expect those they interact with – even other races – to observe them. Snowmane details some of the most significant practices in his research:
Hierophant of Worms: Most Worm Basilisks choose a hierophant to act as their majordomo. The hierophant's exact role varies by its master, but they are generally expected to oversee the Worm Basilisk's' followers and care for its offspring should it successfully reproduce. If a religious sect or military group devotes itself to the Worm Basilisk, the hierophant leads it and acts as a go-between for the Worm Basilisk and its followers. Generally, the hierophant is someone that the Worm Basilisk trusts or respects. It is customary for the Worm Basilisk to refer to its hierophant as its "knight" or "champion."
Followers: Worm Basilisks are known to become the patrons of towns or cities. The exact nature of the relationship between the Worm Basilisk and its people varies, but generally the Worm Basilisk requires some form of tribute, usually mortal sacrifice. The Worm Basilisk's followers bear its emblem during religious ceremonies or official business. Most settlements in Tzalxochitl believe a Worm Basilisk's presence provides cities with good fortune, so many would eagerly accept one should it offer its patronage.
Servants of Piltzintlicoatl: Some Worm Basilisks enlist followers to devote their lives to worshipping their fallen master. These individuals must blind themselves and take a vow of silence, and are expected to live in the Worm Basilisk's layer and constantly reflect on Piltzintlicoatl's glory. This was much more common among Changers' War-era Worm Basilisks, and has since fallen out of practice.
Worm Basilisks have a few strengths and abilities at their disposal, but most of these take centuries to develop and require intense training to use effectively. These abilities are:
Shapeshifting
Interacting with other races can be difficult for Worm Basilisks because of the size and horrifying appearance of their true form. When a Worm Basilisk becomes a young adult, its connection to the Astral Plane strengthens to the point that it can reshape itself into two smaller forms.
Mortal Form: The Worm Basilisk may assume the form of one other race throughout its life. It may choose any race that existed before or during the era of Piltzintlicoatl. But once it chooses its mortal form's race and appearance, it cannot be changed under any circumstances. Its mortal form also reflects its true form's color scheme.
Naturally, the Worm Basilisk loses access to its long tentacles and sharp fangs while in this state; however, it still has access to its necromantic magic.
Worm Basilisk Avatar: A Worm Basilisk may also assume its avatar form, described in greater detail above. While in this state, the Worm Basilisk may “infest” corpses and wear them like suits; however, these corpses must be hollowed out to be worn effectively, and unless the Worm Basilisk is wearing concealing clothing its disguise isn't very convincing.
Necromancy: As the fabled guardians of the dead, Worm Basilisks unsurprisingly have access to necromancy. The basilisk's power generally varies based on its age and talent, but generally it can only raise a certain number of bodies at each stage of its life:
Prior to Young Adult: 1
Young Adult: 2
Adult: 4 (6 at height)
Undead: 10
The bodies raised by Worm Basilisks are different from the usual undead in that they retain their minds and identities. They sustain themselves by drawing on the Worm Basilisk's inherent dark magic, which grows stronger as the Worm Basilisk matures. The Worm Basilisk's undead servants remain active until they are dismissed by their master or destroyed. A Worm Basilisk's death will also trigger the destruction of its servants.
Raising anything larger than a troll requires a great deal of concentration, which prevents the Worm Basilisk from raising them in large numbers. Only a Necromantic Basilisk is capable of this advanced necromancy.
Legend holds that Worm Basilisk Ichtaca raised hundreds of undead to fight against Ser Madalin. While Ichtaca was undoubtedly the most powerful Worm Basilisk known to Pal Tahrenor, there is no evidence to suggest she held that kind of power.
Monstrous Beast
As a large abomination, the Worm Basilisk has access to numerous tentacles and sharp fangs that it may use against its opponents. Worm Basilisks can theoretically eat their opponents alive if they can catch them and force them into their maws, but this is difficult to pull off due to their slow speed.
WEAKNESSES
Defense
Worm Basilisks, despite their impressive stature, are very much glass cannons – they can deal out quite a bit of damage, but aren't able to take much themselves. Their scales are weak, even moreso after their bodies die and they become Necromantic. A skilled warrior could probably stand up to one on his own, provided that he can avoid its undead servants and terrible worm tentacles.
Worm Basilisk Ichtaca, as usual, was the exception. Her scales were as thick as a dragon's and made her an especially formidable opponent.
Speed
Worm Basilisks are naturally very slow, so their victims can easily escape their wrath if they can avoid their vice-like tentacles.
