Parasite

The parasite is an organic creature found on the Surface.

Evolution

The parasite was heavily implied to undergo metamorphosis, similar to real-life insects such as butterflies and moths. To strengthen the evidence, the butterfly metamorphosis was seen as a symbol to death and rebirth, which were also recognized in several pieces for the Scorn setting's lore.

First stage (larvae)

Its first early unseen stage was described as "stringy and snake-like". As evidenced by the 1st protagonist's head from the parasite's next stage, it is possible that the parasite starts its metamorphosis by latching onto the host's cranium then tunneling deep into their brain before fully taking over the body.

Second stage (nymph)

A view of the parasite's "nymph" stage.

In its second stage, the one seen throughout the 2nd protagonist's journey, the parasite grows larger to almost match up the humanoid's average height. The chest and legs of the first host's body dissolved away, with the end part of the host's spinal cord extends into a long serpentine tail. The parasite's original tail from the first stage was still intact. The parasite is now capable of crawling around walls and ceilings, and able to control the host's arms.

The parasite's stage resemble a fleshy mix between an insect and a reptile. Its skull has been melded to its chest and it has lizard-like rear legs. The new "head" is an exposed brain with skin flaps on both sides, and possessed a single eye, which was actually one of the first host's eyes. The ribs have mutated and grown longer/point outward and are used to grab the other host from behind. From the pelvis bone, small claw-like hind legs have sprouted. The parasite's original first stage tail now acts like a big tentacle and used for latching onto and attack the hosts. The parasite also has a long tail and has a fused object on its end.

When the parasite finds its next host, it would latch onto their back, with tendrils steadily form and take over the body, while the parasite uses the previous host's hands to tear the other host's organs.

Third stage (pupa)

A view of the parasite's "pupa" stage.

In its third stage, when the parasite fully takes over its other host, it would merge both hosts together into a nearly harder and shell-like body while increasing a large number of proportions, forming into an organic chrysalis-like form. The back area of this stage resembles a cranium, and a branch of root-like tentacles grow underneath the pupa. Both hosts would die, no longer aware of what's happening anymore.

Fourth stage (adult)

In its fourth stage, when the right time comes, the cocoon would hatch into a fully-formed adult parasite.

In-game appearance

When it first latches onto the main character, it doesn't just dig its talons deep into the protagonist; it fuses with elements of the environment as well. Most importantly of all, its tail assimilates a Tool Gun handle... Without the parasite and its clip-on carnage powers, Scorn's leading man would be rendered completely defenseless.

The parasite is a key character and also serves as the antagonist of Scorn. It makes its debut on Act II.

The parasite also intermittently rips and stabs the player while it's attached, dealing damage and slowly killing them. The parasite doesn't only leech off the protagonist but also provides helpful inventory space and the ability to use weaponry.

Trivia

• The Parasite bears a heavy resemblance in appearance and arguably nature to the entities described in the artbook as Consciousnesses.
  • These beings are the next level of ascension for the inhabitants of Polis, undergoing a transformation in which their consciousness leaves the body in a process that is not yet known and gains a physical form which then looks for a shell it could inhabit. They contain tendrils and often wings and once finding a Shell, a typically artificially constructed organic shell, they merge with it and attain a higher state of existence.
  • It is believed by some players that the mutation the first protagonist undergoes begins this process, but it goes wrong for one reason or another and he is stuck partially ascended in his own body looking for a new form to bond with and inhabit. Unlike how the process seems to typically play out, the failed ascended being chooses a living, sapient individual like itself to merge with.
  • Some people theorize that the white goo that covered the first protagonist made him transform/brought life to the Parasite form.

Development notes

TBA

Gallery

Concept art

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  Front view of the parasite.

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  Back view of the parasite.

Models

TBA