Psychovore

PSYCHOVORE
A species which is found on Bromeliad, but probably not native to there. Their normal appearance is a semi-amorphous quadruped with blue-black skin about the size of a medium to small dog. They have no apparent eyes, but do have some photosensitivity in their skin, allowing them to "see", as well as sense Near IR (body heat) and their own Psi senses. The Psychovore name comes from their unusual "diet", which is to make physical contact with the brain or CNS and parasitize the neuroelectric and neurochemical energy there, killing the host. To assist in this, they are effectively boneless, with variable tension in their outer skin and internal fibers, making them fairly strong and fast moving. They can grip to surfaces and their "limbs" can sub-divide up to the nanoscale level like fractal digits - a capability beyond Transhuman biology. Their limbs can even stretch and flex, giving them some surprising reach. Other internal structures are flexible and adaptable. They self-repair quickly with healing organelles which are as efficient as medichines, and their internal composition is very variable - with "storage" organelles halfway between power plants and neurons. They are also resistant to vacuum and do not need to "breathe" for their metabolism. Combined with the fact that they reproduce asexually by fission after large meals, the complex internal structure, this all around hardiness means it is highly likely Psychovores are artificial creations - some kind of alien bioweapon. Initial studies indicate they may have been on Bromeliad for upwards of 100,000 years.
Behaviorally, Psychovores are solo or small pack hunters. Their skin is chameleonic, and they can climb fast and well, so they tend to hide out of line of sight and ambush, utilizing their Psi abilities to sense even through solid material. They can also fit through or in small spaces as needed. They have a pronounced range of senses. They tend to immediately go for wherever the brain is located with a pounce or drop, but if they don't have easy access, they can grapple or even use Psi Sleights to try and stun the target, both on contact and remotely. If threatened, they will try and provoke a fear response or "disappear from perception" of observers. Psychovores are hostile to drones and synthmorphs, destructively attacking them when spotted - possibly due to their inability to sense or attack them with Psi.
Initial examinations of their structure is that they're basically all "brain" equivalent, and digesting brains of others allows them to grow new neural tissue - which is also all their other tissues, and divide or grow in strength. While they are not actively sapient, they do have animal cunning and appear to be able to "learn" by consuming animals to know their behaviors. Given their chamelonic and adaptive abilities, this gives great concern if they should ever be able to consume a large number of Transhuman brains. What might they learn about hunting us?
Threat Level: Orange
Numbers: 1-4
COG 5 COO 20 INT 15 REF 20 SAV 5 SOM 15
WIL 20 INIT 7 SPD 2 DUR 25 WT 5 DR 38
Tendril: 1d10+1 DV, AP 0, Reach, Subdual
Fractal Stab: 1d10+4 DV, AP -8
Psychic Vampire: After making a successful Subdual attack, the Psychovore can spend a Complex Action to perform a Psychic Vampire attack, which is an opposed WILx3 test. If the Psychovore succeeds, it deals 1d10/2 DV which ignores normal armor (but not Psi Armor). It will latch on until the target is dead and they are removed and deal 1d10/2 DV this way each round. The target must have a biological brain.
Fray/Armor: 50, 2/3
Perception: 40
Move: 4/20 Walker
Skills: Climbing 40, Control 40, Infiltration 40, Sense 40, Psi Assault 40, Unarmed Combat 50
Ware: Chameleon Skin, Infrared Vision, Grip Pads, Fractal Digits, Medichines, Squishbot, Vacuum Sealing
Traits: Limber (2), Small Size, Psi (2)
Psi Sleights: Agony, Confusion, Drive Emotion, Ego Sense, Extend Range
Absorption: When the Psychovore successfully makes a Psychic Vampire attack, it heals a number of DV equal to half the DV it deals with each attack. If it kills a sentient creature it gains a +10 to COG, INT and WIL for 1d10 Hours or can divide to form 1d6/2 Psychovores.
Stress Test: 1d10/2 +3

[SIDEBAR: Psychovores Of Unusual Size]
Theoretical simulations based on examinations of their physical structure and preliminary survey reports indicate there may be larger Psychovores out there - some kind of mature stage when they fail to divide - or perhaps upon many divisions. These forms are more flexible, some may even be able to walk upright or have even more multipurpose limbs. When upgrading the Size Trait of a Psychovore increase all it's Attributes by 5 (and make sure to also increase derived stats and skills appropriately). If it is Medium Size, it has a DUR of 35, if it is Large size it has a DUR of 50. Psychovores of this larger size also begin displaying more complex behaviors as they absorb knowledge and skills from victims. They can add any skill (including Knowledge skills) they like when they kill a victim, and can also copy any of their Psi Sleights. They can mimic the form and shape of other things, akin to Skinflex/Shape Adjusting wares but do not normally gain the Disguise or Impersonate skills, so their ability to pretend to be something complex (like a Transhuman) is limited. Their physical forms can also mimic any Bio or Nanoware they consume, particularly sensory and mental augmentations. The more they consume, the smarter and more adaptable they get. At a GM's discrecion they may even being displaying Psi Epsilon abilities.