Forever ago, in a land far away, I stumbled across a Dungeons & Dragons monster that seems pretty neat. I wasn't DMing at the time, so I never used it. Now I've been DMing for a bit and I want to use it in an adventure I've been planning, but I can't for the life of me remember what it was called.
- I'm almost positive it was from 3.5 edition.
- I want to say it was a monstrous aberration, but it could've been extraplanar.
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I remember the story snippet for it saying that this monster takes up residence in caverns and caves. If it is near a town, the people in the area will start having odd dreams not long after it arrives.
I don't remember if it feeds on the dreams, or if the dreams somehow coerce the people into fulfilling some action though.
I know this is vague, and I apologize. I figured I'd ask just in case.
Best Answer
I am fairly certain you refer to a Dream Larva, from the Epic handbook.
Those are shy, cautious and solitary creatures that attempt to live hidden near small communities, in any dark inhabited spot, to feed on people's nightmares. Their mere presence in an area triggers sudden bad dreams that evolve into disturbed nightmares in whole populations; nightmares from which the larvae feeds.
It's actually a bunch of amalgamated larvae with a psionic connection, who acquired a great amount of intelligence due to the dreams and so many thoughts they consume.
They are an excellent plot device, but be cautious with using their combat stats for most parties. The challenge rating 31 tells a lot about it, but some of his abilities are ridiculous. The mere sight of it, for instance, makes the person have an instant daydream nightmare so horrifying that his mind is distorted and shattered, leading to a swift sudden death. (Save Will 43) (43 bro!)
They will usually prevent conflict, as they are best fed during peace and not combat, but they are merciless and sadistic at some points.
As a DM, your best shot is to have a worm that does not intend to enter conflict, using of his vast abilities (Say, constant telepathy 1Km radius) and dreamscape to plant fears and false convictions to drive pursuers away from him. Especially if the player levels are low, try to make it so that the party's objective is fulfilled by having the worm go away.
You can get more information at the Epic Handbook. I'm at work break right now so i cannot consult it to give you further details.