The phaerimm (also called thornbacks and magic-grubs) are a fictional species of creatures in the Forgotten Realms setting. They are malevolent and highly intelligent creatures who are natural spellcasters. Phaerimm are usually solitary creatures, living near their own kind but not socializing much. In times of war, however, they are commanded by an elite council of elders called a WarGather. The punishment for disobeying the WarGather is usually a merciless death.