Reproduction
If a Worm Basilisk's stomach is filled with larvae, it will be in great pain until it can regurgitate. This can often result in the Worm Basilisk blowing its cover while masquerading as another race -- the pain is simply too great to mask. Necromantic Worm Basilisks experience a great deal of mental pain instead, so even they are not immune. Even after death, Worm Basilisks are incredibly focused on reproduction, and can easily be manipulated if provided with a host for their larvae.
Stubborn
Worm Basilisks are naturally stubborn beasts. They insist on respect and refuse to interact with others if they feel their customs have been violated. Like their reproductive pains, this also lands them in trouble when they're in their mortal forms - some of their customs such as tongue-bearing are dead giveaways to their true race. Older Worm Basiisks are especially set in their ways and behave like crotchety old people when others try to change their lives.
Dulled Senses (NECROMANTIC)
A Worm Basilisk's senses fade away when it becomes Necromantic. While this may be an advantage in some ways, it permanently robs the Worm Basilisk of valuable sensations such as taste, smell, and touch. Importantly, a stealthy warrior could easily chop away at a Worm Basilisk without it realizing the danger.
LIFE CYCLE
Because of the Worm Basilisk's otherwordly nature and incredible rarity, accurately documenting its life cycle is exceptionally difficult, if not impossible; however, scientists have developed a commonly-accepted model.
REPODUCTION
Worm Basilisks are genderless beings and reproduce asexually. Once every three months, the Worm Basilisk's reproductive organ, which is linked directly to its stomach, produces hundreds of slimy, tapeworm-like larvae. The basilisk regurgitates all of its larvae into the mouth of a living host, whose body incubates the larvae and provides it with sustinence.
The host sustains the larvae for one month, at which point they rip its body apart from the inside. There is a less than a one hundreth of a percent chance that one of these larvae will begin growing into a Worm Basilisk. Those that do not continue to the next phase die a few days after leaving their host.
STAGE ONE: LARVA (1-25)
The Worm Basilisk knows that a larva will survive if it begins to grow and take on its own color. At this point, the basilisk shuns all the other larvae and devotes all its attention to its child. The basilisk's hierophant is expected to protect the child with his or her life and gather flesh for it to consume.
The larva spends most of its early life in a nest created by its parent. According to Snowmane, the nature of this nest can vary greatly depending on the Worm Basilisk's lair. He notes that Worm Basilisk Xiuhcoatl's nest was a dining hall in an old castle that its parent had taken over.
When it enters its teens, the larva becomes decidedly less worm-like and begins to resemble a large snake. When the young basilisk opens its eyes for the first time, the Worm Basilisk names it and places it in the care of its Hierophant, who is expected to raise it as his or her own child.
STAGE TWO: CHILDHOOD (25-150)
Little is known about the childhood of a Worm Basilisk. Worm Basilisk Xiuhcoatl, whose life was the basis of Snowmane's writings, never spoke with him about his early life. Worm Basilisk Xiuhcoatl did, however, tell Snowmane that if a Worm Basilisk is a village's patron, it will sometimes try to socialize its child with trustworthy families, and will usually have the town's elder or schoolmaster educate it.
Worm Basilisks begin to tap into their transformation ability at this life stage.
STAGE THREE: YOUNG ADULT (150-350)
Worm Basilisks are expected to set out on their own when they turn 150. Snowmane explains that a young Worm Basilisk must fight its parent in order to earn permission to leave. If the elder Worm Basilisk is satisfied by the battle, it will bless its child by invoking Piltzintlicoatl and send it on its way. At this point, the parent severs all ties with the child and they never meet again.
Should the young basilisk fail, it must wait ten years before trying again; if it fails twice, its parent deems it a failure and executes it. Snowmane's records indicate that while this practice has occurred in Worm Basilisk mythology and is indeed one of their laws, this has yet to actually happen.
STAGE FOUR: ADULT (350-800)
The Worm Basilisk is allowed to follow its own path for the rest of its life. Most conceal themselves in their lairs and interact only with their followers, but Snowmane notes that Worm Basilisk Xiuhcoatl would sometimes assume its humanoid form and head to distant lands to interact with other people.
Most Worm Basilisks choose an emblem based on their color scheme at some point in adulthood. Only the Worm Basilisk's followers display its emblem, and even then they use it sparingly. The only known exception to this practice is Worm Basilisk Ichtaca, whose soldiers publicly displayed its emblem on their flags and armor.
