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Legend
KYUSS, THE WORM THAT WALKS
Not sure of the name author or copyright (guessing WotC), any help?
Description
The Worm that Walks is a 30 foot (9 meters) tall roughly humanoid shifting mass of maggots and worms filled with the psychic imprint of a former demigod named Kyuss.
Although Kyuss has little need for modesty, it hides its gruesome form beneath a blackened and tattered cloak made from the hides of those sacrificed for its transformation. Kyuss two blazing malice filled eyes pierce forth from under its hood.
History
The true story of the being known as the Worm that Walks was a mystery to scholars, although some claimed that he was once a high priest of Orcus. The only known fact all agreed on was that the Worm that Walks was originally a demigod called Kyuss, who had lived in the ancient past as a mortal necromancer and created many aberrant undead creatures, such as the spawn of Kyuss that plagued the Underdark.
Eventually, Kyuss's wickedness made his contemporaries to exile him to the fringes of society. Rather than languishing as an outcast, he became the prophet of a wicked cult who believed in the dreaded Age of Worms. During this time Kyuss discovered the ruins of a dead civilization in an island near Maztica, known as the Wormcrawl Island by the elves of Evermeet, and claimed the site as its own, where he ruled as a god-king. In the ruins, his followers discovered ancient metal plates, which held terrible secrets but also confirmed every prophecy he had spoken.[2][5]
Through these inscriptions, Kyuss discovered how to transcend mortality at a terrible price—the lives of his congregation. On one bloody night he instructed his priests to slaughter them all, and after that Kyuss murdered the priests as well. When he was finished, he fused his essence with the foul ruins, gaining and losing his divinity in one moment. He was neither mortal nor god, and he was bound forever to the ruins. However, he was transformed into something far worse.
Some scholars believed Kyuss was related to the Far Realm-infested star Nihal. Either Kyuss was its brother or both were the same being observed from two different points in time.[6]
After the Time of Troubles, a coalition of banites, bhaalites and myrkulites uncovered ancient scrolls regarding to Kyuss, and tried to find Wormcrawl Island in hopes Kyuss would resurrect their respective gods.
Goals
Kyuss hungers for conquest and a time when he is the master, the lord, and ruler of all things. To achieve this he must usher in the last age of humans, the Age of Worms. He covets this end and the rise in power to godhood it will provide him.
Armor Class 18 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 975 (50d20 + 450; bloodied 487)
Speed 50 ft. burro 40 ft., climb 40 ft., swim 30 ft.
Saving Throws Dex +14, Con +17, Int +16, Wis +18, Cha +17
Skills Arcana +16, Athletics +17, History +16, Insight +18, Perception +18
Damage Resistances cold, poison, psychic
Damage Immunities necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical Attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned, stunned
Senses tremorsense 60 ft., truesight 240 ft., Passive Perception 28
Languages all, telepathy 600 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +8; Maneuver DC 17
Anathematic Secrecy. Kyuss can't be targeted by divination magic and is immune to any spell or effect that would alter its form, read its thoughts, or magically influence its thoughts or behavior.
Desecration Aura. Kyuss is surround by an aura of negative energy. Unless Kyuss is incapacitated, undead creatures of its choice within 120 feet of it have advantage on saving throws against features that turn undead and they gain advantage on their attacks and saving throws while in the aura.
Elder Evil (Elite Trait, 1/Rest). When Kyuss is first bloodied, all conditions and effects it is suffering end for it, all of its abilities recharge, and it can use its Elite Actions and Traits.
Eldritch Aura (Elite Trait). Any creature of Kyuss's choice and within 20 feet of Kyuss has disadvantage on d20 rolls and cannot regain hit points while within the aura.
Horrifying Attack. When Kyuss Engulfs a creature, each of the creature’s allies within 120 feet of it, and that can see the attack, must make a DC 25 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. The saving throw is made with disadvantage if the engulfed creature is reduced to 0 hit points by the attack.
Limited Magic Immunity. Kyuss is immune to cantrips and he has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects and any creature that makes a spell attack against him has disadvantage on the attack roll.
Rejuvenating Worms. If Kyuss is reduced to 0 hit points, it falls into a pile of vermin (worms, maggots, etc., use 8 swarms of insects) in the same space and that immediately attempt to escape by slithering through holes or burrowing into the earth. Any items or equipment worn or carried by Kyuss fall to ground in the area it previously occupied. Unless the swarms are destroyed, Kyuss reforms from them 24 hours later.
