The Overmind's Swarm - Kython Expansion

[Lestat]

What Are the Kython?

Left to right: humanoid Kython, Zerg Hydralisk, Tyranid Carnifex

The word Kython means many things to many people. To some it calls images of mutated and warped beings that inhabit the fringes of the Great Wheel, cold and isolated. To others it presents a very different image of an endless living astral fleet with flesh where metal should be darkening the skies of countless Crystal Spheres. But the story of the Kython goes deeper than the immediate. Even now there is a war for the ultimate brood master of the Kython that has raged for thousands of years with no end in sight.

The Kython are currently divided into two metatypes with warring factions vying for control of either one. The general term of Kython is usually used to either refer to the species as a whole or to refer to the humanoid mutants who are free from any hivemind. These Kython have freed themselves from the greater swarms by swearing fealty to the various Gods of the Wheel who shield their minds. The greater threat to the Wheel is generally referred to as the Swarm, a catch-all term for the militant rapidly mutating broods of ravenous beasts that tear the Great Wheel apart in search of more biomass to assimilate into the fold.

The Uplifting

The Kython we know today began as an almost insignificant species of miniature insects who lived upon the surface of a volatile ash-world who's name has been lost to time. The Syrneth, having experimented with the evolutionary paths of near sentient creatures in the past but having fallen short of their expectations instead decided that these primordial sloths who had little in the way of natural defense or intelligence would be their blank slate to create a creature who would exhibit a "purity of essence". With the labors of the Syrneth the Kython were forced to adapt and thrive on their hostile world. The Kython found shelter and nourishment through burrowing into the flesh of less vulnerable species. Feeding off the spinal fluids of their hosts, the Kython became able to merge with their victims gaining anatomical control over their captives.

As the Kython incorporated more and more host creatures into their fold, they began to assimilate the genetic processes of each species, giving their host armor piercing spines, razor-sharp limbs, and ultra dense carapaces. The Kython however were extremely selective in which species they would infect giving a purity and pedigree to their collective. In just a few short generations their host species bore almost no resemblance to their original forms, and began to resemble one ravenous, terrifying race.

The Birth of the Overmind

The Syrneth, fearful of differing egos ruining this unity intervened a second time, constructing a collective sentience for the Kython to follow, an amalgamated 'Overmind'. The Overmind coalesced into a semi-sentient being that represented the primary drives and instincts of all Kython strains. As time passed the Overmind developed the rudiments of personality and advanced intellect. The Overmind gave structure to the Kython forging a new strain to facilitate communication of its whims. These Cerebrates each had a unique objective such as "defend the Hive", "scout for potential strains", "produce more warriors", or "eradicate all life forms". Then each Cerebrate was empowered to build its own Hive cluster and meet out their agendas. The Overmind would order the Cerebrates which would order their Queens and Overlords which in turn controlled lesser strains, keeping a strict chain of command to follow. This organization propelled the Kython into becoming masters of their world seeing their planet unified in just several generations.

The Overmind however had the same burning instincts as the original Kython, and needed to expand his control beyond his humble home. Looking to the stars for something - anything - that would take them from their rock into the depths of space, an answer was found as a group of gargantuan space-faring life forms passed through the Kython's system. Knowing that another opportunity like this may never appear the Overmind lured them to their world, and assimilated them into the swarm. With even the vacuum of space now traversable and their older strains mutated to survive the journey the Overmind now extended his reach beyond the stars.

Experiment Gone Wrong

While the Syrneth knew that they had accomplished their goal, they had gone too far, too quickly. The Overmind became aware of their secretive masters, and severed the psychic link between itself and the Syrneth, masking their presence in the near infinite void. The world-ships that hovered ominously over the skies of the now abandoned planet were soon attacked by the Overmind and his swarm, unprepared for combat the researchers and noncombatants were overwhelmed. It is believed that the Syrneth were not assimilated into the Swarm for one reason or another. Some believe this means the Syrneth were physically weak while others argue that they were somehow too alien to be infected. Picking through the minds of the Syrneth the Overmind gained an intimate knowledge of evolution and proto-genetic physiology, and rapidly shaped his Swarm to meet any need it might have.

Aftermath

The attack on the Syrneth was eventually responded to, the Crystal Sphere closed and portal relay destroyed, but it was too late as living deep space probes from the Kython had already disappeared into the Astral Sea. The Overmind's swarm was locked inside for nearly 30,000 years until they were freed in the chaos of the emergence of the Aboleth. By the time the Overmind returned to the Great Wheel his forward searching party which escaped prior had long since mutated into what is known as the Tyranids. While the Overmind was a singular mind which controlled many consciousness, the Tyranids were many consciousness which created one singular mind. In the 10,000 years since the Overmind has warred with the Tyranids for dominance over the Great Wheel. His swarm has become to be known as the Zerg Swarm, which attacks swiftly and with great intent, overwhelming their enemies with speed and sheer numbers.

[Lestat]

Zerg Player Options

Overmind Alignment
The Overmind is one of the most mortal gods. Some believe it to be blasphemy to worship him at all. However, where divine right fails, raw psychic power reigns. The Overmind's body has been destroyed multiple times, but his psychic presence resides eternally in the Warp. He is not an ideological god, he is merely an eternal commander looking after his brood. To worship the Overmind isn't to join a cult, but to give your body up to the Swarm. There are no temples in his name, and he does not require worship to sustain himself. Only an Exalted is worthy enough to work for the Swarm while retaining their mind, mortals are turned to infested puppets without discourse.

Since the Overmind deals with only a handful of individuals at any given time he is often in direct contact with his followers. If there is something you can do for the Overmind it is never in question as he will outright tell you his desires. He understands discretion, and has many sleeper agents that never betray their true allegiances until the opportunity is ripe. A favored Exalted is trusted to act as they think best, but failure is viewed harshly by the Overmind. Success and results are all that matter.

Chosen Asset: Mark of The Overmind
The Overmind has recognized your strength, and has evolved you into your apex form so that you may serve him better. Your Overbeing power also gives you Armor Plating equal to your Faith, your natural weapons and weaponless unarmed attacks gain +2k0 damage and Tearing, you gain the Dark Sight trait, and you may spend Faith to heal as a free action.

Primordial Zerg [Kython, Paragon]
You descended from an ancient Zerg Brood. You move faster on creep as if you were an Overmind aligned creature, you gain Armor Plating equal to your Excellence, your natural weapons and weaponless unarmed attacks gain +2k0 damage and Tearing, you gain the Dark Sight trait, and you may spend Action Points to heal as a free action. Mutually exclusive with Kython Alpha.

Morality: The Overmind
10	Destroying biomass when assimilating it is an option.
9	Acting alone when others may better serve you.
8	Giving too much control to those with their own agendas.
7	Letting fear or pride dictate your actions.
6	Letting yourself stray from your primary objective.
5	Passing up an opportunity to evolve.
4	Not maintaining a strict chain of command.
3	Letting your plans or secrets known to the enemy.
2	Killing the last of a species the Swarm wishes to assimilate.
1	Knowingly assisting the Tyranid.

Overmind Virtue Ladder
Devotion	Bonus
7	+2 Armor Plating.
8	Your natural weapons, and weaponless unarmed attacks have their penetration increased by 4.
9	Gain +1k0 to Perception, Acrobatics, Athletics, and Stealth tests.
10	The first time each scene you take critical damage spawn a Broodling adjacent to you that takes its turn immediately after the current one has ended.

Terrain: The Creep

Creep is a living Zerg superorganism. It is a thick, slimy, viscous substance that eats at the ground beneath it, and is in turn used to nourish hive structures, larva, and certain strains. Without creep the hive can not thrive. It is primarily spread by Hatcheries, Creep Colonies, and Creep Tumors. Zerg aligned creatures move 50% faster when walking on creep, and move three times as fast if they are crawling.

[Lestat]

The Overmind's Swarm

The Zerg Swarm goes through several different phases when launching an invasion. First the area is bombarded, and an initial wave of skirmishers are let loose upon the planet's surface. Afterwards drones along with a protective contingency are sent to create frontier hives to assimilate the awaiting biomass. The Hive is protected while key Hive structures feed and grow. The Hive produces larvae which take genetic code from nearby structures and splice them into their own DNA, allowing them to mutate into any given Zerg strain available to them. The Hive continues to grow and turn biomass to creep until the entire planet is consumed.

Zerg Hive Strains

The Zerg employ a handful of strains designed to stay inside the Hive, and provide infrastructure to the rest of the Brood. They are some of the first Zerg strains seen in a new invasion along with a battalion of shocktroopers that create enough space for the workers to build the colony.