Most Worm Basilisks live close to 800 years before they die.
STAGE FIVE: NECROTIC WORM BASIILISK (DECEASED)
Death does not mean the end of a Worm Basilisk's existence, but rather the realization of its full potential.
When a Worm Basilisk dies of natural causes, its connection to the Astral Plane strengthens considerably, filling its body with dark magic. This magic reanimates the Worm Basilisk's body and prevents it from decaying. More importantly, it also allows the Worm Basilisk's mind to remain in the mortal realm. Although the Worm Basilisk's corpse does not rot, it will slowly become infested with all sorts of diseases.
It is at this point that Worm Basilisks gain access to most of their necromantic abilities, becoming far more formidible than their living counterparts. In order to maintain their strength, they must feast upon sacrifices gathered by their followers. As the Necrotic Worm Basilisk “digests” its sacrifices, an outline of the victim's face – or sometimes its whole body – may appear on one of the Worm Basilisk's numerous appendages.
Most images of Worm Basilisks depict them in this state, often surrounded by their undead thralls. The exact nature of the portrayal differs depending on the culture. Scientists suspect that most remaining Worm Basilisks are in this state, asserting that they wouldn't allow themselves to perish while they're on the brink of extinction.
Though they are technically dead, Worm Basilisks in this stage are still able to produce larvae; however, the larvae will be vulnerable to the diseases in the parent's body, making the odds of successful reproduction even slimmer.
If a Worm Basilisk dies at any point before its late adult life, it will simply cease to exist like any other race. It will also die permanently if killed as a Necrotic Worm Basilisk. Notably, Worm Basilisks may choose to resist this resurrection and die naturally.
“Beware always the Serpent of Worms, which perverts the righteous from beyond the veil of death.” - The Tale of Ser Madalin and the Serpent of Worms
Life Expectancy: 800
Population: Nearly extinct; between 5 and 8 are estimated to remain.
The Worm Basilisk is one of the oldest and most enigmatic races in Pal Tahrenor. These creatures are shrouded in myth, and only a few documented encounters exist in all recorded history. Most cultures revile Worm Basilisks and consider them incarnations of plague and death, but the people of Tzalxochitl revere them as the honored servants of Piltzintlicoatl himself.
Most of the information on Worm Basilisks comes from three sources:
- Tzalxochitlian – and to a lesser extent, Eyropan – mythology.
- The writings of Gorian Snowmane, a dwarven biologist who studied under Worm Basilisk Xiuhcoatl. Snowmane is the only known person to have befriended and lived with a Worm Basilisk.
- Worm Basilisk Ichtaca's bloody Eyropan campaign.
DECEASED
WORM BASILISK TESZACOATL
Teszacoatl was supposedly Piltzintlicoatl's youngest child and the first Worm Basilisk. According to legend, he accompanied his father to the afterlife at the end of the Changers' War and never returned. It's commonly accepted that he most likely never existed and is merely meant to explain the origin of the Worm Basilisks.
WORM BASILISK ICHTACA
Worm Basilisk Ichtaca is the only one of its kind known to have lived in Eyropa. It secretly reigned over a large city in eastern Eyropa through its hierophant shortly after the Changers' War, and claimed to have served as part of Piltzintlicoatl's personal guard before his death. It called itself the Serpent of Worms, and is the main antagonist of Ser Madalin's legend. Ichtaca's atrocities led to Eyropa's negative perception of Worm Basilisks, and its uniquely draconic appearance started the misconception that Worm Basilisks were somehow related to dragons.
Ichtaca had its hierophant launch a bloody campaign on neighboring settlements to gather sacrifices for it to feed on. Its existence remained a secret until a neighboring town retailated and assaulted the city. Ser Madalin, a renowned knight, slayed Ichtaca's hierophant and confronted it in its sanctum. The fight's exact details are unknown and the legend almost certainy exaggerates it, but it ended with Madalin fighting Ichtaca to the death in the city square while his fellow knights dealt with its undead servants. Madalin killed Ichtaca, but lost his life in the process. Ichtaca's body was destroyed in the fight, but numerous witness accounts verify its existence.
Worm Basilisk Ichtaca was notably the only known self-identifying female of its kind. Its emblem was a purple ouroborus, and the handful aware of its existence worshipped it as a goddess. Ichtaca was a Necrotic Worm Basilisk at the time of her defeat.
