Carrion crawler

In-universe
subject = a
described_object = a fictional creature
category = context

Infobox D&D creature
name=Carrion crawler
alignment=Neutral
type=Aberration
subtype=
source=Monster Manual
first=
mythical=
based=
wizards_image_URL=http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/MM35_gallery/MM35_PG31.jpg

The carrion crawler is a large yellow and green wormlike aberration in the "Dungeons & Dragons" fantasy roleplaying game.

Publication history

The carrion crawler was one of the earliest creatures introduced in the D&D game.

Dungeons & Dragons (1974-1976)

The carrion crawler was introduced to the game in its first supplement, "Greyhawk" (1975). [Gygax, Gary and Robert Kuntz. "" (TSR, 1975)] It is described as a worm-shaped scavenger whose touch causes paralyzation.

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st edition (1977-1988)

The carrion crawler appears in the first edition Monster Manual (1977), [Gygax, Gary. "Monster Manual" (TSR, 1977)] where it is described as a worm-like cephalopod that scavenges in subterranean areas.

Dungeons & Dragons (1977-1999)

This edition of the D&D game included its own version of the carrion crawler, in the "Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set" (1977, 1981, 1983). [Gygax, Gary, and Dave Arneson [1974] , edited by J. Eric Holmes. "Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set" (TSR, 1977)] [Gygax, Gary, and Dave Arneson [1974] , edited by Tom Moldvay. "Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set" (TSR, 1981)] [Gygax, Gary, and Dave Arneson [1974] , edited by Frank Mentzer. "Dungeons & Dragons Set 1: Basic Rules" (TSR, 1983)] The carrion crawler was also later featured in the "Dungeons & Dragons Game" set (1991), the "Dungeons & Dragons Rules Cyclopedia" (1991), [Schend, Steven E., Jon Pickens, and Dori Warty (Editors). "Dungeons & Dragons Rules Cyclopedia" (TSR, 1991)] the "Classic Dungeons & Dragons Game" set (1994), and the "Dungeons & Dragons Adventure Game" set (1999).

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition (1989-1999)

The carrion crawler appears first in the Monstrous Compendium Volume One (1989), [Cook, David, et al. "Monstrous Compendium Volume One" (TSR, 1989)] and is reprinted in the Monstrous Manual (1993). [Stewart, Doug, ed. "Monstrous Manual" (TSR, 1993)]

The carrion crawler was detailed in "Dragon" #267 (January 2000), in the "Ecology of the Carrion Crawler". [Richards, Jonathan M. "Ecology of the Carrion Crawler: Crawlspaces, The" Dragon #267 (TSR, 2000)]

The aquatic carrion crawler appeared in "Dungeon" #79 (March 2000).

Dungeons & Dragons 3.0 edition (2000-2002)

The carrion crawler appears in the Monster Manual for this edition (2000). [Cook, Monte, Jonathan Tweet, and Skip Williams. "Monster Manual" (Wizards of the Coast, 2000)]

Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 edition (2003-2007)

The carrion crawler appears in the revised Monster Manual for this edition (2003).

Dungeons & Dragons 4th edition (2008-)

The carrion crawler appears in the Monster Manual for this edition (2008), including the enormous carrion crawler. [Mearls, Mike, Stephen Schubert, and James Wyatt. "Monster Manual" (Wizards of the Coast, 2008)]

Ecology

Carrion crawlers usually live underground, but will sometimes go to the surface for food.

A carrion crawler is akin in appearance to a three to four foot long centipede. The other striking aspect of a Carrion Crawler is that is possesses eight long tentacles protruding from the sides of its head, which allow it to stun its prey. As its name might suggest, it eats carrion, but it is known to kill live prey.

Carrion crawlers are of neutral alignment.

Carrion crawlers in other media

Carrion crawlers can be found in the Dungeons and Dragons game "", in which they play a role as an old man's companion. The player has a choice whether or not to kill the carrion crawler, to take its blood for a quest. They are also a creature in "Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil".

D&D Miniatures

The carrion crawler appears in the D&D Miniatures: Dragoneye set #41 (2004).

It also appears in the D&D Miniatures set Against the Giants: Enormous Carrion Crawler (#54).

Licensing

The carrion crawler is considered a "Product Identity" by Wizards of the Coast and as such is not released under its Open Gaming License. [cite web |url=http://www.d20srd.org/faq.htm |title=Frequently Asked Questions |accessdate=2007-02-23 |publisher=D20srd.org]

References