GULPING GASPER


CLASS: WORMBRAIN



Named for the sharp inhalation that precedes an attack, Gaspers are a family of unusual Wormbrains adapted to a largely sessile, predatory lifestyle. The typical Gasper consists of a single, enlarged platyhelminthoid parasitizing a larger outer nematoid worm, in turn rooted in the body of a shrunken Wormbrain hostling.

BIOLOGY:

While lacking the sharpened jaws and biting strength of the common or "snapping" Gasper, the Gulping Gasper possesses a more elongate and highly elastic nematoid, capable of engulfing meals that may seem several times its mass. Struggling prey is incapacitated quickly by colorful inner worm, which rasps a small hole in the victim's flesh and floods the bloodstream with concentrated insulin.

The Gulping Gasper's hostling body is slightly more mobile than that of the Common Gasper, able to drag itself at a slothlike pace and grasp rugged terrain with its surprisingly tough, wiry limbs.

BEHAVIOR: The Gulping Gasper will often wedge its hostling deep within a network of roots or hang from overhanging structures, allowing the nematoid to flare open its maw and drop itself over prey as though casting a net. It has a sly, sultry personality and may attempt to "sweet talk" or otherwise verbally manipulate prey capable of communication.

Gulping Gaspers prefer hotter, darker conditions than other Gaspers and are generally considered their more "tropical" counterparts.

APPLIANCE:

Gulping Gaspers digest prey slowly, and are used just as often for their ability to incapacitate as their ability to kill, though it can take significant bribery to retrieve a captured intruder.


TACTICAL MECHANISMS:


COLONIAL MIND: the monster's consciousness is distributed across multiple organisms, giving it immunity to mind-altering substances and psychowave attacks.

INSULIN INJECTION: the monster's tongue-like inner flatworm can inject prey with enough insulin to induce a comatose state.

ENGULF: the Gasper's nematoid body can stretch to swallow even larger prey whole.









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Contents copyright Jonathan Wojcik

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