Infested

Infested bioform

First encountered by The Aesir on the Planet Xerus; the infested are parasitic lifeforms capable of hijacking their host body. It is unknown if they naturally evolved, or created by Xenos lifeforms. They are able to create larger bodies based on available organic material.

## Origin

It is currently unknown where the Infested originated. It is also unknown if they naturally evolved, or created by an advanced species. Current knowledge on the infested lifeforms suggests they are made up of multiple infested cells coined "Ineuronoma" cells They received this name due to the nature of the cells being connected to each-other by some means allowing them to communicate and work together seamlessly. This allows them to restructure organic material that they have infested into more desirable forms.

## Description

Hosts compromised by the Ineruronoma cells are asymptomatic for the first two hours. During this time the parasitic cells are hijacking and multiplying internally; usually inside one of the major organs. After this time period the host will experience various side effects ranging from: loss of sight, loss of hearing, comatose, and loss of motor function among various others

The hijacked cells will have their functions "reprogrammed" to produce more of the Ineruonoma cell. These cells are like a cancer; rapidly reproducing and infecting neighboring cells. Additionally, each Ineuronoma cell has aspects of neurons in their makeup; in turn allowing connected cells to share information and form pathways. This allows larger Infested creatures to harbor intelligence and cognizance. Infected creatures also have cells that fall under the Ineuronoma line that allows for structure; these mimic the function of bone cells and other specialized cells.

   This process happens relatively quickly, and there is no current known method to halt it. Due to the rapid rate of reproduction, many of the infested bio-forms are lumpy and misshapen; making their appearance unsettling. The only tissue that is kept relatively unharmed is the brain. Ineuronoma cells hijack brain tissue in a slightly different way; it binds itself to the pathways essentially making the host brain a "slave-mind" to the infected mass around it. Consequently, this process allows the infested bio-form to assimilate memories from the host species. This effect is more prominent in sentient species as it allows them to make use of weapons and tools that the host would have.

The SRD speculates that the infested creatures have some form of communication -perhaps in the form of pheromones or a hivemind- that allows them to cooperate and work together. SRD research records suggest Infested of sufficient mass are capable of understanding and implementing tactics; there has been accounts of infested making use of military tactics.

## Armament

Infested bio-forms are capable of mutating their appendages and body to form weapons; these weapons may range from primitive whips to more advanced weapons based on gathered mass.

### Flesh whip

One of the many simple weapons employed by infested bio-forms. The flesh whip is a mass of sinewy tendrils wrapped together and ending in bone line spurs. These whips are used to disable and harm prey for assimilation. While ineffective against armor, flesh whips are particularly deadly to unarmed creatures as it is mainly used to damage limbs and immobilize victims.