Segmented (3.5e Creature Ability)

Summary::Segmented creatures are flexible, unusually long, wide, or tall creatures that do not fit in just one square.

Segmented
Unusually long creatures (particularly snakes and worms) may take up more than one section in a way which does not translate into a perfect square. This is in many ways like oblong creatures, but rather than be a solid mass, a segmented creature has a leading section, and sections which trail behind it. With segmented creatures, facing is important, even if other creatures are allowed to ignore it. As it makes its way around squares, its body trails behind, occupying places in its wake and possibly surrounding those unfortunate enough to get looped in the middle.

As with oblong creatures, segmented sections have individual hit point and AC totals, but share all other aspects of the creature. If a section drops below 0 hp, that square is dead or destroyed, but typically retains structural integrity if the rest of the creature lives. Penalties for killing particular sections on the creature vary, as defined in the creature entry. Some sections may be vital and will immediately kill the whole creature. Other segements may cause a reduction in fighting abilities, mobility, or no penalty at all. The entire creature has a hit point total equal to the largest section plus 1/2 the hit points of all other sections added together.

Sections always follow the path of the leading section when possible. All these sections can provoke attacks of opportunity for movement (as normal) but opponents still only gain 1 attack of opportunity for the one instance of movement, regardless how many sections pass by in that movement.

For example, a giant worm attacks the party. It is composed of 5 Large sections in a row, with the front section acting as its lead. Damaging the back end may reduce its mobility, and damaging the middle may prevent it from constricting, while damaging the head might kill it outright. Regardless, when they reach the hp total of the entire worm (1/2 the sum of its parts), the worm is destroyed.