The occult weapon MST3K, also known as Mystery Science Theater 3000, is a cult television series that combines science fiction, comedy, and horror elements to create a unique and entertaining experience. The show follows the adventures of a human host and his two robot sidekicks as they are forced to watch and mock a series of terrible B movies. The main idea behind MST3K is to use humor as an occult weapon against bad movies, transforming them into a source of entertainment rather than frustration..
What Hoslow’s Petal Whip excels in:
Instead, whenever a lightning worm swarm takes electricity damage, it gains a 10 foot enhancement bonus to its speeds and a temporary increase to its Dexterity score by 1d4 points. According to Hodgson, he and Oswalt emailed back and forth a bit after the Kickstarter campaign began, with Hodgson offering him a guest writing spot and then an on-camera role Oswalt s response OH MY GOD.
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Creature Codex
[Squirm is a deeply dumb variation on 1970s eco-horror. The monsters are killer earthworms, played by Glycera bloodworms in closeup shots, and they’re apparently mutated by electricity rather than toxic waste, nuclear accidents, a hole in the ozone layer, or any of the other excuses that that subgenre usually uses. Since they tear apart a small town following fallen power lines after a storm, shouldn’t such communities be attacked by worms on the regular in this universe? This is another movie that appeared on MST3K, as the second-to-last episode of the original series. The MST3K cut cuts out some of the gore and some sexual menace from the human villain, the backwoods incel Roger (who gets attacked by the worms and survives, but looks like a zombie for the third act? Bizarre). Unlike Reptilicus, I don’t think you’re missing much by sticking to the MST3K cut.]
Lightning Worm Swarm
CR 6 N Magical Beast
This cluster of worms is a lurid red and moves in unison. Each individual worm has bristles on its sides and a pair of nasty hooked jaws.
Deep in the cypress swamps, fishermen and hunters tell tales of the lightning worms. These little critters look almost identical to earthworms, but have sharp eversible jaws and can deliver a venomous nip when grabbed. Worse, they seem empowered by electricity, and often emerge following a lightning storm, hence the name. A single lightning worm can be a painful surprise, but is effectively harmless. A swarm of them, such as forms following multiple direct lightning strikes to the earth, or in the wake of magical electrical discharges, is a menace.
Lightning worm swarms fear the light, and so emerge after dark in order to feed en masse. Their bites are only mildly venomous one at a time, but can overwhelm victims with paralysis, swelling and excruciating pain. Fighting them with electrical spells is a fool’s errand, as the swarm only gets faster and more agile upon being electrocuted. These swarms are usually temporary, existing for a few days of frenzied feeding before the survivors disperse. But in areas where electrical monsters, like shocker lizards and will o wisps, are prevalent, lightning worm swarms may form permanent aggregations.
Lightning Worm Swarm CR 6
XP 2,400
N Diminutive magical beast (swarm)
Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft., Perception +0, tremorsense 30 ft.
Defense
AC 18, touch 18, flat-footed 14 (+4 size, +4 Dex)
hp 65 (10d10+10)
Fort +8, Ref +11, Will +3
Immune electricity, mind-influencing effects, swarm traits, weapon damage
Defensive Abilities electric agility; Weakness light blindness, vulnerability to area of effects
Offense
Speed 30 ft., burrow 20 ft.
Melee swarm (2d6 plus distraction and poison)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 0 ft.
Special Attacks distraction (Fort DC 16)
Statistics
Str 1, Dex 19, Con 13, Int -, Wis 10, Cha 2
Base Atk +10; CMB -; CMD 15
Ecology
Environment warm and temperate forests and marshes
Organization solitary or horde (2-20)
Treasure none
Special Abilities
Electric Agility (Su) A lightning worm swarm takes no damage from electrical effects. Instead, whenever a lightning worm swarm takes electricity damage, it gains a +10 foot enhancement bonus to its speeds and a temporary increase to its Dexterity score by 1d4 points. Further electricity damage continues to increase its Dexterity, but cannot increase its speed further. These temporary Dexterity points are lost at a rate of 1 per hour; when all points are lost, the lightning worm swarm loses its enhancement bonus to speed.
Poison (Ex) Injury—swarm; save Fort DC 16; duration 1/round for 4 rounds; effect 1d4 Dexterity damage and 1 Con damage; cure 1 save. The save DC is Constitution based.
Beauty in simplicity
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Reviews for "The Occult Weapon in MST3K: An Iconic Prop"
1. Sandra - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with "The Occult Weapon" episode of MST3K. The movie itself was already bad enough, but the commentary from the cast didn't salvage it for me. I found the jokes to be forced and lacking the usual wit and cleverness that I love about this show. It felt like they were just grasping at straws, desperately trying to make something out of a film that was beyond redemption. Overall, it was a painful experience to sit through, and I don't think I'll be revisiting this episode anytime soon.
2. John - ★★☆☆☆
As a longtime fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000, I hate to say it, but "The Occult Weapon" fell flat for me. The movie choice was already questionable, as it lacked the cheesy charm of some of their better picks. The riffing itself was also subpar, with many of the jokes feeling forced and falling flat. It's disappointing because I know how hilarious the cast can be, but this particular episode didn't showcase their talents effectively. The pacing seemed off, and the whole experience just didn't live up to my expectations as a fan.
3. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
I've been a fan of MST3K for years, but "The Occult Weapon" was a miss for me. The movie was incredibly dull, and while the cast did their best to inject humor into it, it didn't save the overall experience. The jokes felt forced and repetitive, and there were moments where the commentary dragged on without adding much value. It's a shame because I usually love their witty banter and clever observations, but this episode didn't live up to the show's usual standards. I hope they pick better movies in the future and find their stride again.