Quicksand Worm

Quicksand worms are semi-parasitic, with their feeding habits and preferred host varying by their growth stage. Initially they infect fish, in which they cause infertility by consuming egg and sperm cells. After they are excreted by the fish, they swim towards sandy waters, where they lay half-dorment until their death unless disturbed.   During dormency, quicksand worms bottom feed, relying on dead plant matter and occasional carcasses that might end up at the bottom of Nepisok bay. Quicksand worms may live in dormency for as long as 15 years.   If disturbed during dormency by a warm-blooded creature, they will infect the new host by entering their mouth.   Once inside a host’s mouth cavity, they will make their way into their esophagus and cling into its side, usually unnoticed and without causing any sort of inconvenience.   Quicksand worms that infect warm-blooded creatures feed on their host’s food; however, their excretions are a powerful anti-toxin, which can neutralize most poisons and alleviate gastric distress.

Quicksand worms are parasites and their infection is harmful to their host if the host is cold-blooded. In warm blooded hosts, however, a quicksand worm infection might be beneficial. The local Human, Dwarf and Raptoran inhabitants of the North Gulf have developed a symbiotic relationship with the molluscs, and have historically caused deliberate infections as a form of medical treatment.