The term “parasitic beings” is really an umbrella under which many different creatures and entities can be grouped. Leeches are certainly parasitic beings, as are vampires and, to a certain extent, some demons. The word “parasite” is defined as a creature that feeds off of a host while contributing nothing to the host’s ongoing survival. Most such abilities are highly specialized, much like the leech’s ability to secrete a substance that prevents blood clotting. Most mundane parasites that have been cataloged by conventional science are primitive creatures, such as leeches, ticks, various other insects, and a number of plant species. There are other kinds, however, although most have not been catalogued by mainstream science.

In the past few decades, psionic phenomenon has only begun to receive proper documentation. Even as science has begun to understand psionics and its development in humanity, they have also come to realize that there exist certain creatures that live by feeding on unidentified energies generated by psychic phenomena. It’s unknown how these creatures have existed given the extremely limited number of people manifesting these abilities, though some believe the parasites may have developed in response to the increasing number of psychics.

Physical parasites are more common and far better understood than their psionic counterparts. Again, most are insects and plant species. There have been cases of far more advanced parasitic creatures, however, though these creatures have defied all attempts at ready classification. A recorded instance in Europe identified a creature that appeared to be human by all outward appearances. This creature was responsible for a rash of murders that went on for nearly six months. When apprehended, the creature was in the process of claiming another victim, feeding on certain chemicals in the brain through a retractable proboscis sheathed in the wrist. The creature was killed while being apprehended, and subsequent examinations revealed organ systems that were in no way human. Its origins and whether more like it exist remain a mystery.

Public perception, limited though it may be in some cases, holds parasites in a unique way. Natural, unthinking parasites such as leeches and ticks, while considered disgusting, are looked upon as a part of the natural order. Parasites that posses innate intelligence, however, such as the European creature described above, are almost universally reviled despite having no control over their unique dietary needs.

Typical Intelligent Physical Parasite

Reflexes 3D: brawling 5D, dodge 5D
Coordination 2D
Physique 3D: stamina 3D+2
Knowledge 2D: scholar: local haunts 5D
Perception 3D: streetwise 4D+2, survival 5D, tracking 3D+2
Presence 4D: charm 6D, con 5D+l, persuasion 4D+2
Strength Damage: 2D
Move: 6
Fate Points: 0
Character Points: 3
Body Points: 19
Wound levels: 3

Disadvantages: Achilles’ Heel (R3), cannot live for more than a few hours outside of a host or host-like environment; Hindrance: Reduced Move (R2), reduced running, jumping, and climbing Move

Advantages: Size: Small (R2), scale value 6

Special Abilities: Life Drain: Damage (R2), drains 6 Body Points/1 Wound for every 4 points over brawling attack with Restricted (R1), may only use through organ grown in host; Possession: Full (R1) with Additional Effect (R1), may cause additional organs to grow in host and provide access to other Special Abilities and Restricted (R2), must latch onto victim to take control; Skill Minimum (R1), for con, charm and persuasion

Typical Nonintelligent Psionic Parasite

Reflexes 3D: brawling 4D, contortion 4D, dodge 3D+1
Coordination 1D
Physique 2D: running 3D, stamina 3D
Knowledge 1D: navigation 3D+2
Perception 4D: hide: self-only 6D+2, search 5D, survival 5D
Presence 2D: willpower 5D
Strength Damage: 1D
Move: 2
Fate Points: 0
Character Points: 0
Body Points: 19
Wound levels: 3

Natural Abilities: camouflage (can change color to match that of host, gaining +2D to all hide: self only rolls); psionic drain (host loses 1D from Knowledge or Perception for each week parasite is attached; when either falls to zero, the victim falls into a coma; when both fall to zero, the victim dies); feeding period (after leaves host, can survive for 1 day per 1D drained from host before needing to feed again); small size (scale value 15)