Licid Symbiots

(Version 1.02 - Last Modified: 10/19/2003)

• History
• Appearance and Biology
• Calming Licid
• Dominating Licid
• Enraging Licid
• Leeching Licid
• Nurturing Licid
• Quickening Licid
• Transmogrifying Licid

History

Always on the look out for new symbiots and parasites, the minions of the Splugorth stumbled upon a strange creature during one of their pre-invasion surveys. The creatures came in several different varieties, but they were all natural symbiots, living off of a host creature. Immediately, the minions of the Splugorth began to investigate the creatures to see if they had any useful application that could be sold at their dimensional markets. The creatures, known as Licids by all of their hosts, were sent to several different Splugorth empires for further study, and a larger number of them were sent to Atlantis on Rifts Earth.

The Licids started as an interesting symiot to be studied, but the variety of powers that the various Licids possessed was intriguing and their practical use could not be ignored. After only a few years of studying and breeding the creatures, the Licids began to appear at the dimensional markets and were an instant success. One of the reasons for their popularity is the lack of any bad side effects from using the creatures, at least no side effects other then what the Licid was supposed to do in the first place.

Licids are an unusual category of symbiots because unlike most symbiots, not all Licids help their host and act more like a parasite then a symbiot. What distinguishes those Licids from the typical parasite is that there are no adverse side effects from attaching to one of these Licids. This makes them perfect for people that want to use them on their slaves, but do not want to damage those slaves.

Appearance and Biology

The Licids varying in size, but they all attach themselves to the top of the hosts head, although some are so large they wrap around part of the host's back as well. Licids are usually pinkish-grey in color, although there are a few variations in their coloring. Most are large enough to just cover the top of a Human-sized head with their bodies, but they are also flat, so a host could use most helmets and hats without the symbiot getting in the way.

The Splugorth have completely removed all reproductive capabilities from the Licids, and now breed them from special unaltered Licids. It is important to note that no matter what type of Licid is attached to the host, that person must feed the Licid by eating more then the usually would. Through the attachment, the Licid can access the processed food from the host in order to remain healthy, but the host must eat as much food as a typical adult Human male for the Licid alone, and this is in addition to any food that the host might require.

Calming Licid

Illustration D. Alexander Gregory. ©1995-1998 Wizards of the Coast, Inc.

As its name suggests, the Calming Licid is designed to generate calming thoughts and to prevent aggression and violence. Normally a society that loves violence, the Splugorth market the Calming Licid as a way to keep slaves in check and to keep naturally violent gladiators calm between important arena battles. The Calming Licid works by tapping into the host's mind and introducing both chemicals and psychic methods to calm aggression, violent tendencies, and anger in its host. This causes the host to be perpetually calm and peaceful, but not sedate. The host does not think any slower and the Licid does not prevent the hosts from thinking thoughts that their masters may not like, such as thoughts of escape, but the host will not be able to act or think violent thoughts. For example, a slave could plan an escape attempt, but they would be unable to think about killing their master or leading a violent riot.

Racial Statistics

• Host Type: The Calming Licid can work with any creature, from simple animals to powerful supernatural creatures.
• Host Environment: The Licid attaches to the top of the host's head or directly over their brain if the creature does not have a head.
• Alignment: Effectively anarchist
• Attributes:
  
  • I.Q.: Low Animal Intelligence, considered an IQ of 2
  • P.B.: 6
• Size: Covers a large section of the top of a Human-sized skull and has several tentacles that extend from its body and enter the host's head.
• Weight: 2 lbs (0.9 kg)
• M.D.C.: 2D6
• M.D.C. Armor Rating: 6. See Mega-Damage Properties for more details on M.D.C. Armor Ratings.
• Average Life Span: 20 years
• P.P.E.: 1D6
• Natural Abilities: Since the host is unable to think violent or aggressive thoughts, they are able to meditate very easily. The host is able to replenish ISP and PPE at an incredible rate through their enhanced meditative abilities. While active, the host will recover 2 ISP and 5 PPE per hour; while sleeping or totally relaxing, the host will recover 6 ISP and 10 PPE per hour; and while actually meditating, the host will recover 10 ISP and 18 PPE per hour and each hour of meditation will provide the body with the equivalent of 3 hours of sleep.
• Side Effects: The host cannot think any aggressive or violent thoughts. This means the host cannot attack, kill, torture, or even be angry with anyone or anything. The host can still dodge and parry, but they cannot attack or use any special actions, abilities, or spells that result in injury or could be viewed as aggressive or violent. While still not being aggressive or violent, the host will not want the Licid to be injured in any way and will protect it.
• Means of Elimination: The Licid can be commanded to detach itself from the host, but when purchased, the Licid is programmed to respond to the command of only a single being. If the Licid is placed on anyone other then the person able to detach it, then the Licid will remain attached until it is killed or ordered to detach itself by the proper person.
• Market Cost: Each Calming Licid costs 1.1 million credits.

