Comet Wasp Swarm

Source: Alien Archive 2

CR: 12 XP: 19,200

N Diminutive vermin (swarm)

Init.: +8 Senses: blindsight (vibration) 30 ft., darkvision 60 ft. Perception: +22

Defense

HP: 200

EAC: 26 KAC: 28

Fort: +14 Ref: +16 Will: +11

Offense

Speed: 30 ft., fly 30 ft. (Su, perfect)

Melee: swarm attack (6d6 C & P plus chilling toxin)

Offensive Abilities: distraction (DC 19), implant

Statistics

Str: -2 Dex: +8 Con: +5 Wis: +0 Int: — Cha: -3

Skills: Acrobatics +22 (+30 to fly)

Ecology

Environment: any vacuum

Organization: swarm, pair, or brood (3–6)

Special Abilities

<p><b>Implant (Ex)</b> A comet wasp swarm can choose not to use its swarm attack on (and deal no damage to) a helpless or paralyzed living creature in its space. Instead of doing so, the swarm implants eggs in that creature, afflicting it with comet wasp gestation. <h3 class="framing">Chilling Toxin</h3> <b>Type </b>poison (injury); <b>Save </b>Fortitude DC 19<br/> <b>Track </b>Dexterity (special); <b>Frequency </b>1/round for 6 rounds<br/> <b>Effect </b>progression track is Healthy—Sluggish—Stiffened— Staggered—Immobile; no end state<br/> <b>Cure </b>1 save <h3 class="framing">Comet Wasp Gestation</h3> <b>Type</b> disease (injury); <b>Save </b>Fortitude DC 19<br/> <b>Track </b>physical (special); <b>Frequency </b>1/day<br/> <b>Effect </b>no latent state; the victim dies on the fifth day as a new comet wasp swarm cuts itself free<br/> <b>Cure </b></p>

Description

Even the vacuum of space has bugs. Most of these void-dwelling vermin are harmless, but some are dangerous or predatory.

Asteroid lice and planetoid beetles feed on minerals in the rock of their airless habitats. Asteroid lice are communal, but planetoid beetles are territorial, tolerating only one mate. These creatures and their eggs can float in space to a new home. However, careless quarrying and shipping have accelerated their spread through the galaxy.

Xenobiologists theorize many space vermin evolved in special circumstances. Necropedes were once centipede-like scavengers on Eox; they now have a bite that can digest undead flesh. A warpmoth is like a glowing blue-white speck attracted to moving light, such as other warpmoths or passing starships. Gathering in swarms and following ships helps the moths feed and mate. Comet wasps create nests in frozen interstellar bodies. These icy, venomous vespids lay their eggs in living creatures.