Vereles

They are so adorable, covering their little eyes with their little arms.
At least those were my thoughts until I saw a carcass covered in these little critters.
They might look adorable, but the fact that they will literally turn your mouth into their breeding pit once you die kinda creeped me out...

— Edwin to Krista

by Ninne124

Scientific Information

Avg. diameter	Avg. Weight	Avg. Lifespan
Carapace: 1cm Legs: 1cm	15g	3 Years

Distribution	Colouring	Status
Temperate Marshes, Swamps and Deltas	Brownish Green	Not Endangered

Affinities	Avg. Efficiency	Abilities
Emotion	D	Behaviour altering

The Marsh-Dwelling Master of Camouflage

The Vereles, a swamp-dwelling crustacean found throughout Orcerta, blends seamlessly into its surroundings with its brownish-green carapace. With retractable eyes, fan-like claws to protect them and a mix of needle-like claws and hooks to attach to its host, this creature is not to be underestimated. Beware of its numbing secretions, for they make it hard to detect

The Mind-Altering Ways of the Vereles

The Vereles, a creature of the swamps, possesses a parasitic nature that not only crawls upon the skin but also alters the behavior of its host. With physical characteristics such as loss of appetite and restlessness, the infected will become increasingly daring and may ultimately lead to their death. Beware, for identifying an infection is tricky as the host does not become aggressive but rather overly cheerful.

Cure: A Race Against Time

If an infection of the Vereles is caught within the first few days, it can be cured with the removal of the parasite and rest. But if the infection is allowed to progress, permanent damage to the nervous system and brain may be the price to pay. Beware and act fast, for time is of the essence in the battle against the Vereles.

A Gruesome Cycle

After claiming its host, the Vereles detaches and crawls to the host's mouth, secreting pheromones to attract other Vereles and laying its eggs under the tongue. This marks not only the beginning of new Vereles lives but also serves as nourishment for other creatures. Beware, for death is only the start of the Vereles' cycle.