Dominating Licid

Illustration Heather Hudson. ©1995-1998 Wizards of the Coast, Inc.

The ability to control slaves is very important, the ability to control supernatural creature is almost impossible, but this Licid makes such things possible. Although difficult, this Licid allows a person to completely dominate the will of the host. Once dominated, the host will still funciton normally, but will be unable to prevent themselves from obeying the orders of the person that the Licid has been attuned to. Only if the host is commanded to do something that is in conflict with their alignment can the host have a chance to disrupt the control the Licid has over them, and even then, the effect is only temporary.

Racial Statistics

• Host Type: The Dominating Licid can work with any creature, from simple animals to powerful supernatural creatures.
• Host Environment: The Licid attaches to the side of the host's face or directly over their brain if the creature does not have a head.
• Alignment: Effectively anarchist
• Attributes:
  
  • I.Q.: Low Animal Intelligence, considered an IQ of 2
  • P.B.: 5
• Size: Covers a large section of the side of a Human-sized skull and has several tentacles that extend from its body and enter the host's head.
• Weight: 2 lbs (0.9 kg)
• M.D.C.: 2D6
• M.D.C. Armor Rating: 6. See Mega-Damage Properties for more details on M.D.C. Armor Ratings.
• Average Life Span: 20 years
• P.P.E.: 1D6
• Natural Abilities: When the Licid is attached to a host, there is an immediate battle of wills between the two creatures. Both the host and the Licid roll 1D20 and the host can add any bonus from having a high ME attribute and the Licid adds +10 to their roll. If the host is a supernatural creature or a creature of magic, they add a bonus of +5 to their roll. if the Licid has the higher number, then the creature is dominated and the person that the Licid is attuned to can command the host indefinitely. The host's original personality still remains, but they cannot harm the Licid or the person that the Licid is attuned to, although the creature can harm anyone else unless commanded not to. if the host's roll is higher, but the Licid remains attached, then a new battle of wills begins every minute, but each time, the Licid gains a cumulative bonus of +1 to its rolls. For example, if the host has won the battle of wills four times in a row, for the next roll, the Licid would have a bonus of +13 on their roll. If the host is commanded to do something that is contrary to their alignment or do something that would result in certain or near certain death, they can make a battle of wills again, using the same rules as above, but the host gains a bonus of +5 on their roll. Also, supernatural creatures and creatures of magic automatically fight a battle of wills against the Licid every month, regardless of what their orders are.
• Side Effects: The main purpose of this Licid is to dominate the will of another creature. Its dominating abilities are described under the Natural Abilities section.
• Means of Elimination: The Licid can be commanded to detach itself from the host, but when purchased, the Licid is programmed to respond to the command of only a single being. If the Licid is placed on anyone other then the person able to detach it, then the Licid will remain attached until it is killed or ordered to detach itself by the proper person.
• Market Cost: Each Calming Licid costs 1.1 million credits.

Enraging Licid

Illustration Doug Chaffee. ©1995-1997 Wizards of the Coast, Inc.

In direct contrast to the Claming Licid, the Enraging Licid fills the host with angry, rage, and violence. The Enraging Licid is favored by gladiators and people that own gladiators, as it can give them an extra edge in physical combat. While attached to the side of the host's face, the Licid continually pumps adrenaline and waves of psychic anger into the host's body and mind, continuing the rage. Resembling a red, ugly beetle, the Enraging Licid was first provided to those that fought in the gladiator arenas, but soon the Splugorth bio-wizards discovered a market from selling these symbiots to creatures that feed off of emotions, especially violent emotions. Now, the creatures are sold wherever other symbiots are sold and they continue to be a relatively popular item.