Larva

SPOILER: Click to show

Larva are the closest remaining ancestor to the original Zerg parasites first genetically tampered with by the Syrneth. Their high mutagenic plasticity, and psychic sensitivity allows them to undertake metamorphoses into a myriad of strains required by the Zerg Swarm. At first with only a Zerg Hive present they only hold the genetic information to mutate into a Drone, but as more complex and developed Hive structures begin to grow the Larva can gain access to more genetic codes. As the Larva are in a sense the Zerg itself they have been developed to survive under the harshest of conditions despite their stature.

| STR 1 | DEX 1 | CON 3 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 1 | WIL 1 |

Skills: -
Speed: 1
Size/Resilience: 1/2
Static Defense: 14
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 8/1
Feats:
Armor: Armor Plating (10, All)
Attacks: None
Abilities: -
Traits: Armor Plating (10), Crawler, Dark Sight, Mindless, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 1

Egg

SPOILER: Click to show

A Larva currently metamorphosizing into a strain necessary to the Hive's success. They surround themselves in an incredibly tough yet soft cocoon that protects the Larva in this most vulnerable state. The Larva can receive and relay psychic signals in order to keep the Swarm updated, though this serves little purpose as this stage can not be cut short safely, a Larva may terminate its own life if the Swarm requires its biomass for other purposes, but there is no reversing the mutation process.

| STR - | DEX - | CON 3 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS - | WIL 1 |

Skills: -
Speed: -
Size/Resilience: 1/2
Static Defense: 8
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 10/1
Feats: Sound Constitution x2
Armor: Armor Plating (10, All)
Attacks: None
Abilities:
   Egg - The Larva has entered its egg stage of life, and can only sit and wait for it to be over.
Traits: Armor Plating (10), Mindless, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 1

Drone, Sunken Colony, Spore Colony

SPOILER: Click to show

The Zerg Drone is the worker strain of the Zerg swarm. It collects resources from hazardous environments, metamorphosizes into Zerg Hive structures, and in an emergency defends the Hive when directly threatened. They are not usually seen on the battlefield, if they are needed for combat they are normally metamorphosized into a living defensive structure like a Sunken Colony or a Spore Colony. A swarm of defensive Drones is a force to be reckoned with however.

| STR 3 | DEX 2 | CON 2 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 2 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Brawl 1, Athletics 3, Acrobatics 2
Speed: Float (10)
Size/Resilience: 5/4
Static Defense: 12
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 6/1
Feats: -
Armor: None
Attacks: Spine (2k1 R; Melee; Brawling, Reach, Tearing, Toxic) Claw (3k2 R; Pen 8; Melee; Brawling, Tearing)
Abilities:
   Burrow - The Drone may burrow just beneath the surface as a half action. The Drone gains two extra raises to stealth while burrowed. The Drone can't perform most actions while burrowed other than unburrowing itself as another half action.
   Floater - The Drone ignores difficult terrain and effects that apply on contact with the ground. The Drone moves twice its normal speed.
   Workhorse - The Drone can heft twice the weight it normally could, and can take twice as much fatigue before falling unconscious.
Traits: Dark Sight, Mindless, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 1

Sunken Colony

SPOILER: Click to show

The Sunken Colony is a defensive structure placed in Hives that guards against intruders. Its long subterranean tentacles make short work of ground based infantry. They also assist with the spread of creep to keep Zerg forces mobile and swift.

| STR 1 | DEX 1 | CON 5 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 1 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Ballistics 3, Perception 2
Speed: -
Size/Resilience: 18/11
Static Defense: -2
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 12/1
Feats: -
Armor: Armor Plating (4, All)
Attacks: Subterranean Tentacle (75m; S/-; 3k3 R; Pen 8; Clip -; Reload -; Reliable, Tearing)
Abilities:
   Structure - This creature is unable to move.
   Anti-Ground - The Sunken Colony can only attack targets touching the ground.
Traits: Armor Plating (4), Colossal, Dark Sight, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 1

Spore Colony

SPOILER: Click to show

The Spore Colony is the guard dog, and anti-air installation of the Zerg Hive. It is tasked with both shooting down incoming air raids, and alerting the Hive to any hidden threats. They also assist with the spread of creep to keep Zerg forces mobile and swift.

| STR 1 | DEX 1 | CON 5 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 1 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Ballistics 3, Perception 5
Speed: -
Size/Resilience: 18/11
Static Defense: -2
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 12/1
Feats: -
Armor: Armor Plating (4, All)
Attacks: Seeker Spore (200m; S/-; 3k3 E; Pen 4; Clip -; Reload -; Reliable, Tearing, Toxic)
Abilities:
   Structure - This creature is unable to move.
   Anti-Air - The Spore Colony may only attack airborne targets.
   Living Sensor Suite - The Spore Colony can mimic radar, sonar, seismic, infrared, psychic, electromagnetic, and other sophisticated sensors to detect threats and anomalies. Illusion and invisibility magic or technology automatically fail against the Spore Colony.
Traits: Armor Plating (4), Colossal, Dark Sight, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 1

Hive Queen, Creep Tumor

SPOILER: Click to show

The Hive Queen is the lowest level of command structure in the Zerg Swarm excluding the Overlord. They are capable of receiving psychic signals and tactical information from as many as 100 Overlords at a time, but are slaves to the Cerebrate of their Brood. Multiple Hive Queens operate in larger colonies taking on different tasks to manage the minutiae that would distract a Cerebrate from the bigger picture. Should the Cerebrate of a Brood somehow be killed and not be replaced or reincarnated Hive Queens have been known to form small tribes of their own though most return to the Swarm willingly as they have learned there is no hope against the Overmind.

| STR 2 | DEX 1 | CON 3 | CHA 5 | FEL 3 | CMP 5 | INT 4 | WIS 4 | WIL 5 |

Skills: Academic Lore 4, Arcana 2, Common Lore 2, Forbidden Lore 5, Politics 3, Tech-Use 2, Athletics 2, Command 5, Decieve 4, Intimidation 4, Persuasion 2, Scrutiny 3, Brawl 2, Ballistics 3, Perception 4
Speed: 6
Size/Resilience: 7/7
Static Defense: 11
Mental Defense: 30
HP/Resolve: 16/10
Feats: -
Armor: Armor Plating (4, All)
Attacks: Spine (60m; S/-; 3k3 R; Pen 4; Clip -; Reload -; Reliable, Tearing, Toxic) Claw (4k2 R; Melee; Brawling, Reach, Tearing)
Abilities:
   Limited Sapience - The Hive Queen isn't Mindless, but as long as their Cerebrate lives they can not betray the Swarm.
   Inject Larva - The Hive Queen is able to inject a cocktail of stimulants into a Hatchery in order to vastly quicken its germination process. The presence of a Hive Queen ensures a larger and more competent Zerg force.
   Spawn Creep Tumor - The Hive Queen can use her mutated ovipositor to plant a Creep Tumor into the ground which expands the presence of creep. It takes a week for the Hive Queen to gestate a new Creep Tumor.
   Transfusion - The Hive Queen may spend Vitae to restore wounds to a Zerg creature within 5m as a half action through vomiting a regenerative bile.
   Vitae Regeneration - The Hive Queen regains 1 Vitae at the start of its turn.
Traits: Armor Plating (4), Dark Sight, Quadruped, Regeneration (1), Resource Stat (Vitae; 10)
Gear: -
Level: 5

Creep Tumor

SPOILER: Click to show

The Creep Tumor has only one purpose which is to turn the nutrients found in the ground to usable Creep for the colony. A Creep Tumor has enough genetic material inside of it to create one more Creep Tumor which in turn may make another creating a single chain of tumors that slowly crawl over the land covering it entirely with Creep.

| STR 1 | DEX 1 | CON 1 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 1 | WIL 1 |

Skills: -
Speed: -
Size/Resilience: 1/2
Static Defense: 14
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 4/1
Feats: -
Armor: None
Attacks: None
Abilities:
   Structure - This creature is unable to move.
   Spread Creep - The Creep Tumor provides creep in a 25m radius. This creep grows and recedes at a rate of 1m per hour.
   Create Creep Tumor - Only usable once, the Creep Tumor tunnels tentacles up to 20m and births one fresh Creep Tumor.
Traits: Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 1

[Lestat]

Zerg Ground Forces

The majority of the Zerg Swarm is focused on close quarters ground skirmishes. To meet this end there is a wide array of ground forces that allow the Zerg to take any number of strategic angles on any given battlefield.

