The Strange Bestiary
Ruk biotechnology has created a number of symbiotes and parasitic organisms that attach to a living creature, but the challa host is interesting because it is the opposite. It is a host designed for a human (or similar creature) to become a parasitic symbiote within it. Essentially, the symbiote serves as a consultant, but the challa takes all actions. In return, it protects and provides nutrition for the symbiote within it.
Challa require a special nutrient paste called tillivin to live, and this ends up being a sort of currency for them.
Motive: Varies greatly, but tillivin is important
Environment (Ruk | Weird Science): Anywhere
Health: 32
Damage Inflicted: Moderate wound (6 points)
Armor: 3
Movement: Short
Modifications: Perception as level 8; Speed defense as level 5 due to size.
Combat: The challa's body offers excellent protection. In addition to its standard Armor, it has +4 to Armor against heat, cold, and general impacts (such as falling). It can even survive in a vacuum. When it attacks, it typically uses one of its three bladelike legs, although the smaller tendrils can wield most technological ranged weaponry.
The symbiote inside the challa does not need to worry about eating or breathing (the seal around the character is airtight) and is generally warm and comfortable. The symbiote can even sleep while the challa acts. However, the symbiote cannot take physical actions of any kind while inside. For example, a paradox can't use most of her revisions while inside because she has no connection to the outside. The symbiote can see out and offer suggestions, but the challa is in control.
Challa with no symbiote are lethargic and disoriented. The difficulty of all actions they take is increased by one step. Thus, sometimes they are reluctant to let a symbiote go.
Interaction: Challa are independently intelligent but communicate only through the All Song. Thus, if not in Ruk, they do not communicate at all, except with their symbiote. A challa is always in communication with its symbiote and occasionally asks for advice or input.
Use: As an ally, a challa can take a character through dangerous areas in relative safety, although the character is not in control. As a foe, a challa is a dangerous opponent that—if defeated—likely has another dangerous opponent inside it, entirely unharmed.
GM Intrusion: After suffering damage, the challa host cannot release its symbiote even if it wanted to. The character within is trapped until some means of repair can be found.