Racial Statistics

• Host Type: The Enraging Licid can work with any creature, from simple animals to powerful supernatural creatures.
• Host Environment: The Licid attaches to the side of the host's face or directly over their brain if the creature does not have a head.
• Alignment: Effectively anarchist
• Attributes:
  
  • I.Q.: Low Animal Intelligence, considered an IQ of 2
  • P.B.: 4
• Size: Covers a large section of the side of a Human-sized skull and has several tentacles that extend from its body and enter the host's head.
• Weight: 2 lbs (0.9 kg)
• M.D.C.: 3D6
• M.D.C. Armor Rating: 6. See Mega-Damage Properties for more details on M.D.C. Armor Ratings.
• Average Life Span: 20 years
• P.P.E.: 1D4
• Natural Abilities: With all of the adrenaline and anger pouring through the host, many of the physical attributes are increased. The host becomes stronger, tougher, and more resistant to pain, and gains the following bonuses: +4 to PS, +3 to PE, +1D4x10 hit points, +2D4x10 S.D.C., +1D6x10 M.D.C. (if an M.D.C. creature), and +8 to save vs. pain.
• Side Effects: The host is constantly bombarded with angry and violent thoughts and will fly into a rage with even a small provocation. The host cannot concentrate very well and performs all skills with a penalty of -30% and it is impossible for the host to meditate. Even though sleep is possible, the host will not feel completely rested or relaxed after a night's sleep.
• Means of Elimination: The Licid can be commanded to detach itself from the host, but when purchased, the Licid is programmed to respond to the command of only a single being. If the Licid is placed on anyone other then the person able to detach it, then the Licid will remain attached until it is killed or ordered to detach itself by the proper person.
• Market Cost: Each Enraging Licid costs 800,000 credits.

Leeching Licid

Illustration Joel Biske. ©1995-1997 Wizards of the Coast, Inc.

The Leeching Licid is a PPE Vampire's dream, not only does it automatically leech PPE energy from the surrounding area, it can be used to quickly drain a target of all of its PPE and ISP. Unfortunately, the Leeching Licid is also a PPE vampire and if necessary it will suck PPE and ISP out of the host to satisfy its own needs. Even worse, the longer the Licid remains attached to the host, the more PPE it requires to be satisfied. Generally, these Licids are popular only for the first few years that the host owns them, after that, they begin to become a liability and are often removed shortly thereafter.

Racial Statistics

• Host Type: The Leeching Licid can work with any creature, from simple animals to powerful supernatural creatures.
• Host Environment: The Licid attaches to the side of the host's face or directly over their brain if the creature does not have a head.
• Alignment: Effectively anarchist
• Attributes:
  
  • I.Q.: Low Animal Intelligence, considered an IQ of 3
  • P.B.: 6
• Size: Covers a large section of the side of a Human-sized skull and has several tentacles that extend from its body and enter the host's head.
• Weight: 2 lbs (0.9 kg)
• M.D.C.: 3D6
• M.D.C. Armor Rating: 6. See Mega-Damage Properties for more details on M.D.C. Armor Ratings.
• Average Life Span: 20 years
• P.P.E.: 3D6
• Natural Abilities:
  1. Ambient Leeching:
     
     Without any conscious thought or control by the host, the Licid will leech some PPE energy out of the area around the host. On magic rich planets such as Rifts Earth and Phase World, the Licid will leech 2 points of PPE per hour. If the host is within one mile (1.6 km) of a ley line, it can leech 10 PPE per hour, if within one mile of a ley line nexus, it can leech 25 PPE per hour, and if within one mile of a super ley line nexus, it can leech 100 PPE per hour. The Licid places this leeched PPE into its own body and makes it available to the host, but it will consume all unused PPE at the end of each day, even if the amount is more then it needs to consume each day.
  2. Leeching Attack:
     