Zergling, Baneling

SPOILER: Click to show

The Zergling is the backbone of the Overmind's Swarm. A cocktail of genes gathered from countless quadrupeds it is the most basic metamorphosis of any Larva excluding the Drone. Its metamorphosis from Larva is the shortest of all Overmind based lifeforms. Curiously Zerglings always hatch in pairs despite only one Larva entering its egg form. They have an appearance like a large dog with a wide jaw, massive teeth and claws, with two scythe like appendages protruding from its back. They are hairless like nearly all Zerg.

| STR 3 | DEX 5 | CON 2 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 2 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Brawl 3, Stealth 3, Perception 3, Athletics 3, Acrobatics 3
Speed: 16
Size/Resilience: 3/4
Static Defense: 25
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 6/1
Feats: Fleet of Foot, Swift Attack
Armor: None
Attacks: Scythe Appendage (5k2 R; Melee; Brawling, Tearing)
Abilities:
   Burrow - The Zergling may burrow just beneath the surface as a half action. The Zergling gains two extra raises to stealth while burrowed. The Zergling can't perform most actions while burrowed other than unburrowing itself as another half action.
Traits: Dark Sight, Mindless, Quadruped, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 2

Baneling

SPOILER: Click to show

In times where defensive structures and outposts negate the effectiveness of the Zergling an order to mutate is given, causing local Zerglings to morph into Banelings, a suicidal shocktrooper that blows open a path for the rest of the Swarm to exploit. As they are in essence living bombs both Zerg and foe alike steer clear of their potential blast radius.

| STR 3 | DEX 2 | CON 3 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 2 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Brawl 3, Stealth 1, Perception 2, Athletics 2, Acrobatics 1
Speed: 10
Size/Resilience: 3/2
Static Defense: 16
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 4/1
Feats: -
Armor: None
Attacks: Kamikaze (7k3 E; Pen 4; Melee; Blast 3, Brawling, Tearing, Toxic)
Abilities:
   Burrow - The Baneling may burrow just beneath the surface as a half action. The Baneling gains two extra raises to stealth while burrowed. The Baneling can't perform most actions while burrowed other than unburrowing itself as another half action.
   Kamikaze - The Baneling dies when it attempts its Kamikaze attack, and its Kamikaze blast occurs when it dies.
   Caustic Biology - The Baneling has its health and resilience reduced by half. Any level of critical damage kills the Baneling.
Traits: Dark Sight, Mindless, Quadruped, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 2

Roach, Ravager

SPOILER: Click to show

Roaches serve as hit and run ambush predators, as well as shock troopers for Zerg ground forces. Each appendage is designed primarily for tunneling which allows them to position themselves beneath a target for a surprise attack. Any debris or loose soil caught in their wounds while they dig help to scab over the injury and let their accelerated regeneration take effect. While in direct combat they spit an acidic sludge that eats through armor and can make a creature violently ill.

| STR 3 | DEX 2 | CON 4 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 2 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Ballistics 3, Brawl 3, Stealth 3, Perception 2, Athletics 3, Acrobatics 1
Speed: 10
Size/Resilience: 5/5
Static Defense: 12
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 12/1
Feats: Sound Constitution x2
Armor: Armor Plating (6, All)
Attacks: Acid Saliva (15m; S/-; 4k3 E; Pen 6; Clip -; Reload -; Reliable, Tearing, Toxic) Scythe Appendage (6k2 R; Melee; Brawling, Tearing)
Abilities:
   Burrow - The Roach may burrow just beneath the surface as a half action. The Roach gains two extra raises to stealth while burrowed. The Roach can't perform most actions while burrowed other than unburrowing itself as a half action.
   Tunneling Claws - The Roach may move at half its speed while burrowed.
   Glial Reconstitution - While burrowed the Roach's Regeneration increases to 3.
Traits: Armor Plating (6), Dark Sight, Mindless, Quadruped, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 3

Ravager

SPOILER: Click to show

Ravagers serve a purpose opposite to the Roach. While Roaches are meant to sneak behind enemy forces, or block them from engaging with the rest of the Swarm, Ravagers are mutated from Roaches when longer range and bombardment are more favorable. While most modern day plasma weaponry is volatile and dangerous the Swarm has perfected its production and use through the large volcanic structures that sit atop the Ravager. The Ravager is able to launch these volleys of plasma like a mortar down upon enemies in addition to sending focused charges through their mouth.

| STR 4 | DEX 3 | CON 3 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 2 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Ballistics 4, Brawl 4, Stealth 1, Perception 3, Athletics 3, Acrobatics 1
Speed: 14
Size/Resilience: 9/8
Static Defense: 7
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 8/1
Feats: -
Armor: Armor Plating (4, All)
Attacks: Plasma Bile (30m; S/-; 4k3 E; Pen 8; Clip -; Reload -; Reliable, Tearing) Plasma Mortar (60m; S/-; 5k5 E; Pen 8; Clip -; Reload -; Blast 3, Recharge, Reliable, Tearing) Scythe Appendage (7k2 R; Melee; Brawling, Tearing)
Abilities:
   Burrow - The Ravager may burrow just beneath the surface as a half action. The Ravager gains two extra raises to stealth while burrowed. The Ravager can't perform most actions while burrowed other than unburrowing itself as another half action.
Traits: Armor Plating (4), Dark Sight, Mindless, Quadruped, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 4

Hydralisk, Lurker

SPOILER: Click to show

Behind the Zergling the Hydralisk is one of the most iconic members of the Swarm. Despite their infamy they are a highly specialized if not simple member of the Zerg. Hydralisks are often deployed in every battlefield to provide covering fire, and to provide the normally close ranged Swarm with a defense against aerial threats, adversaries on raised battlements, and other long range snipers.

| STR 4 | DEX 2 | CON 3 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 1 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Ballistics 4, Brawl 2, Stealth 3, Perception 3, Athletics 3, Acrobatics 1
Speed: 3
Size/Resilience: 6/6
Static Defense: 13
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 8/1
Feats: -
Armor: Armor Plating (4, All)
Attacks: Spine (200m; S/-; 3k2 R; Pen 12; Clip -; Reload -; Accurate, Reliable, Tearing, Toxic) Scythe Arm (6k2 R; Pen 6; Melee; Brawling, Tearing)
Abilities:
   Burrow - The Hydralisk may burrow just beneath the surface as a half action. The Hydralisk gains two extra raises to stealth while burrowed. The Hydralisk can't perform most actions while burrowed other than unburrowing itself as another half action.
Traits: Armor Plating (4), Crawler, Dark Sight, Mindless, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 3

Lurker

SPOILER: Click to show

The Zerg's go-to anti-swarm and ambush predator, the Lurker comes from the mutated nesting form of the Hydralisk. Their large scythe like arms are primarily used for digging so they may make use of their unique spine spread which is only usable when beneath the target. Even without a direct line of sight the Lurker knows when its predator is near through the vibrations of their footsteps. Several Lurkers lying in wait together can wipe out an entire squad with a single volley of spines.

| STR 2 | DEX 2 | CON 4 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 3 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Ballistics 5, Stealth 5, Perception 5, Athletics 5
Speed: 8
Size/Resilience: 8/7
Static Defense: 11
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 10/1
Feats: -
Armor: Armor Plating (4, All)
Attacks: Ground Spines (30m; S/-; 4k4 R; Pen 4; Clip -; Reload -; Reliable, Tearing) Scythe Arm (4k2 R; Pen 4; Melee; Brawling, Tearing)
Abilities:
   Burrow - The Lurker may burrow just beneath the surface as a half action. The Lurker gains two extra raises to stealth while burrowed. The Lurker can't perform most actions while burrowed other than unburrowing itself as another half action.
   Grounded Spines - The Lurker may only use its Ground Spines while burrowed.
   Line Attack - When the Lurker uses its Ground Spines it attacks all creatures in a line starting from the Lurker to the end of it's extreme range or closer if it chooses. The line of effect has a 3m width.
Traits: Armor Plating (4), Dark Sight, Mindless, Quadruped, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 4

Swarm Host

SPOILER: Click to show

The Swarm Host is a siege unit of a kind unfamiliar to most armies. Instead of setting up outside a target site to bombard them with explosives it instead uses the large nest of Broodlings on its back to swarm a given area with a short lived army that tear apart enemy infantry and distract for the rest of the brood. While useless when not burrowed even a single Swarm Host harassing an outpost can keep the enemy on alert for weeks draining ammunition and sanity.

| STR 2 | DEX 2 | CON 4 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 4 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Brawl 1, Perception 3, Athletics 4
Speed: 8
Size/Resilience: 13/10
Static Defense: 2
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 12/1
Feats: Sound Constitution x2
Armor: Armor Plating (4, All)
Attacks: Digging Claw (2k2 R; Melee; Brawling)
Abilities:
   Root - The Swarm Host may root itself in place as a full action. The Swarm Host can't perform most actions while rooted other than unrooting itself as another full action.
   Broodling Swarm - At the beginning of the Swarm Host's turn if it is rooted two Broodlings hatch from the pods on the Swarm Host's back, and roll for initiative.
Traits: Armor Plating (4), Dark Sight, Mindless, Quadruped, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 4

Infestor

SPOILER: Click to show

Infestors are a specialty strain designed to turn the tide of battle with one well placed strike. While their ability to turn a fallen soldier against the enemy is one part of their namesake they are also able to infest others with deadly spores, or even a neural parasite which can turn friend to foe spelling doom for the enemy. They prowl just beneath the surface only showing themselves when victory is absolutely assured.

