[Rohan Spoilers] The <<Blank>> of Nan Mordeleb

[Glorelendil]

What if "Wereworm" is a corruption of "Werewyrm"?

[zedturtle]

Note than when Bilbo remembers his farher's advice, it is "every worm has his weak spot" so there's potential there too (though maybe Bungo was talking about garden worms).

- - -

In any case a Balrog is no big deal; it goes down like a chump to 500 XP worth of heroes.

[Glorelendil]

I envision the heroes fighting there way to the very darkest heart of Nan Mordeleb, only to discover a wizened old man...almost a halfling in height...leaning on his staff and sighing about "more visitors".

Then BOOYA he turns into a Wyrm and devours them.

[Arthadan]

I envision them as utterly repulsive and slow moving, the dragon similarity would be only regarding their "powers". Something like this creature from Heresy miniatures (minus the weapon):



They would like to torment and play cruel games on their "visitors" and they would have a soft spot for secrets and riddles. Again Glaurung is the perfect example for the sort of wicked mind-games they enjoy.

Edited: It is inclear if they can spawn weaker creatures on their own, same as dragons or Shelob, or if these creatures are the result of some kind of curse on unfortunate Men. Slow, coward and servile, fit only to serve the basic needs of his master. This would be the gross maggot men:



Since wereworms are poor fighters (they are slow and their lower body is soft), they use spies (animals, maggot men or any other creature unlucky enough to be under their influence) to learn the weak spots of anybody coming to their lair. If the visitor is weak-minded, such goblins, their voice alone will suffice to make them obbey his suggestions as orders. If the visitor is strong-willed then he will unveil his secret desire with a clever talk (unless he already know it beforehand thanks to his spies), then he will offer the very thing in exchange of a favour (a binding oath must be sworn to keep the end of the bargain or you will lost what or who you love most). Also, subtle blackmail is one of their prefered ways of interaction 8they would call that "negotiate", of course).

A desperate noble hero may find himself stealing a Great Eagle egg, so the wereworm can suck it in exchange of a magic weapon to save his village. A greedy thief may learn the location of a secret Dwarven treasure, after revealing some secrets (the treasure is cursed, have I failed to mention that when we sealed the deal?, too bad...). There would be some rumours about him, almost as old as Fangorn itself.

And he can cast a illusion on himself for a short period of time to look like a normal person (just an illusion, he can't change his real body at it will only work at night).

I think he can provide some interesting adventures....

[Falenthal]

What about the obvious link between him and Farmor Maggot, his most trustful agent in The Shire? Maybe it is also looking for the Ring?

[Arthadan]

Maggot forefather sealed a deal with the wereworm, when all Hobbits still dwelt east of the Misty Mountains, as a result he sworn the oath that his family name would be Maggot until the End of the World.


Wicked creatures they are, these Wereworms....

[Glorelendil]

Fortunately, not Hobbits have ever beheld Farmer Maggot in his true form.

And they never question his obsession with growing fungus.