Parasitic Bug Masquerading As Footwear
Habitat: Forest, Grassland, Underdark; Treasure: None
Boot bugs are foot-sized, leathery creatures resembling caterpillars. Their most striking feature is a large, expandable mouth on their abdomen, which they use to envelop and attach to the limbs of their prey. Once secured, the boot bug moves in tandem with its host, feeding on them with its tiny teeth.
These parasites strike when their prey is resting, often replacing a creature’s actual boots without notice. If discovered while attached, a boot bug will deliver a swift, painful bite before fleeing. Removing one quickly but carefully reduces the risk of injury.
Despite their parasitic nature, boot bugs have been used medicinally to treat conditions like fighter’s foot and toe jelly, much like leeches in traditional medicine. For instance, one week of consistent boot bug use will completely resolve inflamed fighter’s foot, with skin returning to its normal appearance a few days later.
To avoid detection, a boot bug adjusts the texture and pressure of its form to mimic comfortable footwear. Roll once on or choose a result from the Boot Bug Comfort table to inspire the sensation it creates.
Boot Bug Comfort
1d6 | Wearing the Boot Bug Evokes A Feeling Of … |
---|---|
1 | A snug and perfect fit |
2 | Barefoot freedom |
3 | Cushioned springiness |
4 | Support and stability |
5 | Walking on clouds |
6 | Warmth and coziness |
Boot Bug Parasitism
A boot bug secretes numbing saliva, allowing it to feed unnoticed throughout the day. Over time, this slow nutrient drain leaves the host feeling unusually hungry and fatigued, requiring extra food to stay energized and induces unusual cravings. Roll once on or choose a result from the Boot Bug Cravings table to inspire the food the host is yearning for.
Boot Bug Cravings
1d8 | The Boot Bug Host is Craving … | 1d8 | The Boot Bug Host is Craving … |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Buttered popcorn | 5 | Lemon cake |
2 | Candied apples | 6 | Pumpkin pie |
3 | Fresh Strawberries | 7 | Rare steak |
4 | Fried potatoes | 8 | Turkey jerky |
Boot Bug
Tiny Aberration, Unaligned
Armor Class 11
Hit Points 12 (5d4)
Speed 20 ft., Climb 20 ft.
Initiative +1 (11)
MOD | SAVE | ||
STR | 13 | +1 | +1 |
INT | 3 | -4 | -4 |
MOD | SAVE | ||
DEX | 12 | +1 | +1 |
WIS | 10 | +0 | +0 |
MOD | SAVE | ||
CON | 11 | +0 | +0 |
CHA | 4 | -3 | -3 |
Skills Stealth +5
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 10
Languages None
CR 1/4 (XP 50; PB +2)
Traits
Damage Transfer. While attached to a creature, the boot bug takes only half the damage dealt to it (rounded down) and that creature takes the other half.
Parasitic Nature. A creature with an attached boot bug requires twice as much sustenance as normal.
Actions
Multiattack. The boot bug makes one Bite attack and uses Attach.
Bite. Melee Attack Roll: +3 to hit (with Advantage if the boot bug is attached to the target), reach 5 ft. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) Piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) Acid damage.
Attach. Strength Saving Throw: DC 12, one Medium or smaller creature the boot bug can see within 5 feet. Failure: The boot bug attaches to the target. While attached, the boot bug moves with the target and it can detach itself by spending 5 feet of its movement. A creature can use its action to make a DC 12 Strength (Athletics) check to detach the boot bug.

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Further Reading
If you’re looking for another creature that preys on those resting, take a look at the sleep leech swarm.
A pile of boot bugs might have actual boots among them, such as the boots of walking.
Imagery created with Midjourney.