Bloodworm

This creature appears to be a large semi-translucent worm about 15 feet long. Pale red stripes line its segmented body.

Bloodworm (CR 4)

Large Vermin
Alignment: Neutral
Initiative: +0
Senses: bloodsense 120 feet, Darkvision 60 feet, Tremorsense 60 feet; Perception +0

Speed: 20 feet, Burrow 10 feet, Swim 20 feet
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 15, touch 9, flat-footed 15 (+6 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 45 (6d8+18)
Saving Throws: Fort +8, Ref +2, Will +2
Immunity: mind-affecting effects

Offense

Melee: bite +8 (2d6+7 plus bleed)
Reach: 5 feet

Special Attacks: Bleed (1d6)

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
21 (+5)	10 (+0)	17 (+3)	-	10 (+0)	2 (-4)

Base Attack Bonus: +4
CMB +10
CMD 20 (can't be tripped)

Feats:

Skills: Swim +13

Languages:

Special Abilities

Bloodsense (Ex)

When a bloodworm bites an opponent, it secretes a pheromone that mixes with the blood and that can be detected by other bloodworms to a range of 120 ft. This functions on both land and in water.

Ecology

Environment: Temperate or Warm Coastlines or Underground
Organization: solitary or gang (2-5)
Treasure: incidental


Bloodworms are carnivorous hunters with voracious appetites, and though not aquatic by nature, prefer a diet of fish, especially smaller sharks and dolphins, shellfish, and the occasional swimmer. Hunting occurs whenever the bloodworm is hungry-day or night. A bloodworm's lair is beneath the ground, usually in soft earth near the shoreline of lakes and streams. A typical lair is at least as deep as the bloodworm is long and terminates in a large round chamber. Here the bloodworm dine on captured prey and spawn during mating season.

Bloodworms mate during the late summer months. Young are born alive and kept wet by secretions from the larger bloodworms as well as water from nearby lakes and rivers. The young do not hunt yet and are cared for by the adults. Within a few months the young are strong enough to fend for themselves and do so, going out on their own.

Bloodworms are pale and slightly pink in color. They can grow to a length of 40 feet or more, though most average about 12-15 feet long. The red stripes seen along its body are actually a combination of its bodily fluids and the fluids of recently devoured prey flowing through the creature.

A bloodworm lies in wait for its prey, most often just beneath the silt and sand near shorelines. When it detects a potential meal, the bloodworm lunges from its hiding spot, striking with its extended proboscis. Slain prey is dragged into its lair and devoured.