Paradise Worms

Sui generis - a.k.a. the Gythn Eterik

The monstrous "worms of paradise" scour the deserts and remote plains of Lume for the lost, dead, and infirm. Intimidating in size, roughly as wide as a barn, it is fortunate they rarely approach towns or densely populated areas. The ‘’Worms’’ are ritually fed by remote, nomadic tribes of the Sunfolk, who leave their sick to be devoured. This act is considered merciful, as the aforementioned tribes believe that inside the worms exists a paradise beyond description. Otherwise Paradise Worms seek prey who smell of death, or are struggling alone, away from their communities, being particularly drawn to the Undead and dying.

The exterior of these creatures - witnessed only fleetingly by aerial observers - is that of a gigantic millipede, with gaping, fibrous baleen maws that filter prey from sand. The creatures' legs are now understood to be the expelled and repurposed limbs of victims, and not natural growths. The Slenders do not know the origins of the Gythn Eterik, but surmise they originally served as waste collectors for the Deumana, patrolling the Continent for the flesh of creatures tagged for extermination.

They are instrumental in keeping the number of Undead at a minimum, and prevent the ghouls from leaving the Continent, as they effectively patrol the perimeter. It is calculated by respective slender academics that their presence significantly accelerated the recovery of the Continent following the events of the Liche Liege.

The explorer Kernak IV raised an expedition to poach one of these fabled creatures, and finally put to rest the myths surrounding their worship. It was reported by the tribe who last saw the expedition that the famed hunter has joined their kin in paradise.