     Once per minute, the Leeching Licid can be used to drain PPE or ISP from a specific target, such as a Human or even a Dragon. Leeching PPE in this manner require the host to use one of their attacks per melee and the target must make a savings throw vs. magic spells. If the target fails their save, the Licid will leech 1D6x10 PPE or 1D4x10 ISP from the host, otherwise the Licid will leech 3D6 PPE or 1D6 ISP from the target. Energy leeched in this manner is stored within the Licid as from the Ambient Leeching ability.
• Side Effects: Initially, the Licid only requires 10 PPE per day, which it can take from the host or from its ambient leeching ability, but every month that the Licid remains attached to the host, the amount of PPE that it requires per day increases by 2 points. For example, after 3 years (or 36 months) of remaining attached to the host, the Leeching Licid will require 82 PPE per day. As an alternative, it can consume ISP, but each point of ISP only counts as half a point of PPE. First, the Licid will attempt to consume the PPE that it has leeched, but if that is not enough it will drain PPE and ISP from the host. If the host does not have enough to satisfy it, then it will drain the host's Hit Points at a rate of 1 hit point for every 5 PPE that it requires.
• Means of Elimination: Once attached, the Licid will refuse to leave its new host and will have to be surgically removed. Roll once on the Surgery Penalty Table on page 114 of Rifts World Book 2: Atlantis. In addition to the result from that table, a host that does not regenerate will have scars on their face reducing their PB attribute by -1.
• Market Cost: Each Leeching Licid costs 1.9 million credits.

Nurturing Licid

Illustration Mark Poole. ©1995-1997 Wizards of the Coast, Inc.

The Nurturing Licid is a great boon to many adventures, the Licid provides amazing healing capabilities to the host as well providing the host with all of the energy and vitamins they may require. Popular and without side effects, the Nurturing Licid is quite expensive, but the Splugorth could probably still sell them at twice their current market price.

Racial Statistics

• Host Type: The Nurturing Licid can work with any creature, from simple animals to powerful supernatural creatures.
• Host Environment: The Licid attaches to the front of the host's chest or directly over some of their vital internal organs.
• Alignment: Effectively anarchist
• Attributes:
  
  • I.Q.: Low Animal Intelligence, considered an IQ of 3
  • P.B.: 6
• Size: Covers a small section of the front of a Human-sized chest and has several tentacles that extend from its body and enter the host's body.
• Weight: 2 lbs (0.9 kg)
• M.D.C.: 2D4
• M.D.C. Armor Rating: 6. See Mega-Damage Properties for more details on M.D.C. Armor Ratings.
• Average Life Span: 20 years
• P.P.E.: 1D6
• Natural Abilities:
  1. Regeneration:
     
     The host gains amazing regenerative capabilities while the Licid is attached. The host regenerates all damage, including lost limbs and damaged internal organs, at a rate of 5 points per minute. This regenerates hit points, S.D.C., or M.D.C., depending on the host.
  2. Sustainment:
     
     With the Licid attached, the host does not need to eat or drink, and although they must still sleep, they only require half of the sleep of a normal member of their race to function normally.
• Side Effects: None
• Means of Elimination: Once attached, the Licid will refuse to leave its new host and will have to be surgically removed. Roll once on the Surgery Penalty Table on page 114 of Rifts World Book 2: Atlantis.
• Market Cost: Each Nurturing Licid costs 3.2 million credits.

Quickening Licid

Illustration Andrew Robinson. ©1995-1997 Wizards of the Coast, Inc.

Speed is very important on the battlefield or in the gladiatorial arena and this Licid provides the host with amazing speed and the ability to move at an incredible speed for a short duration, but all things have a price. In exchange for the increased speed, the host becomes to lose some of its strength and endurance. So while the host can move fast, they will no longer hit as hard as before. Popular among both adventures and gladiators, the Quickening Licid is one of the most popular of the Licids, even with its slowly crippling side effects. Just like with those that undergo the Juicer transformation, most people only look at short term gains over long term problems.