A small underground cult to Worm Basilisk Ichtaca operates in Zhaltev, composed primarily of shifters. These shifters revere Ichtaca for her impressive magic and consider her a shifter because of her ability to assume a humanoid form.
WORM BASILISK XIUHCOATL
Worm Basilisk Xiuhcoatl mentored Gorian Snowmane and taught him almost everything science currently knows about the Worm Basilisk race. Snowmane met Xiuhcoatl in a cave in Tzalxochitl while exploring the terrain. To his surprise, Xiuhcoatl was incredibly friendly and helpful, much unlike the dreaded Ichtaca. Xiuhcoatl took on Gorian as its hierophant and the two became close friends over the years. Snowmane eventually published the notes he took from Xiuhcoatl, but the scientific community was understandably very skeptical. Xiuhcoatl reluctantly agreed to allow several of Snowmane's peers into its cave to verify its existence, but refused to make any public appearances and requested that they keep its location a secret.
Xiuhcoatl was revered in Tzalxochitl as a powerful healer with an impressive knowledge of medicine. It would provide villages with cures for plagues and diseases in exchange for sacrifices. Snowmane was understandably unnerved by his friend's insistence on sacrifices, but since the villagers were more than happy to oblige, he didn't object. At one point, Snowmane brought several prominent Eyropan doctors to meet with Xiuhcoatl, who shared its knowledge with them. Although the doctors were already aware of many of Xiuhcoatl's remedies, Xiuhcoat''s assistance contributed to the discovery of several new medicines derived from plants in Tzalxochitl.
After Snowmane's death, Xiuhcoatl decided to join its friend and severed its own connection to the Astral Plane, effectively committing suicide. Its emblem was a green eagle, which it chose because the eagle was Snowmane's favorite animal.
EXISTING (EITHER ACTIVE OR PASSIVE)
Exactly how many Worm Basilisks currently remain are unknown, but researchers agree that there are less than ten. Their life cycle stages are unknown, though some are almost certainly in their necrotic phase.
Tzalxochitl Worm Basilisks (3?)
Worm Basilisk Xiuhcoatl revealed to Snowmane that there were four of his kind still active in Tzalzochitl. There are now at most three, and it is unknown if any have been destroyed since Xiuhcoatl’s passing.
Xiuhcoatl confirmed that one works very closely with Tzalxochitl’s ruling class, though the extent is unknown. Researchers suspect that this Worm Basilisk is still active, and based on Xiuhcoatl’s information it is definitely necrotic. Strangely, almost nothing is known about it, including its name. It does not speak through a hierophant, nor does it demand worship or sacrifice.
Several independent groups have claimed to be under the protection of other Worm Basilisks. Given the reclusive nature of these creatures, it is nearly impossible to determine if these claims are truthful.
Tian Xia Worm Basilisk (1)
Xiuhcoatl also revealed to Snowmane that one of his brethren departed for Tian Xia many years before their meeting. He described this being as “a shy, optimistic youngster,” so it is likely benevolent and non-necrotic.
Eyropan Worm Basilisk (1?)
Worm Basilisk Ichtaca is the only confirmed of its kind to have lived in Eyropa, but it is likely that others may have traveled there since its destruction. Snowmane’s son – himself a Worm Basilisk researcher – believes there is certainly at least one.
Darleone Ocean Worm Basilisk (1)
Snowmane frequently wrote of Xiuhcoatl’s compassion for life and great empathy. Though its adherence to sacrifices bothered him, he understood that it had cultural and religious significance. He also noted that Xiuhcoatl even spoke of the bloodthirsty Ichtaca with disappointment and sorrow, not hatred.
But when Xiuhcoatl spoke of this Worm Basilisk, it was consumed with fury and only referred to it as “the abomination.”
This Worm Basilisk resides deep in the waters surrounding Darleone. According to Xiuhcoatl it is by far the oldest and most powerful, as well as the most malevolent. It reigns over hordes of undead deep beneath the sea, and it and its followers have supposedly mutated from prolonged exposure to Darleone’s magic. Though Xiuhcoatl refused to go into its atrocities, he stated that it often raises those lost to Darleone’s waters into its horde.
Its name and appearance are currently unknown, but citizens in Darleone have uncovered its rather grotesque emblem - an upside-down, tentacle-headed humaoid wrapped in bloody gauze. Though it still exists, it is currently passive. Many Worm Basilisk researchers dream of locating it, but few would dare tread Darleone’s treacherous waters.
