MONSTERS, CRYPTIDS AND SUPERNATURAL CREATURES
MONGOLIAN DEATHWORM
Olgoi-Khorkhoi
A large worm-like creature, that is said to inhabit remote regions of the western and southern Gobi desert. It remains for the most part, hidden underground and will travel, just beneath the surface, displacing the sand above and creating waves, which allow it to be detected. The creature has been estimated to be between 2-7 feet long and has a diet of mainly rodents, though nomadic tribesmen claim it will kill larger mammals, including humans, by spitting a stream of highly venomous poison over a distance or by generating a powerful electrical discharge. The tribesmen also describe how it will lay its eggs in the intestines of camels and how, on hatching, they will take on the colour of the camel's blood., The Deathworm is rarely seen, hibernating most of the year, but is known to be active during the summer months of June and July, and is most commonly seen lying on the surface just after rainfall, when the ground is wet. The Mongolians believe that touching any part of the worm will causes tremendous pain or death, therfore, whenever one is spotted lying on the surface it is avoided. Local people of the region rumour it to be drawn to the colour yellow and of its venom being so powerful , that it has the ability to even corrode metalic objects.
Physiology:
The Mongolian Death Worm is a warm blooded creature, which is reported to be between two to seven feet in length, with a body as thick as a mans arm and deep red in colour, resemblling cattle intestines. It's skin is said to serve as an exo-skeleton, which protects it from harm and although some claim it does not have a mouth, others argue the creature has one, that is able to open exceptionally wide to bear its rows of sharp, inward pointing teeth, as well as having similar pointed barbs or spines present on its tail end.
Etylmology:
Its original name (Olgoi-Khorkhoi) comes from Mongolia's nomadic tribesmen and literally means "intestine worm", not however because it lives in the intestines, but due to the fact it resembles them in appearance.
History:
The earliest known English language account of the Death Worm comes from 1922 with Asia Magazine publishng an article from zoologist Roy Chapman Andrews, whose initial mission was spurred on by the mongolian government, following a description given by the, then countries Prime-Minister.
Territory:
Mongolia, Gobi desert.
Origination:
The Deathworm although holding many supersticious connotations, is still considered an earthly creature indigenous to Mongolia. Most of the tales regarding it derive from the nomadic people of the Gobi, whom are not known for keeping written records, therfore these tales are passed down through word of mouth, making it extremely difficult to put a specific time-line to the origins of this terrifying creature.
Nature:
Nuetral, predatory. The Mongolian Death Worm is not inherently evil, but merely follows its natural instinct to kill, in order to survive. It is an elusive creature, prefering to avoid detection, but is extremely hostile and will use deadly means to protect itself if approached, with the ability to kill other creatures much larger than itself if neccessary.
Modus Operandi:
Will remain beneath the surface until within striking distance, where it will raise half of its body from the sand and inflate its upper segment until ejecting a lethal poison, spraying its victim. It also has the ability to kill up close, by emitting a powerful electric charge or by the simple act of contact with its body.
Vulnerability:
Many of the nomadic people of the Gobi desert seem to hold superstitious beliefs with regards to this elusive creature, however, it is not in fact of a supernatural origin. This would therefore leave it vulnerable to all natural forms of attack, such as bladed, blunted or projectile weapons, as well as fire, cold or chemical damage. That said any type of close quarters approach would prove to be extremely hazardous, due to its natural deffences and would for this reason require a distanced method, in the form of a firearm or likewise.