Rotworms
| Rotworms | |
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 Rotworm, from Memoirs of Sir Cabirus | |
| First appearance: | Ultima V |
| Last appearance: | Ultima Underworld II |
Rotworms are scavenging invertebrates that typically congregate in swampy areas. They appear in Ultima V, Ultima VI as well as Ultima Underworld and Ultima Underworld II.
Description[edit]
Rotworms usually feed on decaying material, although they are quick to attack when they sense living flesh nearby. While these pests are fearful of fire and generally easy to dispatch with a single well-placed blow, large swarms of them have been known to overcome ill-prepared or injured warriors. It is also important to differentiate between rotworms and their venomous cousins, bloodworms, as the latter is a measurably more formidable foe and in possession a poisonous bite.
Despite their loathsome appearance and feeding habits, rotworms are edible, and a relatively palatable stew may be prepared from their meat using port and mushrooms. While imprisoned in the Abyss, the Avatar could prepare such a dish for the troll, Sethar Strongarm, who would in turn reward the hero with a set of dragon's scales.
Lore[edit]
| “ | A shriek of pain awakens us after only a few hours of sleep. Meridin utters an oath followed by two eerie sounds, and a grisly scene is revealed. The knight Geraci is standing unsteadily, slicing her dagger at six great worms that swarm around her, rearing up to strike, while deftly evading her dagger. Her left arm is held against her chest, in an attempt to staunch the flow of blood from a gaping wound. Lord British raises his staff and utters an incantation. A deep chill descends momentarily, then the six worms forget their prey and assault each other with unreasoned fury. Meridin magically draws out the worms’ poisonous venom. We quickly bind Geraci's arm, gather our gear, and resume our journey eastward along the southern wall. Only two worms remain writhing in combat as we depart. – from Journey to the Underworld (Ultima V)
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| “ | Born of the decaying detritus which carpets the swamplands, these loathsome invertebrates are more nuisance than threat — a pass of your torch across their path will usually keep them at bay. – from Compendium (Ultima VI)
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| “ | In the dank depths of the Underworld — where rot infects, corrosion ruins and corruption festers — can be found the foul nests of these loathsome worms. Should one approach close enough to be sensed by a Rotworm, the beast is sure to attack. An armored warrior has little to fear from these worms, but an ill-equipped explorer could easily be overcome by sheer numbers. – from Memoirs of Sir Cabirus (Ultima Underworld)
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| “ | The rotworm, cousin to the bloodworm, feeds on decaying organic matter, and thus has no shortage of food in the underworld. These worms will always attack when they sense flesh nearby, but are easily crushed to death with a well-aimed kick. The only danger lies in being overwhelmed by a large number of rotworms clustered around a carcass. |
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