APPEARANCE
Worm Basilisks vary greatly in size and appearance, but they generally share certain quailities. The following statistics are based primary on Xiuhcoatl’s appearance and description of his kind:
Height: 40ft
Length: 100ft
Scale Color: Various (Xiuhcoatl was crimson, and Ichtaca was purple)
Weight: Thousands of pounds
They very closely resemble snakes, but instead of having one long, tail-like body, their upper half stands upright to form a torso. Instead of arms, they have long, worm-like tentacles; the ends of their tails also split into a writhing mass of these tentacles, as well. Their heads are distinctly serpentine, complete with fangs and long forked tongues.
Similar to King Cobras, they have large flaps behind their torsos; however, theirs are distinctly wing-like and have visible bones.
Once a Worm Basilisk becomes necrotic, its color becomes pale and its flesh and scales look warped and decayed. Generally, it will fuse a corpse into its torso as a sign of its new status, though not all Worm Basilisks do this. Their wing flaps also usually become torn and mutilated over the years.
MYTHOLOGY
Most of the information on Worm Basilisks comes from mythology that isn't exactly reliable. All that is known is that the Worm Basilisks existed in Piltzintlicoatl's era and are associated with death, but their exact relationship with it is unclear.
Tzalxochitlian Legend
Long ago, Piltzintlicoatl, the great feathered serpent, reigned over Tzalxochitl. His people flourished under his rule and built great cities and monuments in his honor.
Yet his people were troubled. They lived happily under their god's watchful eye, but as the years went by, their loved ones began to grow old and die. Frightened and filled with sorrow, they approached Piltzintlicoatl and begged him to restore their friends and family. Piltzintlicoatl declined and explained that reviving the dead would disturb the natural order. But their plight moved him, so he offered to ensure that their loved ones would have a safe passage to the afterlife.
Summoning his children, Piltzintlicoatl told them that he would transform one of them into the guardian of the dead. His youngest son Tezcacoatl bravely stepped forward and volunteered. Soon a great change came over Teszacoatl: His brilliant feathers fell from his wings and the color drained from his scales; long, worm-like tentacles erupted from his tail and claws; and his eyes turned crimson. Piltzintlicoatl blessed Tezcacoatl and declared him the first Worm Basilisk.
Worm Basilisk Teszacoatl began ushering souls into the afterlife, protecting them from oblivion with his large, skeletal wings. But his burden soon became too much to bear. Piltzintlicoatl, noticing Teszacoatl's stress, drew several small worms forth from his son's body. The serpent god blessed them and transformed them into basilisks, then commanded them to assist Teszacoatl with his mission.
The Worm Basilisks remained hidden beneath the earth, surfacing only at night to claim the souls of the departed. The people of Tzalxochitl both revered and feared the Worm Basilisks, and left them offerings of spiced meat and cooked dough after burials. By sacrificing to the Worm Basilisks, they hoped to convince them to take special care of their deceased loved ones.
During the Changers' War, Piltzintlicoatl summoned several Worm Basilisks to serve as his personal guardians. Worm Basilisk Ichtaca claimed to be among these esteemed serpents. They fought and died to protect Piltzintlicoatl, but their spirits were so great that even death itself couldn't stop them. The Worm Basilisk's minds persisted after their deaths and reanimated their corpses so that they could continue to fight for Piltzintlicoatl. But despite their best efforts, Piltzintlicoatl was defeated. Teszacoatl, overwhelmed with grief and shame, guided his father to the afterlife and remained there with him.
The Worm Basilisks disbanded after Piltzintlicoatl's downfall. Some remained in Tzalxochitl, while others left their home to explore other lands. To this day the people of Tzalxochitl continue to leave gifts and sacrifices for the Worm Basilisks when they bury their departed and honor their ancestors.
Eyropan Legend
Eyropa's mythology does not reference Worm Basilisks nearly as much as Tzalxochitl. Worm Basilisk Ichtaca is the most prominent, and most writings do not even properly identify it as one.
The Serpent of Worms was born from the remnants of Piltzintlicoatl's wicked magic shortly after the end of the Changer's War. This wicked sorceress took on the form of a massive purple dragon with horrifying worm-like tentacles, and often corrupted men into her service by appearing to them as a beautiful young woman. She dedicated her life to destroying the Puradynes for their faith in Theogios, and sought out his most faithful followers so she could devour them. The cowardly snake hid behind her servant and used him to spread chaos throughout Eyropa.