| STR 2 | DEX 2 | CON 3 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 4 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Perception 4, Stealth 3
Speed: 8
Size/Resilience: 8/8
Static Defense: 12
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 8/1
Feats: -
Armor: None
Attacks: None
Abilities:
   Burrow - The Infestor may burrow just beneath the surface as a half action. The Infestor gains two extra raises to stealth while burrowed. The Infestor can't perform most actions while burrowed other than unburrowing itself as a half action.
   Tunneling Claws - The Infestor may move at half its speed while burrowed.
   Neural Parasite - The Infestor may spend 5 Vitae as a full action to attempt to temporarily mind control a biological target within 2m through a neural parasite that is injected through a specialized appendage. Roll Constitution+Level vs the target's Static Defense. On a hit they take 1 rending wound to the head and must make a TN 25 Willpower saving throw or become a slave to the Zerg Swarm's will for one round, having their actions chosen by the Swarm. May be used while burrowed.
   Fungal Growth - The Infestor may spend 3 Vitae as a half action to release a cloud of viscous mold and fungus that is highly acidic and harmful to all matter. All creatures in a 4m radius sphere within 30m must make a Dexterity saving throw against TN 15 or be affected. Affected creatures are Immobilized and take one energy wound to the legs at the start of each of their turns where they may attempt a TN 15 Strength saving throw to end the effect.
   Infest Corpse - The Infestor may consume an intact corpse whole over one minute. The corpse is then corrupted over an hour, and is sealed inside a protective cocoon so it may be released onto the battlefield and puppeted for a short duration until it falls lifeless.
   Spawn Infested Hybrid - The Infestor may spend 1 Vitae as a half action to excrete a previously consumed humanoid. This infested creature uses the Infested Zerg Hybrid statblock, and rolls for initiative. The Infested Zerg Hybrid falls apart after 1 minute. May be used while burrowed.
   Vitae Regeneration - The Infestor regains 1 Vitae at the start of its turn. Vitae may only be spent on Infestor abilities.
Traits: Dark Sight, Mindless, Quadruped, Regeneration (1), Resource Stat (Vitae; 5)
Gear: -
Level: 5

Defiler

SPOILER: Click to show

The Defiler is the bane of all ground infantry in the Great Wheel. Their nightmarish cocktail of toxins and diseases can be set upon the battlefield quickly rendering the enemy into a writhing pile of carcasses while the clouds of vision impairing nano-organisms confound even the most modern of sensors from more than just a few feet away. The Defiler can feast upon other Zerg to replenish these stores of toxins and parasites.

| STR 2 | DEX 2 | CON 3 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 3 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Perception 4, Stealth 2
Speed: 2
Size/Resilience: 7/7
Static Defense: 11
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 8/1
Feats: -
Armor: Armor Plating (4, All)
Attacks: None
Abilities:
   Burrow - The Defiler may burrow just beneath the surface as a half action. The Defiler gains two extra raises to stealth while burrowed. The Defiler can't perform most actions while burrowed other than unburrowing itself as another half action.
   Dark Swarm - The Defiler may spend 2 Vitae as a half action to release a cloud of nano-organisms that swim through the atmosphere and muddy vision and advanced sensors. A target 4m radius sphere within 30m is filled with a thick cloud that blocks all forms of vision and detection for 1 minute. Attacks from point blank or closer range are unaffected as are attacks from Blast weapons.
   Plague - The Defiler may spend 3 Vitae as a half action to release a cloud of spores that eat through metal and flesh alike. All creatures in a 4m radius sphere within 30m must make a Constitution saving throw against TN 25 or be affected. Affected creatures are diseased and take one wound at the start of each of their turns where they may re-attempt the Con saving throw to end the Plague. Plague may also be ended early as a half action with a TN 40 Medicae test or when the disease condition is cured. Plague may not deal critical damage.
   Consume - The Defiler may strip the flesh from a nearby living and willing Zerg creature as a half action, dealing 5 wounds to it and regaining 5 Vitae.
   Vitae Regeneration - The Defiler regains 1 Vitae at the start of its turn. Vitae may only be spent on Defiler abilities.
Traits: Armor Plating (4), Crawler, Dark Sight, Mindless, Regeneration (1), Resource Stat (Vitae; 5)
Gear: -
Level: 5

Ultralisk

SPOILER: Click to show

The Ultralisk is the king of all Zerg combat forces. Towering over the battlefield they are set loose to cleave buildings in half, and crush tanks underfoot. While their feats of strength are legendary they are more known for their unwavering vitality and tenacity even being capable of surviving a nuclear explosion.

| STR 7 | DEX 3 | CON 7 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 3 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Brawl 5, Perception 4, Athletics 5
Speed: 20
Size/Resilience: 19/13
Static Defense: 9
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 40/1
Feats: Sound Constitution x4
Armor: Armor Plating (16, All)
Attacks: Kaiser Blades (9k4+15 R; Pen 12; Melee; Brawling, Tearing) Stomp (7k3+15 I; Pen 4; Melee; Brawling, Tearing)
Abilities:
   Wide Sweep - The Ultralisk's Kaiser Blades attack all objects and creatures in a 2m wide semicircle in the direction it's facing.
   Stampede - The Ultralisk may move over areas occupied by other creatures automatically if they are less than half its size, and crash through walls and obstructions if their cover AP is less than its size. When the run action is taken the Ultralisk may make a Stomp attack against any creature it passes over.
Traits: Armor Plating (16), Colossal, Dark Sight, Fear (1), Mindless, Quadruped, Regeneration (1), Unnatural Toughness
Gear: -
Level: 5

[Lestat]

Zerg Aerospace Forces

Outside of the Zerg's spaceborne strains they deploy various atmospheric flight strains that provide aerial support to the ground forces below. While it is not the Zerg's strong suit they need only take over a Crystal Sphere's ground infrastructure in order to achieve victory, with their air forces often being a mere distraction to meet that goal.

Overlord, Overseer

SPOILER: Click to show

The Overlords are the only known species to willingly allow themselves to be absorbed by the Zerg as an alternative to extinction. They are a sapient strain of Zerg that have had their free thought severely limited, using their brainpower to relay psychic orders to the rest of the Swarm. If the Cerebrate of the Overlord's brood has been somehow killed without being reincarnated the Overlord regains its mental faculties, but loses almost all control they once possessed over lesser Zerg. Without an Overlord to relay signals to them lesser Zerg turn feral.

| STR 6 | DEX 1 | CON 5 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 5 | WIL 5 |

Skills:   Forbidden Lore 1, Athletics 5, Perception 5, Command 5, Scrutiny 5
Speed: Flyer (1), Flyer (10) if Level 2
Size/Resilience: 22/13
Static Defense: 6
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 20/1
Feats: -
Armor: None
Attacks: Claw (6k1 R; Melee; Brawling)
Abilities:
   Transport - The Overlord can grab willing Zerg with its claws and place them inside its cavernous body as a half action which is pressurized and sealed against the vacuum of space. The Overlord can carry up to Size 20 worth of creatures at a time. A creature may exit the Overlord as a half action, or be forcibly removed as a half action.
   Excrete Creep - The Overlord may forgo its normal actions in order to continually expel creep from its body causing the ground beneath it to pool into a 5m radius circle of creep.
Traits: Flyer (1), Colossal, Dark Sight, Mindless, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 1-2

Overseer

SPOILER: Click to show

Overseers are mutated Overlords that are universally quicker than their original strain, and slightly smaller. They've traded their ability to carry other Zerg inside internal cavities with a wide array of natural senses serving not only as a surveillance system for the Hive, but also as an early warning system of long ranged attacks and as a form of espionage against unencrypted enemy communications.

| STR 4 | DEX 1 | CON 4 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 6 | WIL 5 |

Skills:   Forbidden Lore 1, Athletics 1, Perception 6, Command 4, Scrutiny 6
Speed: Flyer (10)
Size/Resilience: 21/13
Static Defense: 10
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 18/1
Feats: -
Armor: None
Attacks: Claw (4k1 R; Melee; Brawling)
Abilities:
   Living Sensor Suite - The Overseer can mimic radar, sonar, seismic, infrared, psychic, electromagnetic, and other sophisticated sensors to detect threats and anomalies. Illusion and invisibility magic or technology automatically fail against the Overseer.
Traits: Flyer (10), Colossal, Dark Sight, Mindless, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 3

Scourge

SPOILER: Click to show

The Scourge exist to maintain aerial superiority at all costs, being the living embodiment of a missile. They prowl the skies above searching for any opposing aircraft, and surge forward to collide with them, causing their caustic internal organs to detonate with high energy.

