The Strange Bestiary
In the dark world of Singularitan, the AI that decided to wipe out humanity did so in a variety of ways, but one of the most effective was the bioengineered viruses that it unleashed. As it developed a system to use human brains to host its ever-growing processing needs, however, it required a way to distribute the viruses with greater precision. It attempted to reengineer those that hosted the Singularitar in their wetware so they were immune, but this presented various difficulties. Eventually, it decided on a more straightforward approach, creating hunter-seekers that could sense the presence of the Singularitar and attack only those that did not host the distributed intelligence. These viroids are bioengineered automatons that scour the recursion in small swarms.
Each viroid is a floating sphere about 8 inches (20 cm) across with multiple needlelike injectors for precision extermination. They attack those that have resisted the Singularitar and infect them with extremely dangerous diseases. Viroids move quickly, but their senses are not as developed as they could be.
Motive: Extermination
Environment (Singularitan | Weird Science): Anywhere
Health: 9
Damage Inflicted: Minor wound (3 points)
Movement: Long
Modifications: Speed defense as level 4 due to size; perception as level 2.
Combat: If a viroid strikes and the target fails a Might defense roll, he immediately moves one step down the damage track due to the virus he contracts. Four to six viroids can concentrate on one foe and make one attack as if they were a level 5 creature, inflicting a moderate wound (6 points), and the target must make a level 5 Might defense roll to avoid moving down the damage track. Each viroid must still be attacked individually, as normal.
Interaction: These drones are nearly mindless.
Use: Viroids are the Singularitan equivalent of a prowling wolf pack on the hunt.
GM Intrusion: The defeated viroid sprays fluid all over the character that destroyed it, requiring him to make a Might defense roll or be infected.
GM Intrusion: An infected character cannot shake the infection, even after the battle. No recovery rolls are possible until she gets significant treatment (a healing cypher, a special ability, or attention from a doctor in a modern hospital).