Neuronimal

Description

One of the most desired symbiotes in the known world is the Neuronimal. Extremely rare, the symbiote can be found attached to various types of helmets and looks like a set of roots that form the chinstrap. Inside of the helmet is a set of neural detectors that can determine whether brain activity is close enough for assimilation. When there is no activity nearby, the symbiote lays dormant and enters a state very similar to being in a coma. The only functions running are brain wave detectors.

When the helmet is put on, the detectors immediately determine the status of the brain and whether it is a functioning brain or not. If it is, the roots forming the chinstrap immediately burrow into the neck and work their way to the brain stem. There is no pain since some tendrils provide anesthesia to the central brain region. At this time, the symbiote starts feeding on the fluids produced by the brain during activity.

The primary benefit of this symbiotic relationship is significantly increased mental awareness and acuity. The older the symbiote, the more intelligent that the host becomes. He can remember more information, notice more minute details and work out problems significantly faster than before. In addition, he seems to have a better connection to the Path and can use the ShadowMyths cards at their full power level.

At some point, though, the host realizes that this is not a long-term solution. Because of the increased activity on the brain, it decays faster than normal. Eventually, the level of intelligence becomes normal due to the advance decay of the brain. This may happen with days or months of when the symbiote is attached.

Interaction

The hosts of the symbiote act as they normally would but exhibit much more mental capacity. When the helmet is first put on, the host will go through a period where they are arrogant and head-strong (if they weren’t already fairly intelligent). Eventually, due to their nature, they take up activities that mean a great deal to them and have very little time for other people.

Combat

Depending on the nature of the combat, most hosts with Neuranimals are good at adapting the current situation for a favorable outcome. This is through the use of making advanced weapons from the simple items around them to talking and convincing others that combat is not the way.

For those who are mages, they have a wide array of spells available to them. Also, the connection to the Path allows them to combine the ShadowMyths cards into new spells that no-one had ever encountered.