<cf. AQ for image>

FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Cold Freshwater Surface])
FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Cold Saltwater Surface], [Cold Saltwater Depths])

FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Temperate Freshwater Surface], [Temperate Freshwater Depths])
FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Temperate Saltwater Surface], [Temperate Saltwater Depths])

FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Tropical Freshwater Surface], [Tropical Freshwater Depths])
FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Tropical Saltwater Surface], [Tropical Saltwater Depths])

NO. APPEARING: 1
ARMOR CLASS: 3 (head) <NAC=?> / 5 (body)
MOVE: 18"
HIT DICE: 18 + 18
% IN LAIR: Nil
TREASURE TYPE: [SB]
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 7-28
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Swallow whole
SPECIAL DEFENSES: [SB]
INTELLIGENCE: Animal
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
SIZE: L (50' - 80' long)
LEVEL/X.P. VALUE: IX | 8550 + 25

SAVES: (4)7.8.9.8.10
<21 HD>

The verme is the largest of fish, usually inhabiting great rivers, although some venture into saltwater.
Regardless of its locale, the verme prefers warm water with an abundance of food,
such as fish, reptiles, cattle, humans, or virtually anything else. Although the verme is long, it is
flattish along its belly and wider than it is high.This enables it to Iurk on
the bottom and swim in relatively shallow water. The verme's head is
heavily scaled and very bony, thus giving it an AC of 3, while the
body is less well protected. Because the verme swallows prey whole even
that as large as a water buffalo--the stomach can contain metallic
or other items of indigestible nature (such as gems, crystal, etc.). Swallowing
occurs on any hit if prey is not more than 12 feet tall. Damage
(3d8+4) is incurred during the swallowing process. Swallowed creatures
receive 2-16 points of additional damage per round. Any swallowed
being will be dissolved in 6 rounds. The monster is able to upset
vessels of up to small galley size when hungry and seeking food. Its
thick, slime-covered scales make edged weapons useless, such attacks
inflicting but 1 point of damage per blow. Fire-based attackscause only
one-half damage to the verme, unless the attackstrikes the inside of the
mouth or somewhere internally. In the latter case, damage is at a factor
of +1 per die.

Description: The verme looks much like a giant catfish, except it has large scales and
numerous, needle-like teeth. It is pale yellow along its underside, the
flanks shading from dark brown to a mottled green and brown back.

<g=4>

Quote:
Originally Posted by BOZ
LOL nice. that would have been amusing...

how about the Verme - same question as before.

I came across the Verme in a book about East Indian folklore,
and to the best of my recolection the listing in the MMII was its first appearance,
even though i like giant fish in outdoor/underwater adventures.