Caltrop Worms

Caltrop Worms may be relatives of the real-world Burgess Shale "Hallucigenia" critters. There are two main classes of caltrop worm, the "Lesser Caltrop Worms" and their larger cousins, the Chival-de-fris, or Giant Caltrop Worm.

Lesser Caltrop Worm

Class:	Beast OR Mineral Beast
Hab:	Grasslands, woodlands
Fre:	Common
Num:	10-1,000
Lair:	90%
Size:	3-36"
Move:	Swift - for a caterpillar-like beastie
Def:	Heavy spiked armour plating; Mineral beasts are harden than most stone
Att:	Like a handful of dagger-sturdy needles
Int:	Negligible
Spec:	Rarely; Mineral Beasts may be "living jewels" in "fabulous" settings
Posns:	Dried worms used to make caltrops

Lesser Caltrop Worm

Lesser caltrop worms are indeed veritable living caltrops; however they are rolled, a row of spikes always points up. The lower spikes are used as stilt-like legs. The caltrop worm looks something like a heavily armored and spiked articulated rod.

Some castles and manor houses encourage caltrop worms in dry moats and ha-ha ditches as a defense.

Chival-de-fris or Giant Caltrop Worm

Class:	Beast OR Mineral Beast
Hab:	Desert wastes
Fre:	Rare
Num:	10-1,000
Lair:	Nomadic; 20% guarding nest
Size:	5-20 ft. diameter, 20-100' long
Move:	Roll swifter than a horse on flat, Human running speed uphill
Def:	Heavy spiked armour plating; Mineral beasts are harden than most stone
Att:	Like a battery of impaling swords
Int:	Negligible
Spec:	Rarely
Posns:	Spikes may be used as tool components, eggs = semi-precious geodes

Giant Caltrop Worm

Also called Roller Worms, these are massive cousins of the common caltrop worm. Giant caltrop worms forage about the desert or lay in wait, concealed under loose sands. When prey approaches, they leap and twist to start rolling, like a gigantic spiked rolling pin, as fast as an out-of-control wagon; downhill, they are faster than horses. Luckily, they are slower going uphill. Over rough terrain, they walk on their spines as if on short stilts.

Despite their massive size, their mouths are small; it can take them days to nibble away their catch. They guard their feasts and egg-filled nests bravely.

SEE illustrations of real Burgess Shale animals.

SEE Hallucigenia, General entry.

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Apr 4, 2006