| STR 1 | DEX 7 | CON 1 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 1 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Brawling 5, Acrobatics 1
Speed: Flyer (16)
Size/Resilience: 6/3
Static Defense: 22
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 2/1
Feats: -
Armor: None
Attacks: Kamikaze (10k5+10 E; Pen 4; Melee; Blast 2, Brawling, Tearing)
Abilities:
   Kamikaze - The Scourge dies when it attempts its Kamikaze attack, and its Kamikaze blast occurs when it dies.
   Caustic Biology - The Scourge has its health and resilience reduced by half. Any level of critical damage kills the Scourge.
Traits: Flyer (16), Dark Sight, Mindless, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 3

Mutalisk, Guardian

SPOILER: Click to show

Mutalisk are the most common flying capable Zerg strain in the Swarm. They are tasked with meeting enemy aircraft head on, and assisting ground forces with enemy infantry. They are quite short ranged for their given task, but their high maneuverability and speed allows them to make passes mere feet above the ground. The Mutalisk before being integrated into the Swarm had made a symbiotic relationship with a large parasite species that served to bolster their immune system. Now this parasite species has been made volatile and short lived, being spat out of the host's mouth to quickly break down like a nuclear reactor eventually becoming inert and dying not before wreaking havoc on random nearby adversaries.

| STR 3 | DEX 7 | CON 4 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 1 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Ballistics 4, Perception 2, Acrobatics 4
Speed: Flyer (20)
Size/Resilience: 11/9
Static Defense: 12
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 10/1
Feats: -
Armor: None
Attacks: Glaive Wurm (75m; S/-; 6k4 R; Clip -; Reload -; Inaccurate, Reliable, Tearing)
Abilities:
   Bouncing Glaives - When a Glaive Wurm hits it bounces up to two additional times, damaging a random creature within 30m using the same attack and damage roll as the initial attack, however the first bounce deals 1/3 the damage of the initial attack, and the last bounce deals 1/3 the damage of the previous bounce. When used on a creature or object of size 15 or greater all bounces hit the same target.
   Speed Demon - When moving gains its base Flyer speed as bonus static defense. Must take a move action every turn if able, after several hours of being trapped or unable to move the Mutalisk dies.
Traits: Dark Sight, Flyer (20), Mindless, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 4

Guardian

SPOILER: Click to show

Guardians are a mutated form of Mutalisk, developed to protect Hives and Larva as well as to bombard enemy outposts from over a kilometer above ground. The Guardian is devastating in terrestrial combat against grounded targets, but is reliant upon gravity, and winds to carry their payloads making them essentially useless in air to air, or space combat.

| STR 2 | DEX 1 | CON 5 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 5 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Ballistics 5, Perception 5
Speed: Flyer (6)
Size/Resilience: 21/14
Static Defense: 7
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 12/1
Feats: -
Armor: Armor Plating (6, All)
Attacks: Acidic Spores (450m; S/-; 8k4 E; Pen 12; Clip -; Reload -; Reliable, Tearing)
Abilities:
   Bombardier - The Guardian many only attack targets at a lower elevation than itself, and only in a terrestrial atmosphere.
Traits: Armor Plating (6), Colossal, Dark Sight, Flyer (6), Mindless, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 5

Brood Lord

SPOILER: Click to show

Brood Lords have found a niche in the Zerg Swarm for their ability to nurture and house many Broodlings at a time. The Brood Lord launches the Broodlings from a height to cause mayhem in the forces below. It is evolved from the spelljammer hunting Corruptor in times where ground troops are in need of aerial support.

| STR 2 | DEX 1 | CON 6 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 5 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Ballistics 5, Perception 5
Speed: Flyer (6)
Size/Resilience: 23/15
Static Defense: 5
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 14/1
Feats: -
Armor: Armor Plating (4, All)
Attacks: Broodling Strike (450m; S/-; 4k3 R; Pen 12; Clip -; Reload -; Reliable, Tearing)
Abilities:
   Propel Broodling - Whenever the Brood Lord uses its Broodling Strike attack it hurdles a Broodling to the target. The Broodling rolls for initiative and is located wherever the attack landed.
Traits: Armor Plating (4), Colossal, Dark Sight, Flyer (6), Mindless, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 5

Brood Queen

SPOILER: Click to show

The Brood Queen governs the Swarm's production of Infested Hybrids in times of great war. While it is more advantageous in the long term to turn all enemy combatants to biomass in times of strife they must be immediately turned into a useful asset. Captives are brought to the Brood Queen like a production line as it tirelessly turns creature to horror to be set upon the battlefield once more. When threatened the Brood Queen can ensnare its pursuers in order to escape, and set Broodlings upon them to distract. Despite holding the title of Queen the Brood Queen has no true administrative duties.

| STR 2 | DEX 4 | CON 4 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 4 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Ballistics 5, Perception 4
Speed: 6, Flyer (12)
Size/Resilience: 7/7
Static Defense: 20
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 10/1
Feats: -
Armor: None
Attacks: None
Abilities:
   Ensnare - The Brood Queen may spend 3 Vitae as a half action to release a viscous green slime that binds creatures in place. Creatures in a 6m radius sphere within 60m must make a TN 25 Dexterity saving throw or become Restrained on a random location, or automatically restrained by the legs if the test is failed by 2 checks or more. Creatures may attempt to escape the Ensnare afterwards as a TN 25 Strength or Dexterity saving throw as a half action once per turn.
   Parasite - The Brood Queen may spend 1 Vitae as a half action to send a miniscule parasite through the air to attach to a creature or object. A TN 50 Medicae or Perception test is required to notice the parasite. The parasite sends a psychic signal to the Swarm alerting them of any actions or conversations that take place in a 2m radius.
   Spawn Broodlings - The Brood Queen may spend 4 Vitae to launch a pair of Broodlings through the air at a given target. Make a Ballistics attack roll with a weapon profile of (200m; S/-; 7k5 R; Clip -; Reload -; Reliable, Tearing). If the attack hits the two Broodlings roll for initiative tunneling out of the target's flesh.
   Infest - The Brood Queen may infest a helpless non-exalted creature as an extended action that takes 1 minute to complete to inextricably turn them into a Zerg Hybrid, removing their normal statistics, abilities, and free will and replacing them with the statistics of an Infested Zerg Hybrid.
   Vitae Regeneration - The Brood Queen regains 1 Vitae at the start of its turn. Vitae may only be spent on Brood Queen abilities.
Traits: Dark Sight, Flyer (12), Mindless, Regeneration (1), Resource Stat (Vitae; 5)
Gear: -
Level: 5

Viper

SPOILER: Click to show

The Viper is the aerial counterpart to the Defiler and Infestor. The Viper can weave into the battlefield to drag soldiers away to their demise, or cover the enemy in blinding clouds or self destructive parasites. Cruel as the Infestor it freely feasts upon its own allies in order to restore its biomass.

| STR 4 | DEX 3 | CON 4 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 5 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Ballistics 4, Brawl 4, Perception 4, Acrobatics, Athletics 4
Speed: Flyer (14)
Size/Resilience: 9/8
Static Defense: 16
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 10/1
Feats: -
Armor: Armor Plating (4, All)
Attacks: Claw (4k2 R; Melee; Brawling, Tearing)
Abilities:
   Abduct - The Viper may spend 1 Vitae as a half action to regurgitate the mutated remnants of its intestines which reach out up to 10m and attempt to grapple a target. If successful the target is grappled, and if their size is less than the Viper they are pulled adjacent to the Viper. When released creatures may reduce fall damage as if they fell intentionally.
   Blinding Cloud - The Viper may spend 2 Vitae as a half action to release a cloud green vapors that inhibit natural eyesight and electronic targeting systems. Creatures in a 2m radius sphere within 30m are Blinded for 1 minute unless they make a TN 20 Consitution saving throw. They may re-attempt the test at the end of their turns.
   Parasitic Bomb - The Viper may spend 3 Vitae as a half action to send a highly radioactive organism that begins to meltdown on contact with the enemy. Make a Ballistics attack roll with a weapon profile of (30m; S/-; 2k2 E; Clip -; Reload -; Reliable, Tearing). If the attack hits creatures take the attack's initial damage when they start a turn within 2m of the parasite or move within 2m of it. The parasite may be removed as a half action with a TN 25 Strength saving throw, or a TN 35 Medicae test. The parasite becomes inert after 1 minute.
   Consume - The Viper may strip the flesh from a nearby living and willing Zerg creature as a half action, dealing 5 wounds to it and regaining 5 Vitae.
   Vitae Regeneration - The Viper regains 1 Vitae at the start of its turn. Vitae may only be spent on Viper abilities.
Traits: Armor Plating (4), Dark Sight, Flyer (14), Mindless, Regeneration (1), Resource Stat (Vitae; 5)
Gear: -
Level: 5

Zerg Minions

While most Zerg come from Hatcheries or Eggs these Zerg are not deployed in the same manner as normal, they are spawned as minions by other Zerg when the time comes.

