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Intestinal Sage — Description

Though wormfolk like to keep things simple, it does not mean their culture is lacking. Their lives can contain more than just bathing in waste pools, as they too take part in customs, rituals and beliefs. There are different roles within their villages, and even wormfolk who leave their homes to find new paths for them to slither. There is richness to their lives, though it may pale in comparison to what man does. If one is truly interested in learning the extra layers of wormfolk culture, they simply need to seek out an Intestinal Sage.
The Intestinal Sages are a vital part of any wormfolk community. Their title may suggest they are simple dispensers of wisdom, yet their role is a bit more varied. They are a fusion of elder leader, storyteller, sage and wizard, taking bits and pieces from each. Intestinal Sages are not the undisputed leaders of a village, but their words certainly carry hefty authority. They speak of wisdom, prophecy and legends, dispensing whichever is needed at the time. They carry within them the myths of their kind, going back to when they lived within the Hostia Prima. They will speak of how wormkind was born within the Intestinal Cradle, and how they lived carefree in an internal paradise. But greed and gluttony took its toll, and the wormfolk were faced with a dead host. From here, their first civilization fell to ruin, but thankfully they were able to survive. Though much of their ancient knowledge and ways were lost, the Intestinal Sages retain what fragments remain and weave new tales to fill gaps and teach lessons. Wormfolk lost one home already, there is no excuse to make the same mistake again.
Intestinal Sages are also turned to when it comes to fortune telling and magic. They are well versed in the art of haruspicy, in which the future is gleaned from the entrails of sacrificed beasts. When hunters for the village bring forth a great prize, the Intestinal Sage is called forth to cut it open and read its insides so that all may be gifted with wisdom. Scatomancy may also be used at times to divine information on one's life and health. Another way for them to gain visions, or to impart them to others, is through the creation of the hallucinogenic "Reek." Reek is made from fermented waste, often sealed within pots for weeks, then uncovered so that the potent vapors can be inhaled. Such a drug is used to glimpse prophecies or knowledge from beyond, though many humans who imbibe nowadays do it purely for the high. Though it has become profitable for wormfolk to sell these noxious jars to desperate folk seeking escapism, Intestinal Sages certainly grumble to themselves on how their art has become a toy of debauchery.
In times of conflict, Intestinal Sages are able to wield magic, calling upon the fluids of Rot (also called Effluvium). Such spells are foul and fetid things, wielding noxious gases and foul globs of waste and decay. Though few outside of wormkind would stoop to such disgusting arts (as the odor takes days to fade), there is no denying their effectiveness. Their waves and sprays of Effluvium can eat through armor and corrode weapons, while fighters struggle to attack when vomiting from vile gases. If it is possible, Intestinal Sages prefer to avoid violence, and instead aim to disarm and debilitate foes. Stripping them of their tools of war and leaving them gagging is often enough to end a battle. But if their enemies refuse to back off, even when robbed of weapons and senses, then they will sadly accept the need to kill. For outsiders, they find this pacifism odd, especially when gazing upon one cloaked in intestines and membranes. But is this hesitancy truly so bizarre? Isn't it the parasite who knows what is lost in death of another?
To the wormfolk, the intestines are the organa they associate most with. Though it is not officially recognized by the Church as one, it does not matter to them. There is no denying its purpose within the body, the crucial role it plays for god and man. Even humans see the ties between the wormfolk and this ignored organa. One need only look upon these faithful worms to see the comparison. It is said that a wormfolk coiled around one of their egg sacs serves as a perfect symbol for this organa. To show that even the lowly and foul are a part of something greater. Their image serves as a reminder that even parasites belong to this world, as we are all born from the ancient carcasses that came before us.