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Murmuring Worm

Huge · Aberration · CR 12 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

195 (17d12+85)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Huge

Type Aberration

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 8400

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 40 ft (12.2 m)

Climb 40 ft (12.2 m)

Burrow 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Tremorsense 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 12

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

psychic

Condition Immunities

prone

Traits

Amphibious

The worm can breathe air and water.

Locate Mind

The worm is aware of the location and relative intelligence of all creatures with Intelligence scores greater than 3 within 500 feet.

Maddening Murmurs

The worm babbles constantly. A non-aberrant creature that starts its turn within 30 feet and can hear its murmurs makes a DC 14 Intelligence saving throw. On a failure, the creature takes 10 (3d6) psychic damage and is confused until the start of its next turn.

Actions

Bite

+9 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d10+5 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 21 (3d10 + 5) piercing damage. If the target is killed by this attack the worm eats its head.

Constrict

+9 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d10+5 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 21 (3d10 + 5) bludgeoning damage. The target is grappled (escape DC 17) and restrained while grappled.

Multiattack

The worm constricts once and attacks once with its bite.

Bonus Actions

Mental Summons

One creature with an Intelligence score greater than 3 within 120 feet makes a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, it uses its reaction to move up to its Speed towards the worm by the shortest route possible, avoiding hazards but not opportunity attacks. This is a magical charm effect.

About Murmuring Worm

Murmuring Worm is a huge aberration with a Challenge Rating of 12. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 195 hit points (derived from 17d12+85).

GM Tips: Using Murmuring Worm

3 tips available

When using Murmuring Worm in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 20 ft. It can ambush from underground or escape combat by digging. Use 'Earthbind' or create difficult terrain to limit burrowing. Consider fighting in areas without soft ground.
Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 40 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 40 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.

Player Guide: Facing Murmuring Worm

3 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 20 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.
Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 40 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.
Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 40 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 12.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 16 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 15,600 XP
Hard: 23,400 XP
Deadly: 31,200 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Murmuring Worm?: Murmuring Worm has a Challenge Rating of 12, making it appropriate for parties of level 12.0.
What type of creature is Murmuring Worm?: Murmuring Worm is a Huge Aberration, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.