Broodling

SPOILER: Click to show

Broodlings do not appear as general combatants. They are in effect a lethal antibody for raids on Zerg Hive structures. When a Zerg structure begins to die floods of Broodlings pour out and wreak havoc on any nearby hostiles. Some Zerg have formed a kind of parasitic symbiosis with the Broodlings, and allow them to live inside them until they are vomited onto the battlefield to create a distraction. Broodlings are not meant to last outside a host, dying in seconds afterwards.

| STR 2 | DEX 5 | CON 1 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 1 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Brawl 3, Acrobatics 2
Speed: 14
Size/Resilience: 1/2
Static Defense: 26
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 4/1
Feats: Fleet of Foot
Armor: None
Attacks: Toxic Bite (2k1 R; Melee; Brawling, Tearing, Toxic)
Abilities:
   Parasitic Lifeform - The Broodling is not meant to live outside of a Zerg host. It dies at the start of the second round it has left its host, it can't rejoin with its host after leaving.
   Celerity - The Broodling gains an extra half action at the start of its turn.
   Violent Birthing - The host of a Broodling may vomit it onto the battlefield as a half action. If its host dies the Broodling automatically enters combat and rolls for initiative.
Traits: Dark Sight, Mindless, Quadruped, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 1

Zerg Infested Hybrid

SPOILER: Click to show

Poor footsoldiers who have been twisted and mutated by a Brood Queen or Infestor, Infested Zerg Hybrids are created in times of all out war when the Zerg requires an immediate turn around on investment for captured biomass. Instead of being fully broken down into their base components survivors might be rapidly transformed into a shambling horror that serve the Hive until their untimely demise.

| STR 2 | DEX 2 | CON 3 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 2 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Ballistics 2, Brawl 2, Stealth 2, Perception 2, Athletics 2, Acrobatics 2
Speed: 4
Size/Resilience: 5/4
Static Defense: 12
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 8/1
Feats: Weapon Proficiency (All)
Armor: Flak Jacket, Flak Gauntlets, Flak Helmet (5 AP, All)
Attacks: Autogun (90m; S/10; 2k2 I; Clip 30; Reload Full) Claw (2k1 R; Melee; Brawling, Tearing)
Abilities: -
Traits: Armor Plating (4), Dark Sight, Mindless, Regeneration (1)
Gear: Flak Jacket, Flak Gauntlets, Flak Helmet, Autogun
Level: 1

Infested Zerg Template

The following template may be applied to any creature to emulate them being infested by the Zerg:

Willpower reduced to 1.
Constitution increased by the loss of Willpower.
Gains Armor Plating (4), Dark Sight, Mindless, and Regeneration (1).
Natural weapons gain Tearing, and deal R damage.

[Lestat]

The Overmind's Fleet

The most terrifying creatures of the Zerg Swarm belong to the massive horrors that prowl the Astral Sea. These strains are many times larger than any creature that could exist inside an atmosphere, and serve as both the transportation method of the Swarm, and as an answer to the Spelljammers of the Wheel. Some of these strains have smaller mutations that serve as air support inside Crystal Spheres where these larger variations can not go. These function identically to the normal Spelljammer rules.

Scourge

SPOILER: Click to show

A larger version of the terrestrial Scourge, this strain is designed to take down capital ships in frenzied kamikaze attacks. They function as the closest equivalent to traditional torpedoes.

Cost: 25 BP
Hull Class: Escort
Rolled Dice (Crew): 14
Kept Dice (Crew Quality): 4
Hull Strength: 20
Maneuverability: +5
Acceleration: +10
Speed: 12
Sensors: +0
Consoles: No Habitat, Self Destruct
Weapons: None
Special:
Kamikaze - The Scourge may take the Self Destruct action immediately after successfully ramming.

No Habitat: The Spelljammer has no room to hold any crew, and can not be boarded. It still suffers crew damage as its vital systems are destroyed.

Mutalisk

SPOILER: Click to show

A larger version of the terrestrial Mutalisk, these are the most numerous space flight strain of the Swarm. Their bouncing glaives can rip through spelljammers causing havoc for the crew within. Mutalisks continue to flap their wings even in the vacuum of space, though this is merely to keep their bodies warm.

Cost: 80 BP
Hull Class: Destroyer
Rolled Dice (Crew): 16
Kept Dice (Crew Quality): 3
Hull Strength: 60
Maneuverability: +5
Acceleration: +10
Speed: 10
Sensors: +5
Consoles: No Habitat
Weapons: Forward Bouncing Glaives

Bouncing Glaives - Spelljammer weapon with the profile of (4k3 Damage; 5 Disruption; +4 Critical; +5 Accuracy; 6 Range; 25 Cost; Normal Arc; Lance) with the special property of removing 1 Crew on any critical result.
No Habitat: The Spelljammer has no room to hold any crew, and can not be boarded. It still suffers crew damage as its vital systems are destroyed.

Devourer

SPOILER: Click to show

The Devourer is a mutated form of the Mutalisk. It is designed for bombarding capital ships with hazardous spores which it propels from its mouth. These spores wreak havoc on spelljammer's systems and can bring a ship to a crawl to allow for easier bombardment or boarding.

Cost: 120 BP
Hull Class: Destroyer
Rolled Dice (Crew): 18
Kept Dice (Crew Quality): 3
Hull Strength: 85
Maneuverability: +0
Acceleration: +0
Speed: 8
Sensors: +5
Consoles: Ablative Armor, Damage Control Station, No Habitat
Weapons: Forward Corrosive Spores

Corrosive Spores - Spelljammer weapon with the profile of (6k4 Damage; 3 Disruption; +0 Critical; -5 Accuracy; 10 Range; 25 Cost; Narrow Arc; Lance) with the special property of being able to be used with the Target Subsystem action without an Active Augury scan against any exposed weaponry. On a successful hit the weapon is disabled until an Emergency Repairs test is made against a TN equal to the damage dealt.
No Habitat: The Spelljammer has no room to hold any crew, and can not be boarded. It still suffers crew damage as its vital systems are destroyed.

Corruptor

SPOILER: Click to show

The Corruptor is a rarely employed strain of the Zerg Swarm. Morphed in the Astral Sea in preparation for large scale spelljammer fleet encounters the Corruptor has little use outside this given role. Their anti gravitational tendrils that flow behind them makes it appear as if they swim through the Astral Sea. They release a cloud of spores that disrupt matter at the molecular level leading to subsequent strikes culling the target.

Cost: 170
Hull Class: Destroyer
Rolled Dice (Crew): 20
Kept Dice (Crew Quality): 4
Hull Strength: 95
Maneuverability: +5
Acceleration: +5
Speed: 8
Sensors: +10
Consoles: Damage Control Station, No Habitat
Weapons: Forward Caustic Spray

Caustic Spray - Spelljammer weapon with the profile of (6k6 Damage; 4 Disruption; +1 Critical; -5 Accuracy; 5 Range; 35 Cost; Normal Arc; Lance) with the special property of causing the damaged spelljammer to take +1 critical damage from further attacks, does not stack.
No Habitat: The Spelljammer has no room to hold any crew, and can not be boarded. It still suffers crew damage as its vital systems are destroyed.

Behemoth

SPOILER: Click to show

The Behemoths are some of the oldest and most important Zerg strains still used by the Swarm. These creatures were always able to survive inside the vacuum of space, and once assimilated into the Swarm this incredible ability was passed on to the rest of the Brood. Their bodies have since been mutated to allow legions of Zerg warriors to live within them, waiting for transport to the next planet to consume.

Cost: 120 BP
Hull Class: Cruiser
Rolled Dice (Crew): 24
Kept Dice (Crew Quality): 5
Hull Strength: 200
Maneuverability: +0
Acceleration: +0
Speed: 6
Sensors: +10
Consoles: Expanded Shuttle Bay, Extended Supply Vaults, Murder Servitors
Weapons: None

Leviathan

SPOILER: Click to show

The Leviathan is the capital ship of the Zerg Swarm. Each Cerebrate is entrusted with at least one, with the larger broods having several Leviathans underneath them. It is a hulking mass of flesh, and can transport an entire army inside its body. It can shred enemy battleships with either its corrosive bile, or with its pointed tentacles that impale ships like spears. Leviathans are also never alone as they can hold many other spelljammer class Zerg strains within, and release them to swarm enemy fleets like locusts.

Cost: 230 BP
Hull Class: Battleship
Rolled Dice (Crew): 24
Kept Dice (Crew Quality): 5
Hull Strength: 300
Maneuverability: -5
Acceleration: -5
Speed: 4
Sensors: +5
Consoles: Ablative Armor x3, Damage Control Station, Grappler Arms, Murder Servitors
Weapons: Forward Radioactive Bile
Special:
   Tentacles - The Leviathan deals 2k1 damage when it grapples a spelljammer, and again at the start of the Leviathan's turn if the spelljammer is still grappled.
   Birth Scourge - The Leviathan may spend 1 Crew to create a Scourge as a Command Action which appears adjacent to the Leviathan. It takes its first turn on the Leviathan's next turn.