Racial Statistics

• Host Type: The Quickening Licid can work with any creature, from simple animals to powerful supernatural creatures.
• Host Environment: The Licid attaches to the top of the host's head or directly over their brain if the creature does not have a head.
• Alignment: Effectively anarchist
• Attributes:
  
  • I.Q.: Low Animal Intelligence, considered an IQ of 2
  • P.B.: 7
• Size: Covers a large section of the top of a Human-sized skull and has several tentacles that extend from its body and enter the host's head.
• Weight: 2 lbs (0.9 kg)
• M.D.C.: 3D6
• M.D.C. Armor Rating: 6. See Mega-Damage Properties for more details on M.D.C. Armor Ratings.
• Average Life Span: 20 years
• P.P.E.: 1D6
• Natural Abilities:
  1. Constant Bonuses:
     
     As long as the Quickening Licid is attached, the host gains the following bonuses: +10 to PP attribute, double Spd attribute, +2 attacks per melee, and +3 to initiative.
  2. Burst of Speed:
     
     Four times per day, the Licid can produce an enormous burst of speed in the host creating the following bonuses in addition to the bonuses that the Licid normally provides: +2D4 to PP attribute, double Spd attribute (quadrupling the host's original Spd attribute), +2 attacks per melee, +5 to initiative, and +5 to auto-dodge. The burst of speed lasts for two minutes, or eight melee rounds, and while the burst is in effect, the host's PS and PE attributes are reduced to half their current level. Also after the burst has finished, the host immediately suffers a temporary penalty of -1 to both PS and PE, which is regained at the same rate as the other temporary attribute damage.
• Side Effects: For every two hours awake, the host receives a penalty of -1 to PS and for every four hours the host receives a penalty of -1 to PE. These points are regained after the host has had a good night sleep or has mediated for the same amount of time. In addition to the daily temporary damage, every month the host has a 50% chance of permanently losing a point from PS or from PE (01 to 25 - a point of PS is lost, 26 to 50 - a point of PE is lost, and 51 to 00 - no points are lost).
• Means of Elimination: Once attached, the Licid will refuse to leave its new host and will have to be surgically removed. Roll once on the Surgery Penalty Table on page 114 of Rifts World Book 2: Atlantis.
• Market Cost: Each Quickening Licid costs 1.8 million credits.

Transmogrifying Licid

Illustration Jim Nelson. ©1995-1998 Wizards of the Coast, Inc.

The Transmogrifying Licid is quite popular among adventures that can pay its substantial cost, but it does provide a lot of benefits. While the Licid is connected, the host is transformed into a minor supernatural creature with great strength and M.D.C. skin. Unfortunately, like with all Licids, this power comes at a cost, and this time the cost is the host's increased vulnerability to magic and psionics. Also, the host can gain even more strength and power, although only at a high cost.

Racial Statistics

• Host Type: The Transmogrifying Licid can work with any creature that is not a supernatural creature or a creature of magic.
• Host Environment: The Licid attaches to the top of the host's head or directly over their brain if the creature does not have a head.
• Alignment: Effectively anarchist
• Attributes:
  
  • I.Q.: Low Animal Intelligence, considered an IQ of 2
  • P.B.: 5
• Size: Covers a large section of the top of a Human-sized skull and has several tentacles that extend from its body and enter the host's head.
• Weight: 2 lbs (0.9 kg)
• M.D.C.: 3D6
• M.D.C. Armor Rating: 6. See Mega-Damage Properties for more details on M.D.C. Armor Ratings.
• Average Life Span: 20 years
• P.P.E.: 1D4
• Natural Abilities:
  1. Supernatural Being:
     
     As long as the Transmogrifying Licid is attached, the host becomes a minor supernatural creature with M.D.C. equal to their S.D.C. and hit points combined. For example, if the host originally had 50 S.D.C. and 10 hit points, they would have 60 M.D.C. (50 + 10 = 60). Also, the Licid provides a bonus of +6 to the host's PS and PE attributes.
  2. Supernatural Strength:
     
     Four times per day, the Licid can transform the host's strength into Supernatural Strength and Supernatural Endurance, allowing the host to inflict incredible damage with each attack and be able to sustain more damage. These affects last for two minutes, or 8 melee rounds, and during that time, the host automatically fails all saving throws vs. spells or psionics.
• Side Effects: The host loses all bonuses to save vs. all types of magic and psionics from having a high attribute, although all other types of bonuses still apply and suffers an additional penalty of -2 to save vs. all types of magic and -3 to save vs. psionics.
• Means of Elimination: Once attached, the Licid will refuse to leave its new host and will have to be surgically removed. Roll once on the Surgery Penalty Table on page 114 of Rifts World Book 2: Atlantis.
• Market Cost: Each Transmogrifying Licid costs 2.4 million credits.