Although Theogios was gone, the brave knight Ser Madalin was prepared to defend his honor and smite the wicked sorceress. He seiged her city and defeated her champion, then traveled to her lair deep beneath the castle with his men. Ser Madalin and his knights fought the Serpent of Worms in an epic battle that soon poured out into the city. The Serpent of Worms used her dark magic to animate hundreds of Madalin's fallen brethren, but nothing would stop him from bringing her to justice. Praying to Theogios, Madalin threw his spear with all his might and pierced the wicked demon's heart. The Serpent of Worms exploded in a blast of dark magic and incinerated Madalin, taking him with her.
The battle's survivors quickly spread word of brave Madalin's deeds throughout Eyropa. The Puradynes portray Madalin as a hero of Theogios and cite the Serpent of Worms as one of many examples of magic's inherent evil. Puradyne priests often tell this story to children, who often pretend to be Ser Madalin and go on adventures to slay wicked demons.
Only when Snowmane's notes were published centuries later was the legendary Serpent of Worms correctly identified as Worm Basilisk Ichtaca. The Puradynes accepted this new information and extended their condemnation to all Worm Basilisks for serving Piltzintlicoatl and defying Theogios.
BEHAVIOR
Nature: One must note that a Worm Basilisk's motivations are almost entirely incomprehensible to anyone outside of their race. They operate under a completely alien moral code and consider consequences centuries down the line when they make decisions. As such, it is useless to try and find a rhyme or reason behind a Worm Basilisk's actions, and they'll rarely ever explain their reasoning to anyone other than their hierophant. Usually its best to just roll with whatever they're trying to do, no matter how strange or counterproductive it may seem at the time.
Worm Basilisks base their behavior on a set of complicated rules that would confuse most people. They learn these rules from their parent at a young age, and expect those they interact with – even other races – to observe them. Snowmane details some of the most significant practices in his research:
Hierophant of Worms: Most Worm Basilisks choose a hierophant to act as their majordomo. The hierophant's exact role varies by its master, but they are generally expected to oversee the Worm Basilisk's' followers and care for its offspring should it successfully reproduce. If a religious sect or military group devotes itself to the Worm Basilisk, the hierophant leads it and acts as a go-between for the Worm Basilisk and its followers. Generally, the hierophant is someone that the Worm Basilisk trusts or respects. It is customary for the Worm Basilisk to refer to its hierophant as its "knight" or "champion."
Followers: Worm Basilisks are known to become the patrons of towns or cities. The exact nature of the relationship between the Worm Basilisk and its people varies, but generally the Worm Basilisk requires some form of tribute, usually mortal sacrifice. The Worm Basilisk's followers bear its emblem during religious ceremonies or official business. Most settlements in Tzalxochitl believe a Worm Basilisk's presence provides cities with good fortune, so many would eagerly accept one should it offer its patronage.
Servants of Piltzintlicoatl: Some Worm Basilisks enlist followers to devote their lives to worshipping their fallen master. These individuals must blind themselves and take a vow of silence, and are expected to live in the Worm Basilisk's layer and constantly reflect on Piltzintlicoatl's glory. This was much more common among Changers' War-era Worm Basilisks, and has since fallen out of practice.
- Calling a Worm Basilisk a "Child of Piltzintlicoatl" or "Heir of Piltzintlicoatl" is a sign of great respect.
- Worm Basilisk is not only a race, but also a title. Always include "Worm Basilisk" before the Worm Basilisk's name unless familiarity has been established.
- Looking a Worm Basilisk in the eyes is incredibly disrespectful.
- Worm Basilisks have no concept of personal space. Even if you believe they're too close, do not flinch or back away.
- Worm Basilisks lower themselves down to a person's level if they deem them interesting. At this point, the individual -should- look the Worm Basilisk in the eyes, otherwise the Worm Basilisk will deem said person a coward.
- A Worm Basilisk fully displaying its tongue to someone is a sign of great trust and the highest honor they can bestow. This should not be confused with a Worm Basilisk using its tongue to sense its surroundings.
- Never sit around a Worm Basilisk unless invited to.
- If you have a child, a Worm Basilisk may offer to become its protector. It is very unwise to refuse this offer.
- Turning away from a Worm Basilisk is also very disrespectful. If a Worm Basilisk wants a person to leave, it will close its eyes and lower itself to the ground.
Worm Basilisks have a few strengths and abilities at their disposal, but most of these take centuries to develop and require intense training to use effectively. These abilities are:
Shapeshifting
Interacting with other races can be difficult for Worm Basilisks because of the size and horrifying appearance of their true form. When a Worm Basilisk becomes a young adult, its connection to the Astral Plane strengthens to the point that it can reshape itself into two smaller forms.