Radioactive Bile - Spelljammer weapon with the profile of (10k10 Damage; 10 Disruption; +1 Critical; +5 Accuracy; 25 Range; 35 Cost; Narrow Arc; Lance).

[Lestat]

Elite Zerg Strains

The vast majority of Zerg forces are highly uniform, and perform specific functions in combat, acting more like tools than individuals. However the Zerg Swarm also has access to more unique servants in extraordinary circumstances. Not only are there various species that become infected by the Swarm to be quickly turned against the local inhabitants, but certain Cerebrates may experiment with creating new strains. In addition to these experimental, or temporary members of the Swarm, there are also Zerg that are exposed to various scenarios they might survive leading them to continue living in the Swarm with newfound abilities, such as Zerg corrupted by the Warp, experimented on by sentient species, or exposed to events created by certain Exalted. In one way or another mass production of these elite strains is either highly impractical, or impossible, and they are comparable to a special forces unit in a regular military.

Goliath

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The Goliath is a general combatant for the Zerg Swarm. It requires generations of repeated lengthy mutation cycles that leave it out of combat for years at a time, and is thus not a regular member of the Swarm. They are capable of hunting down Exalted in non populated environments, as well as serving as guards for most Cerebrate, or as shock troopers for all-out assaults. It has a gas sac located in the back of its throat that it uses in part to spit white hot fire that burns through tank hulls, and long talons it uses to both butcher and climb most any surface.

| STR 5 | DEX 4 | CON 5 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 4 | WIL 3 |

Skills: Ballistics 4, Brawl 5, Stealth 3, Perception 4, Athletics 4, Acrobatics 3
Speed: 18
Size/Resilience: 15/11
Static Defense: 19
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 24/3
Feats: Sound Constitution x8, Swift Attack, Weapon Proficiency (Throwing)
Armor: Armor Plating (12, All)
Attacks: Claw (8k4 R; Pen 8; Melee; Brawling, Tearing) Flame Breath (20m; S/-; 4k3 E; Clip -; Reload -; Flame, Reliable, Tearing) Large Improvised Object Toss (30m; S/-; 5k4 R or I, Blast (1), Halting, Momentum, Reliable)
Abilities:
   Enhanced Charge - The Goliath deals +1k1 on damage rolls for attacks made at the end of a charge. The Goliath may charge through obstructing creatures if it succeeds on an opposed Strength test against them, which on a success for the Goliath knocks them prone, and moves them as if the opposed test was also a Bull Rush. On a failure the Golaith stops charging, and attacks the obstructing creature with its Claw.
   Enhanced Grapple - The Goliath counts its Strength as 1 higher for the purposes of grappling, and it deals its Claw damage when it succeeds on maintaining a grapple.
   Natural Athlete - The Goliath gains a +1k1 bonus to Athletics tests to climb, and always counts as having a hand or foothold, also the Goliath gets two raises to Athletics tests to jump, and always counts as having a running start.
   Heightened Reflexes - The Goliath has an extra reaction.
Traits: Armor Plating (12), Colossal, Dark Sight, Mindless, Quadruped, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 5

Kraken

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The Kraken is a walking, flying electric disaster. It has been mutated to attract electromagnetic waves to harness as both weapons, and a means of movement, keeping itself aloft with a specially designed pair of appendages that protrudes from its back that use the electricity it gathers to push in the opposite direction of the strongest gravitational pull. Without a need for air, or fuel to fly it can also perform its duties while submerged underwater, or while in the vacuum of space making it a truly all terrain threat.

| STR 4 | DEX 3 | CON 4 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 5 | WIL 6 |

Skills: Ballistics 5, Brawl 3, Stealth 3, Perception 5, Athletics 3, Acrobatics 2
Speed: 14
Size/Resilience: 16/12
Static Defense: 18
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 20/6
Feats: Double Tap, Swift Attack
Armor: Armor Plating (8, All)
Attacks: Claw (6k3 R; Pen 6; Melee; Brawling, Tearing) Barbed Electric Wing (4k3; Pen 4; Melee; Brawling, Reach, Shocking, Tearing) Electric Bolt (60m; S/-; 4k3 E; Clip -; Reload -; Reliable, Shocking, Tearing)
Abilities:
   Lightning Strike - The Kraken may spend 2 Vitae as a half action to discharge a bolt of electricity as a ranged attack with the following profile (60m; S/-; 8k5 E; Clip -; Reload -; Blast (2), Reliable, Shocking, Tearing).
   Banshee Mine - The Kraken may spend 1 Vitae as a half action to focus a moderate amount of electrical energy into a Mindless sphere made of arcing lightning. The sphere of lightning lasts an indefinite amount of time so long as the Kraken focuses some mental energy on sustaining it, and it automatically moves 15m closer to the nearest biological target within 50m each round on its turn. If it reaches a target it rolls 10k5 to hit, and deals 5k5 E damage with Shocking and Tearing and is destroyed when it hits. It is incorporeal and immune to electricity, but cannot pass through non conductive material, it has a static defense of 20, and is destroyed after taking any damage that would affect it. The Kraken may only focus on maintaining three Banshee Mines at a time.
   Aftershock - The Kraken may spend 3 Vitae as a full action to make a ranged attack centered on itself with the following profile (Self; 10k5+10 E; Clip -; Reload -; Blast 5; Reliable, Shocking, Tearing)
   Vortex - The Kraken may spend 1 Vitae as a half action to release a wave of electricity that both damages, and knocks back foes. Each creature in a 20m long, 30° arc must make a TN 20 Dexterity saving throw or take 4k3 E damage with Shocking, Tearing, and Momentum.
   Electric Recharging - The Kraken is immune to its own electricity, and the Shocking property, and gains 1 Vitae when it would take electric damage, or be subject to the Shocking property from other creature's attacks.
   Enhanced Grapple - The Kraken counts its Strength as 1 higher for the purposes of grappling, and it deals its Claw damage when it succeeds on maintaining a grapple.
   Vitae Regeneration - The Kraken regains 1 Vitae at the start of its turn. Vitae may only be spent on Kraken abilities.
Traits: Armor Plating (8), Colossal, Dark Sight, Flyer (14), Mindless, Regeneration (1), Resource Stat (Vitae; 5)
Gear: -
Level: 5

Wraith

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The Wraith is an assassin through and through. It is one of the few members of the Zerg Swarm that has its own psychic abilities fully independent of the Overmind. These abilities are used to accentuate the Wraith's natural talents as a silent hunter, it appearing to swim through open air like a fish leaving no warning to when it will strike. The Wraith's namesake is its ability to manifest duplicates of itself that cause the minds of its foes to be unable to see the actual Wraith itself. However these phantoms are psychic manifestations, and can slice through foes with the exact same strength as the original Wraith.

| STR 3 | DEX 6 | CON 3 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 6 | WIL 3 |

Skills: Brawl 5, Stealth 5, Perception 4, Athletics 3, Acrobatics 5
Speed: Float (18)
Size/Resilience: 10/9
Static Defense: 36
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 12/3
Feats: Evasion, Fleet of Foot, Improved Sneak Attack, Step Aside, Swift Attack
Armor: None
Attacks: Claw (3k2 R; Pen 4; Melee; Brawling, Tearing) Scythe Appendage (6k2 R; Pen 8; Melee; Brawling, Tearing)
Abilities:
   Abduction - The Wraith may spend 1 Vitae as a full action to initiate a grapple from range, up to its Dexterity in meters away as it dashes forward, attempts to grapple the target, and returns with them in hand. On a failure the Wraith may remain adjacent or return to its starting position.
   Phantom - The Wraith may spend 3 Vitae as a full action create a psychic duplicate of itself which lasts for two rounds that seamlessly continues to fight starting the turn it appears while the actual Wraith becomes invisible for the duration. The Phantom is a copy of the Wraith, but it is immune to all damage and effects, and can only pursue the nearest enemy, and attack with its Claws and Scythe Appendages. When the Phantom first appears enemies may make a TN 20 Willpower saving throw to ignore its effects, and see through the Wraith's invisibility even when it creates more duplicates. The Wraith makes a Stealth test with two raises while invisible, and the invisibility, but not the Phantom disappears if the Wraith does anything other than move.
   Warp Blast - The Wraith may spend 1 Vitae as a full action move its speed, and blast all nearby enemies with psychic energy. Enemies within 5m make a TN 20 Willpower saving throw or take 5k5 X damage which is magical and is reduced by aura not armor.
   Supernova Adrenaline - The Wraith may spend 3 Vitae as a half action to create a field with a 10m radius that empowers the Wraith and its Phantom with supernatural adrenaline which lasts for three rounds. While in the zone they each gain the Lightning Attack feat, and two extra reactions.
   Isolation - The Wraith deals +1k1 damage on attacks against a target further than 10m away from an ally.
   Enhanced Grapple - The Wraith counts its Strength as 1 higher for the purposes of grappling, and it deals its Claw damage when it succeeds on maintaining a grapple.
   Floater - The Wraith ignores difficult terrain and effects that apply on contact with the ground. The Wraith moves twice its normal speed.
   Traversal Warp - The Wraith's movement does not provoke opportunity attacks, and it may move in all three dimensions while moving, although if it falls afterwards if it is not touching the ground.
   Vitae Regeneration - The Wraith regains 1 Vitae at the start of its turn. Vitae may only be spent on Wraith abilities.
Traits: Colossal, Dark Sight, Mindless, Regeneration (1), Resource Stat (Vitae; 5)
Gear: -
Level: 5