Siege Monster. Kyuss deals double damage to objects and structures.
Swarm Form. Kyuss can move through a space as narrow as 1 foot wide without squeezing.
Worm Spawn. When a creature dies from an attack by Kyuss, it raises at the end of Kyuss's next turn as a Spawn of Kyuss under Kyuss's control. The Spawn acts on its own initiative count directly after Kyuss's turn.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. Kyuss makes two melee attacks.
Mace of Kyuss. Melee Weapon Attack: +20 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 30 (4d8 + 12) magical bludgeoning damage or slashing damage (Kyuss's choice) plus 27 (6d8) necrotic damage and must make a DC 21 Strength saving throw or be pushed 20 feet or knocked prone, Kyuss's choice. If the Kyuss scores a critical hit, it rolls the weapon damage dice three times (12d8), instead of twice.
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 23 (4d6 + 9) bludgeoning damage plus 13 (3d8) necrotic damage and the target must make a DC 21 Strength saving throw or be grappled.
Desecration Beam (Elite Trait; Recharge 5-6). Kyuss magically creates a beam of sickly green light that is 600 feet long and 5 feet wide. Each creature in the beam must make a DC 25 Constition saving throw, taking 45 (10d8) necrotic damage and suffer the effects of a Vermin Smite attack on a failed save, or half as much necrotic damage on a successful one.
Engulf (Recharge 5-6). Kyuss can move up to 20 feet and enter the space of Large or smaller creatures, swallowing them in a mass of vermin. Each target must make a DC 25 Constitution saving throw or take 28 (6d8) magical piercing damage plus 28 (6d8) necrotic damage and blinded and restrained on a failed save. An Engulfed creature takes the same damage at the start of each of Kyuss's turns. An engulfed creature can use an action to make a DC 21 Dexterity or Strength saving throw to shake of the vermin. On a success, the creature is no longer restrained and can use its speed to leave Kyuss's space, treating its space as difficult terrain.
Spellcasting. Kyuss cast one of the following spells, using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 25, +17 to hit with spell attacks).
At will): chill touch (17th level), counterspell, dispel magic, eldritch blast (17th level), mage hand, prestidigitation, ray of enfeeblement, scrying, shield
3/day each: animate dead, bestow curse, blight, cone of cold, raise dead, vampiric touch
2/day each: antilife shell, create undead, harm, scrying
1/day each: disintegrate, finger of death, horrid wilting, inescable malady
Summon Scion (Elite Action; 1/Day). Kyuss summons a Scion of Kyuss to an unoccupied area Kyuss can see within 120 feet of it.
BONUS ACTIONS
Worm Smite (Recharge 5-6). When Kyuss hits a creature with a Slam attack, the target must make a DC 25 Dexterity saving throw or become covered in ravenous worms. While covered in worms, the creature's takes 18 (4d8) magical piercing damage at the start of each of its turns and cannot take reactions or cast or concentrate on spells. The creature can use an action to repeat the saving throw to shake of the worms, removing them on a success.
REACTIONS
In addition to its normal reaction, Kyuss can spend a legendary action to take additional reactions.
Counterspell. Kyuss interrupts the casting of a spell he can see being cast within 60 feet of him, causing the spell to fail.
Shield. If Kyuss would be hit by an attack or is the target of the magic missile spell, he conjures a magical barrier and gains a +5 bonus to his AC until the start of his next turn. Additionally, he takes no damage from the magic missile spell.
Vile Worms. If a creature ends its turn grappled by Kyuss, it must make a DC 25 Constitution saving throw, taking 18 (4d8) magical piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a success.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Kyuss can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. If Kyuss has unspent legendary actions at the end of the round, it may spend and immediately use its remaining legendary actions. Kyuss regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Command Spawn. A Spawn of Kyuss within 120 ft of Kyuss can use its reaction to move up to half its speed and make an attack on a target of Kyuss's choice.
Eldritch Recovery. Kyuss ends one negative effect currently affecting it. Kyuss can do so as long as it has at least 1 hit point, even while unconscious or incapacitated.
Slam. Kyuss makes a Slam attack.
Mace (Cost 2 Actions). Kyuss makes a Mace of Kyuss attack.
Quick Spell (Cost 2 Actions). Kyuss casts an at will spell.
Swarm Movement (Cost 2 Actions). Kyuss transforms into a swarm of vermin and can move up to twice its speed (100 feet). During this movement it can move through other creature's spaces and attack rolls targeting it have disadvantage.