Mortal Form: The Worm Basilisk may assume the form of one other race throughout its life. It may choose any race that existed before or during the era of Piltzintlicoatl. But once it chooses its mortal form's race and appearance, it cannot be changed under any circumstances. Its mortal form also reflects its true form's color scheme.
Naturally, the Worm Basilisk loses access to its long tentacles and sharp fangs while in this state; however, it still has access to its necromantic magic.
Worm Basilisk Avatar: A Worm Basilisk may also assume its avatar form, described in greater detail above. While in this state, the Worm Basilisk may “infest” corpses and wear them like suits; however, these corpses must be hollowed out to be worn effectively, and unless the Worm Basilisk is wearing concealing clothing its disguise isn't very convincing.
Necromancy: As the fabled guardians of the dead, Worm Basilisks unsurprisingly have access to necromancy. The basilisk's power generally varies based on its age and talent, but generally it can only raise a certain number of bodies at each stage of its life:
Prior to Young Adult: 1
Young Adult: 2
Adult: 4 (6 at height)
Undead: 10
The bodies raised by Worm Basilisks are different from the usual undead in that they retain their minds and identities. They sustain themselves by drawing on the Worm Basilisk's inherent dark magic, which grows stronger as the Worm Basilisk matures. The Worm Basilisk's undead servants remain active until they are dismissed by their master or destroyed. A Worm Basilisk's death will also trigger the destruction of its servants.
Raising anything larger than a troll requires a great deal of concentration, which prevents the Worm Basilisk from raising them in large numbers. Only a Necromantic Basilisk is capable of this advanced necromancy.
Legend holds that Worm Basilisk Ichtaca raised hundreds of undead to fight against Ser Madalin. While Ichtaca was undoubtedly the most powerful Worm Basilisk known to Pal Tahrenor, there is no evidence to suggest she held that kind of power.
Monstrous Beast
As a large abomination, the Worm Basilisk has access to numerous tentacles and sharp fangs that it may use against its opponents. Worm Basilisks can theoretically eat their opponents alive if they can catch them and force them into their maws, but this is difficult to pull off due to their slow speed.
WEAKNESSES
Defense
Worm Basilisks, despite their impressive stature, are very much glass cannons – they can deal out quite a bit of damage, but aren't able to take much themselves. Their scales are weak, even moreso after their bodies die and they become Necromantic. A skilled warrior could probably stand up to one on his own, provided that he can avoid its undead servants and terrible worm tentacles.
Worm Basilisk Ichtaca, as usual, was the exception. Her scales were as thick as a dragon's and made her an especially formidable opponent.
Speed
Worm Basilisks are naturally very slow, so their victims can easily escape their wrath if they can avoid their vice-like tentacles.
Reproduction
If a Worm Basilisk's stomach is filled with larvae, it will be in great pain until it can regurgitate. This can often result in the Worm Basilisk blowing its cover while masquerading as another race -- the pain is simply too great to mask. Necromantic Worm Basilisks experience a great deal of mental pain instead, so even they are not immune. Even after death, Worm Basilisks are incredibly focused on reproduction, and can easily be manipulated if provided with a host for their larvae.
Stubborn
Worm Basilisks are naturally stubborn beasts. They insist on respect and refuse to interact with others if they feel their customs have been violated. Like their reproductive pains, this also lands them in trouble when they're in their mortal forms - some of their customs such as tongue-bearing are dead giveaways to their true race. Older Worm Basiisks are especially set in their ways and behave like crotchety old people when others try to change their lives.
Dulled Senses (NECROMANTIC)
A Worm Basilisk's senses fade away when it becomes Necromantic. While this may be an advantage in some ways, it permanently robs the Worm Basilisk of valuable sensations such as taste, smell, and touch. Importantly, a stealthy warrior could easily chop away at a Worm Basilisk without it realizing the danger.
LIFE CYCLE
Because of the Worm Basilisk's otherwordly nature and incredible rarity, accurately documenting its life cycle is exceptionally difficult, if not impossible; however, scientists have developed a commonly-accepted model.
REPODUCTION
Worm Basilisks are genderless beings and reproduce asexually. Once every three months, the Worm Basilisk's reproductive organ, which is linked directly to its stomach, produces hundreds of slimy, tapeworm-like larvae. The basilisk regurgitates all of its larvae into the mouth of a living host, whose body incubates the larvae and provides it with sustinence.