Behemoth

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The Behemoth is a hulking juggernaut covered in thick plating. Inside of its stomach is an engine akin to a nuclear reactor which breaks down any material consumed, and can be used to spit back out molten hot rocks as a weapon. They are some of the largest, and toughest creatures the Zerg have infected, appearing more like giant stone golems than flesh and blood creatures. They are minorly psionically active, having a special relationship with the earth, and minerals that they consume. The Behemoths tap into the Warp without the assistance of the Overmind in order to control the ground so long as they live as one with it.

| STR 6 | DEX 2 | CON 6 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 3 | WIL 3 |

Skills: Ballistics 4, Brawl 5, Stealth 1, Perception 4, Athletics 6
Speed: 8
Size/Resilience: 18/13
Static Defense: 7
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 36/3
Feats: Power Attack
Armor: Armor Plating (18, Arms, Legs, Body, Head), Armor Plating (8, Gizzards)
Attacks: Fist (10k5+10 I; Pen 4; Melee; Blast (1), Brawling, Tearing)
Abilities:
   Wrecking Ball - The Behemoth moves twice its speed when moving downhill, and while moving downhill it can crash through walls and obstructions if their cover AP is less than its size. Additionally, while charging downhill, the Behemoth may crash through obstructing creatures if it succeeds on an opposed Strength test against them, which on a success for the Behemoth knocks them prone, and moves them as if the opposed test was also a Bull Rush. On a failure the Behemoth stops charging, and attacks the obstructing creature with its Fist.
   Lava Bomb - The Behemoth may spend 3 Vitae as a full action to spit a ball of molten rock which explodes into white hot shrapnel in the area it lands, attacking with a profile of (20m; S/-; 6k4+10 E; Clip -; Reload -; Blast (5), Incendiary, Reliable, Recharge, Tearing).
   Fissure - The Behemoth may spend 2 Vitae as a half action to slam its fists into the ground, and cause the earth to split in its wake. Targets on the ground in a 45° arc within 25m must make a TN 20 Dexterity saving throw, or be knocked prone and take 5k3 I damage as the earth twists around their body.
   Tongue Grab - The Behemoth may spend 1 Vitae as a half action to attempt to pull a target less than half its size closer to it. The tongue may reach out up to 20m, and pulls the target adjacent if it fails its choice of a TN 25 Dexterity saving throw, or an opposed Strength test.
   Erect Wall - The Behemoth may spend 4 Vitae as a full action to erect a wall comprised of the foundation material the wall is erected from. The wall is up to 20m tall, 30m wide, 2m thick and its shape can bend anywhere from a line to a semicircle, the wall lasts indefinitely or until the Behemoth dies. Anyone standing where the wall is erected may choose a side to stay on as a reaction, and anyone left in the middle is shunted to a random side taking 6k4 I damage.
   Enhanced Grapple - The Behemoth counts its Strength as 1 higher for the purposes of grappling, and it deals its Fist damage when it succeeds on maintaining a grapple.
   Vitae Regeneration - The Behemoth regains 1 Vitae at the start of its turn. Vitae may only be spent on Behemoth abilities.
Traits: Armor Plating (18, Arms, Legs, Body, Head), Armor Plating (8, Gizzards), Colossal, Dark Sight, Mindless, Regeneration (1), Resource Stat (Vitae; 5), Unnatural Toughness
Gear: -
Level: 5

Gorgon

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The Gorgon is a cunning predator that lays discreet ambushes that catch even the most experienced trackers off guard. It is a rare member of the Zerg Swarm, being an infected matriarch of an arachnid like species they must go through the natural processes of development prior to infection for peak performance. The Gorgon now under the control of the Swarm refrains from setting up webs for ambushes, as the intelligent prey the hivemind hunts would be tipped off by such blatant traps. Instead the Gorgon uses the psychic link the Swarm provides with its minions in order to locate targets, and crashes down upon them from high up perches, spewing corrosive bile, and stored webbing to kill and ensnare out in the open.

| STR 3 | DEX 3 | CON 4 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 5 | WIL 4 |

Skills: Ballistics 5, Brawl 4, Stealth 5, Perception 5, Athletics 4, Acrobatics 5
Speed: 12
Size/Resilience: 13/10
Static Defense: 21
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 16/4
Feats: -
Armor: Armor Plating (6, All)
Attacks: Claw (5k3 R; Pen 6; Melee; Brawling, Tearing) Bite (4k2 R; Pen 4; Melee; Brawling, Tearing, Toxic)
Abilities:
   Web Snare - The Gorgon may spend 2 Vitae as a half action to spew a gunk of web dripping with internal acids at a point within 30m. Creatures within 4m of the point must make a TN 25 Dexterity saving throw are immobilized, and take one energy wound to the legs each round they remain bound. The webbing falls apart after being lit on fire, which also lights anyone trapped on fire. Creatures may also attempt to free themselves as a full action or others as a half action by making a TN 20 Strength saving throw.
   Spawn Gorgonling - The Gorgon may spend 1 Vitae as a half action to propel an egg from its epigyne in a 30m arc, which hatches a Gorgonling that either immediately pursues a nearby enemy, or burrows and waits. The Gorgon may only generate three Gorgonlings per day.
   Acid Spit - The Gorgon may spend 3 Vitae as a full action to vomit a stream of corrosive acid bile. The Gorgon may move its speed while vomiting, and swerve its head and body around to make this attack against any and all individual targets, or group of targets engaged in melee it approaches within 3m. Each affected creature makes a TN 20 Dexterity saving throw to avoid the spray. The damage starts at 10k7 E damage with the Tearing and Toxic properties for targeting a single individual, or huddled group of targets, and is reduced by -1k1 for each additional target or group of targets the Gorgon turns to also vomit on to a minimum of 4k1.
   Web Sling - The Gorgon may spend 1 Vitae as a half action to send out a strand of web up to 30m towards a nearby fixed point, and pull themselves towards it, which provokes opportunity attacks.
   Enhanced Grapple - The Gorgon counts its Strength as 1 higher for the purposes of grappling, and it deals its Claw damage when it succeeds on maintaining a grapple.
   Perfect Climber - The Gorgon may walk across any surface at its full speed without a test.
   Pounce - The Gorgon automatically grapples any target it hits with a melee sneak attack, and its melee sneak attacks deal +1k1 damage.
   Vitae Regeneration - The Gorgon regains 1 Vitae at the start of its turn. Vitae may only be spent on Gorgon abilities.
Traits: Armor Plating (6), Colossal, Dark Sight, Mindless, Quadruped, Regeneration (1), Resource Stat (Vitae; 5)
Gear: -
Level: 5

Gorgonling

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When the Gorgon is infected any unlaid eggs morph into this new beast meant to assist the Gorgon in scouting and ambushes, the Gorgonling. The Gorgonling is capable of carrying objects many times its weight, and biting straight through thick armor with its elongated fangs to pump a painful venom into its victims. The Gorgonling can last for several weeks in hibernation while burrowed, but their digestive organs have been discarded for raw efficiency, giving them a relatively short lease on life. The Gorgon can then feed on its starved children in order to regain sustenance.

| STR 3 | DEX 4 | CON 1 | CHA - | FEL - | CMP - | INT - | WIS 1 | WIL 1 |

Skills: Brawl 3, Stealth 5, Perception 4, Athletics 3, Acrobatics 3
Speed: 14
Size/Resilience: 3/4
Static Defense: 19
Mental Defense: 5
HP/Resolve: 4/1
Feats: -
Armor: None
Attacks: Venomous Bite (2k1 R; Melee; Brawling, Tearing, Toxic)
Abilities:
   Burrow - The Gorgonling may burrow just beneath the surface as a half action. The Gorgonling gains two extra raises to stealth while burrowed. The Gorgonling can't perform most actions while burrowed other than unburrowing itself as another half action.
   Abducting Grapple - The Gorgonling counts its Strength as 1 higher for the purposes of grappling. It may also move at half its speed whenever it successfully initiates or maintains a grapple so long as the subject of their grapple is not more than twice its size.
   Perfect Climber - The Gorgonling may walk across any surface at its full speed without a test.
Traits: Dark Sight, Mindless, Quadruped, Regeneration (1)
Gear: -
Level: 2

[Lestat]

Reserved.

[Lestat]

Reserved.