Withering Ray (Elite Trait; Costs 3 Actions). A bolt of eldritch energy erupts from Kyuss to a creature Kyuss can see within 300 feet of Kyuss. The creature must make a DC 25 Constitution saving throw, taking 36 (8d8) necrotic damage and suffering one level of exhaustion (fatigue) on a failed saving throw, or half as much necrotic damage on a successful one.
Not sure of the name author or copyright (guessing WotC), any help?
Description
The Worm that Walks is a 30 foot (9 meters) tall roughly humanoid shifting mass of maggots and worms filled with the psychic imprint of a former demigod named Kyuss.
Although Kyuss has little need for modesty, it hides its gruesome form beneath a blackened and tattered cloak made from the hides of those sacrificed for its transformation. Kyuss two blazing malice filled eyes pierce forth from under its hood.
History
The true story of the being known as the Worm that Walks was a mystery to scholars, although some claimed that he was once a high priest of Orcus. The only known fact all agreed on was that the Worm that Walks was originally a demigod called Kyuss, who had lived in the ancient past as a mortal necromancer and created many aberrant undead creatures, such as the spawn of Kyuss that plagued the Underdark.
Eventually, Kyuss's wickedness made his contemporaries to exile him to the fringes of society. Rather than languishing as an outcast, he became the prophet of a wicked cult who believed in the dreaded Age of Worms. During this time Kyuss discovered the ruins of a dead civilization in an island near Maztica, known as the Wormcrawl Island by the elves of Evermeet, and claimed the site as its own, where he ruled as a god-king. In the ruins, his followers discovered ancient metal plates, which held terrible secrets but also confirmed every prophecy he had spoken.[2][5]
Through these inscriptions, Kyuss discovered how to transcend mortality at a terrible price—the lives of his congregation. On one bloody night he instructed his priests to slaughter them all, and after that Kyuss murdered the priests as well. When he was finished, he fused his essence with the foul ruins, gaining and losing his divinity in one moment. He was neither mortal nor god, and he was bound forever to the ruins. However, he was transformed into something far worse.
Some scholars believed Kyuss was related to the Far Realm-infested star Nihal. Either Kyuss was its brother or both were the same being observed from two different points in time.[6]
After the Time of Troubles, a coalition of banites, bhaalites and myrkulites uncovered ancient scrolls regarding to Kyuss, and tried to find Wormcrawl Island in hopes Kyuss would resurrect their respective gods.
| Designer's Note |
|---|
| The Kyuss presented below is an Elite monster which is equivalent to two standard monsters. If you want to use Kyuss in the Elder Evils adventure "The Worm that Walks," you should use Kyuss without its Elite Traits & Actions and have him reach 0 Hit Points when he is bloodied. If you want to use Kyuss in the "Age of Worms" adventure path, you should Kyuss with its full compliment of Elite Traits & actions and its full Hit Points. |
Goals
Kyuss hungers for conquest and a time when he is the master, the lord, and ruler of all things. To achieve this he must usher in the last age of humans, the Age of Worms. He covets this end and the rise in power to godhood it will provide him.
| Kyuss (WIP) | Challenge 26 |
| Gargantuan elite aberration (elder evil), chaotic evil | 90,000 / 180,000 XP |
Armor Class 18 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 975 (50d20 + 450; bloodied 487)
Speed 50 ft. burro 40 ft., climb 40 ft., swim 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
| 29 (+9) | 23 (+6) | 28 (+9) | 27 (+8) | 30 (+10) | 28 (+9) |
Saving Throws Dex +14, Con +17, Int +16, Wis +18, Cha +17
Skills Arcana +16, Athletics +17, History +16, Insight +18, Perception +18
Damage Resistances cold, poison, psychic
Damage Immunities necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical Attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned, stunned
Senses tremorsense 60 ft., truesight 240 ft., Passive Perception 28
Languages all, telepathy 600 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +8; Maneuver DC 17
Anathematic Secrecy. Kyuss can't be targeted by divination magic and is immune to any spell or effect that would alter its form, read its thoughts, or magically influence its thoughts or behavior.
Desecration Aura. Kyuss is surround by an aura of negative energy. Unless Kyuss is incapacitated, undead creatures of its choice within 120 feet of it have advantage on saving throws against features that turn undead and they gain advantage on their attacks and saving throws while in the aura.
