Creatures known as lava worms were colossal worm-like organisms, possessing black scales and native to Brazadann, a volcanic planet situated in the Outer Rim Territories. These enormous beings, capable of reaching lengths of hundreds of meters, navigated the lava seas of their home world and served as mounts for the planet's inhabitants. When their lives drew to a close, lava worms instinctively journeyed to a specific valley to sleep and ultimately pass away. The local Brazanites revered this valley, known as the Great Worms Cemetery, considering it a site of purification.
These lava worms, native to the Outer Rim planet Brazadann and its volcanic landscapes, were protected by black scales covering their entire bodies, shielding them from the lava seas they inhabited. Juvenile worms measured a few meters in length, while adult specimens grew to several dozen meters, with the largest individuals reaching hundreds of meters. Sensory organs were located on appendages at the front of their bodies. Female worms secreted fluids that induced uncontrollable behavior in other lava worms upon inhalation. As a lava worm neared the end of its life, it would travel to a place called the Great Worms Cemetery, where it would rest and ultimately pass away. The decaying digestive fluids of the worms released powerful hypnogenic substances that caused intense hallucinations. Internally, the worms were divided into three sections: the entrance isthmus, the primary rings, and the secondary rings. The concentration of hypnogenic substances increased deeper within the worm, and these substances could not be filtered out even with a respirator.
Both the Brazanites and the Salamander Warriors utilized lava worms as mounts. The Brazanites employed four young worms to pull flame-resistant sleds across the lava seas. Harnesses were fitted around the worms' heads, enabling riders to control their sensory appendages and attach sleds. These sleds could accommodate a driver and up to three passengers. The Salamander Warriors, on the other hand, rode adult lava worms, with each warrior positioned on a saddle secured to the worm. The scales of the worms were repurposed to create thermal armor and filtering masks.
The Great Worms Cemetery held significant spiritual importance for both the Brazanites and the Salamander Warriors. Brazanite pilgrims undertook journeys to the cemetery, believing that venturing into the bowels of the deceased worms brought purification. While most pilgrims were content with meditating at the isthmus, some dared to venture further into the worms' remains. In contrast, the Salamander Warriors refrained from setting foot on the graveyard's sacred ground. They also made every effort to avoid harming the worms, even when engaged in combat with other riders who had trespassed on their territory.
To settle disputes and defend their honor, Salamander Warriors would challenge opponents to a contest called the Dance of the Worm. Each participant would mount a lava worm and be secured to the saddle with a rope to prevent falls into the lava. The worms would then be exposed to the fluids produced by female worms, causing them to become uncontrollable. The worms would then attempt to dislodge their riders, while the opponents would use bladed weapons to try and knock each other off. All attacks were permissible, with the exception of cutting the rope that prevented riders from falling into the lava. The last rider remaining on the saddle would be declared the victor.
During his time on Brazadann, the Ithorian scientist Brother Suunfuus attempted to harness the power of his Korendum crystal to create a potent energy generator. However, the crystal's immense power proved too difficult to control, leading to the destruction of Oriadann, Brazadann's twin planet. Overwhelmed by grief, Suunfuus sought solace and redemption in the Great Worms Cemetery. Sometime during or after 0 ABY, a group of Rebels journeyed to Brazadann in search of Brother Suunfuus. They traversed the lava sea, navigating through Salamander Warrior territory on flame-resistant sleds pulled by lava worms. Upon reaching the cemetery, they ventured into the carcass of a massive lava worm, eventually locating a gaunt and pale Suunfuus within the secondary rings. As the group and Suunfuus attempted to leave the graveyard, they were ambushed by approximately thirty Salamander Warriors and challenged to participate in the Dance of the Worm.
Lava worms were featured in the roleplaying adventure "La légende des cristaux," authored by Christophe Debien and Patrick Bousquet for use with West End Games' Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game. This adventure was published in the seventy-sixth issue of the French magazine Casus Belli, released between July and August of 1993. The illustration of the worms was created by the artist Igor Chevalier.