The host sustains the larvae for one month, at which point they rip its body apart from the inside. There is a less than a one hundreth of a percent chance that one of these larvae will begin growing into a Worm Basilisk. Those that do not continue to the next phase die a few days after leaving their host.
STAGE ONE: LARVA (1-25)
The Worm Basilisk knows that a larva will survive if it begins to grow and take on its own color. At this point, the basilisk shuns all the other larvae and devotes all its attention to its child. The basilisk's hierophant is expected to protect the child with his or her life and gather flesh for it to consume.
The larva spends most of its early life in a nest created by its parent. According to Snowmane, the nature of this nest can vary greatly depending on the Worm Basilisk's lair. He notes that Worm Basilisk Xiuhcoatl's nest was a dining hall in an old castle that its parent had taken over.
When it enters its teens, the larva becomes decidedly less worm-like and begins to resemble a large snake. When the young basilisk opens its eyes for the first time, the Worm Basilisk names it and places it in the care of its Hierophant, who is expected to raise it as his or her own child.
STAGE TWO: CHILDHOOD (25-150)
Little is known about the childhood of a Worm Basilisk. Worm Basilisk Xiuhcoatl, whose life was the basis of Snowmane's writings, never spoke with him about his early life. Worm Basilisk Xiuhcoatl did, however, tell Snowmane that if a Worm Basilisk is a village's patron, it will sometimes try to socialize its child with trustworthy families, and will usually have the town's elder or schoolmaster educate it.
Worm Basilisks begin to tap into their transformation ability at this life stage.
STAGE THREE: YOUNG ADULT (150-350)
Worm Basilisks are expected to set out on their own when they turn 150. Snowmane explains that a young Worm Basilisk must fight its parent in order to earn permission to leave. If the elder Worm Basilisk is satisfied by the battle, it will bless its child by invoking Piltzintlicoatl and send it on its way. At this point, the parent severs all ties with the child and they never meet again.
Should the young basilisk fail, it must wait ten years before trying again; if it fails twice, its parent deems it a failure and executes it. Snowmane's records indicate that while this practice has occurred in Worm Basilisk mythology and is indeed one of their laws, this has yet to actually happen.
STAGE FOUR: ADULT (350-800)
The Worm Basilisk is allowed to follow its own path for the rest of its life. Most conceal themselves in their lairs and interact only with their followers, but Snowmane notes that Worm Basilisk Xiuhcoatl would sometimes assume its humanoid form and head to distant lands to interact with other people.
Most Worm Basilisks choose an emblem based on their color scheme at some point in adulthood. Only the Worm Basilisk's followers display its emblem, and even then they use it sparingly. The only known exception to this practice is Worm Basilisk Ichtaca, whose soldiers publicly displayed its emblem on their flags and armor.
Most Worm Basilisks live close to 800 years before they die.
STAGE FIVE: NECROTIC WORM BASIILISK (DECEASED)
Death does not mean the end of a Worm Basilisk's existence, but rather the realization of its full potential.
When a Worm Basilisk dies of natural causes, its connection to the Astral Plane strengthens considerably, filling its body with dark magic. This magic reanimates the Worm Basilisk's body and prevents it from decaying. More importantly, it also allows the Worm Basilisk's mind to remain in the mortal realm. Although the Worm Basilisk's corpse does not rot, it will slowly become infested with all sorts of diseases.
It is at this point that Worm Basilisks gain access to most of their necromantic abilities, becoming far more formidible than their living counterparts. In order to maintain their strength, they must feast upon sacrifices gathered by their followers. As the Necrotic Worm Basilisk “digests” its sacrifices, an outline of the victim's face – or sometimes its whole body – may appear on one of the Worm Basilisk's numerous appendages.
Most images of Worm Basilisks depict them in this state, often surrounded by their undead thralls. The exact nature of the portrayal differs depending on the culture. Scientists suspect that most remaining Worm Basilisks are in this state, asserting that they wouldn't allow themselves to perish while they're on the brink of extinction.
Though they are technically dead, Worm Basilisks in this stage are still able to produce larvae; however, the larvae will be vulnerable to the diseases in the parent's body, making the odds of successful reproduction even slimmer.
If a Worm Basilisk dies at any point before its late adult life, it will simply cease to exist like any other race. It will also die permanently if killed as a Necrotic Worm Basilisk. Notably, Worm Basilisks may choose to resist this resurrection and die naturally.