Elder Evil (Elite Trait, 1/Rest). When Kyuss is first bloodied, all conditions and effects it is suffering end for it, all of its abilities recharge, and it can use its Elite Actions and Traits.
Eldritch Aura (Elite Trait). Any creature of Kyuss's choice and within 20 feet of Kyuss has disadvantage on d20 rolls and cannot regain hit points while within the aura.
Horrifying Attack. When Kyuss Engulfs a creature, each of the creature’s allies within 120 feet of it, and that can see the attack, must make a DC 25 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. The saving throw is made with disadvantage if the engulfed creature is reduced to 0 hit points by the attack.
Limited Magic Immunity. Kyuss is immune to cantrips and he has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects and any creature that makes a spell attack against him has disadvantage on the attack roll.
Rejuvenating Worms. If Kyuss is reduced to 0 hit points, it falls into a pile of vermin (worms, maggots, etc., use 8 swarms of insects) in the same space and that immediately attempt to escape by slithering through holes or burrowing into the earth. Any items or equipment worn or carried by Kyuss fall to ground in the area it previously occupied. Unless the swarms are destroyed, Kyuss reforms from them 24 hours later.
Siege Monster. Kyuss deals double damage to objects and structures.
Swarm Form. Kyuss can move through a space as narrow as 1 foot wide without squeezing.
Worm Spawn. When a creature dies from an attack by Kyuss, it raises at the end of Kyuss's next turn as a Spawn of Kyuss under Kyuss's control. The Spawn acts on its own initiative count directly after Kyuss's turn.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. Kyuss makes two melee attacks.
Mace of Kyuss. Melee Weapon Attack: +20 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 30 (4d8 + 12) magical bludgeoning damage or slashing damage (Kyuss's choice) plus 27 (6d8) necrotic damage and must make a DC 21 Strength saving throw or be pushed 20 feet or knocked prone, Kyuss's choice. If the Kyuss scores a critical hit, it rolls the weapon damage dice three times (12d8), instead of twice.
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 23 (4d6 + 9) bludgeoning damage plus 13 (3d8) necrotic damage and the target must make a DC 21 Strength saving throw or be grappled.
Desecration Beam (Elite Trait; Recharge 5-6). Kyuss magically creates a beam of sickly green light that is 600 feet long and 5 feet wide. Each creature in the beam must make a DC 25 Constition saving throw, taking 45 (10d8) necrotic damage and suffer the effects of a Vermin Smite attack on a failed save, or half as much necrotic damage on a successful one.
Engulf (Recharge 5-6). Kyuss can move up to 20 feet and enter the space of Large or smaller creatures, swallowing them in a mass of vermin. Each target must make a DC 25 Constitution saving throw or take 28 (6d8) magical piercing damage plus 28 (6d8) necrotic damage and blinded and restrained on a failed save. An Engulfed creature takes the same damage at the start of each of Kyuss's turns. An engulfed creature can use an action to make a DC 21 Dexterity or Strength saving throw to shake of the vermin. On a success, the creature is no longer restrained and can use its speed to leave Kyuss's space, treating its space as difficult terrain.
Spellcasting. Kyuss cast one of the following spells, using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 25, +17 to hit with spell attacks).
At will): chill touch (17th level), counterspell, dispel magic, eldritch blast (17th level), mage hand, prestidigitation, ray of enfeeblement, scrying, shield
3/day each: animate dead, bestow curse, blight, cone of cold, raise dead, vampiric touch
2/day each: antilife shell, create undead, harm, scrying
1/day each: disintegrate, finger of death, horrid wilting, inescable malady
Cone of Cold (5th-level; V, S, M). A blast of magical cold erupts from the Dodkong's hand in a 60-foot cone. Creatures in the area must make a DC 20 Constitution saving throw or take 36 (8d8) cold damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one. A creature killed by this spell becomes a frozen statue until it thaws.
Disintegrate (6th-Level; S, M). The lich disintegrates a target within 60 feet. A Large or smaller nonmagical object or creation of magical force, or a 10-foot-cube section thereof, is automatically destroyed. A creature makes a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw , taking 75 (10d6 + 40) force damage on a failed save. If reduced to 0 hit points, the creature and its nonmagical gear are disintegrated, and the creature can be restored to life only with true resurrection or wish .
Eldritch Blast (Cantrip; V, S). Ranged Spell Attack. +12 to hit, range 300 ft., one to three targets. Hit. 10 (1d10 + 5) force damage per beam (4 beams).
Finger of Death (7th-level; S). The Dodkong cast the spell Finger of Death. A creature within 60 feet makes a DC 20 Constitution saving throw , taking 61 (7d8 + 30) necrotic damage on a failed saving throw or half damage on a success. A humanoid killed by this spell turns into a zombie under the lich’s control at the start of the lich’s next turn.
Horrid Wilting (8th-level; V, S, M). The Dodkong chooses a point it can see within 150 feet of it. Each creature within a 30-foot cub centered on that point must make a DC 20 Constitution saving throw, taking 54 (12d8) necrotic damage of a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Constructs and undead aren’t affected, and plants and water elementals make this saving throw with disadvantage.
Disintegrate (6th-Level; S, M). The lich disintegrates a target within 60 feet. A Large or smaller nonmagical object or creation of magical force, or a 10-foot-cube section thereof, is automatically destroyed. A creature makes a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw , taking 75 (10d6 + 40) force damage on a failed save. If reduced to 0 hit points, the creature and its nonmagical gear are disintegrated, and the creature can be restored to life only with true resurrection or wish .
Eldritch Blast (Cantrip; V, S). Ranged Spell Attack. +12 to hit, range 300 ft., one to three targets. Hit. 10 (1d10 + 5) force damage per beam (4 beams).
Finger of Death (7th-level; S). The Dodkong cast the spell Finger of Death. A creature within 60 feet makes a DC 20 Constitution saving throw , taking 61 (7d8 + 30) necrotic damage on a failed saving throw or half damage on a success. A humanoid killed by this spell turns into a zombie under the lich’s control at the start of the lich’s next turn.
Horrid Wilting (8th-level; V, S, M). The Dodkong chooses a point it can see within 150 feet of it. Each creature within a 30-foot cub centered on that point must make a DC 20 Constitution saving throw, taking 54 (12d8) necrotic damage of a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Constructs and undead aren’t affected, and plants and water elementals make this saving throw with disadvantage.
Summon Scion (Elite Action; 1/Day). Kyuss summons a Scion of Kyuss to an unoccupied area Kyuss can see within 120 feet of it.
BONUS ACTIONS
Worm Smite (Recharge 5-6). When Kyuss hits a creature with a Slam attack, the target must make a DC 25 Dexterity saving throw or become covered in ravenous worms. While covered in worms, the creature's takes 18 (4d8) magical piercing damage at the start of each of its turns and cannot take reactions or cast or concentrate on spells. The creature can use an action to repeat the saving throw to shake of the worms, removing them on a success.
REACTIONS
In addition to its normal reaction, Kyuss can spend a legendary action to take additional reactions.
Counterspell. Kyuss interrupts the casting of a spell he can see being cast within 60 feet of him, causing the spell to fail.
Shield. If Kyuss would be hit by an attack or is the target of the magic missile spell, he conjures a magical barrier and gains a +5 bonus to his AC until the start of his next turn. Additionally, he takes no damage from the magic missile spell.
Vile Worms. If a creature ends its turn grappled by Kyuss, it must make a DC 25 Constitution saving throw, taking 18 (4d8) magical piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a success.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Kyuss can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. If Kyuss has unspent legendary actions at the end of the round, it may spend and immediately use its remaining legendary actions. Kyuss regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Command Spawn. A Spawn of Kyuss within 120 ft of Kyuss can use its reaction to move up to half its speed and make an attack on a target of Kyuss's choice.
Eldritch Recovery. Kyuss ends one negative effect currently affecting it. Kyuss can do so as long as it has at least 1 hit point, even while unconscious or incapacitated.
Slam. Kyuss makes a Slam attack.
Mace (Cost 2 Actions). Kyuss makes a Mace of Kyuss attack.
Quick Spell (Cost 2 Actions). Kyuss casts an at will spell.
Swarm Movement (Cost 2 Actions). Kyuss transforms into a swarm of vermin and can move up to twice its speed (100 feet). During this movement it can move through other creature's spaces and attack rolls targeting it have disadvantage.
Withering Ray (Elite Trait; Costs 3 Actions). A bolt of eldritch energy erupts from Kyuss to a creature Kyuss can see within 300 feet of Kyuss. The creature must make a DC 25 Constitution saving throw, taking 36 (8d8) necrotic damage and suffering one level of exhaustion (fatigue) on a failed saving throw, or half as much necrotic damage on a successful one.
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