[RPG] Need help finding a mind-controlling parasite

character-creationdnd-3.5emonsterspsionics

I need help finding a creature to play as a player in D&D 3.5. The idea is that it inserts itself into the brains/head/control center of other creatures. I was not able to find any stats for such a creature, but maybe some of you here on this site can help me.
If there is nothing (semi-)official like this, then perhaps you can help me write up some stats for this thing.
The current idea is that it has it's own mental stats, and some silly-weak physical stats in its natural form (a very small body?), but uses its host's physical stats when it has taken over a body.

It need not be a psionic creature.

Best Answer

Actually, there is a creature in the core D&D 3.5 rules with the ability to possess creatures! The ghost, available to player characters with a level adjustment of +5, has an ability called "malevolence" which allows it to possess any creature.

Simply re-skin the ghost as a parasite instead of an undead. Here's how I'd stat up your parasite:

Start with a kalashtar (Eberron) as the base creature. They're psionic humanoids possessed by spirits, and their racial abilities fit the concept. If you're using psionics but don't have Eberron, you can use the Elan instead.

Apply the ghost template, with the following modifications:

  • Size and Type: The parasite's natural form is Tiny (+2 AC and attack, -8 grapple, +8 Hide, 0 ft. reach). Type is aberration instead of undead. The parasite does not change its hit dice to d12, but retains its Constitution score. It is not incorporeal.
  • Armor Class: In its natural form, the parasite has +4 natural armor in addition to the +2 AC bonus to size. It does not gain these bonuses while possessing a creature. It does not gain deflection bonus to AC.
  • Attack: The parasite has no arms to wield weapons. It can touch non-ethereal creatures normally.
  • Special Attacks: The parasite always gains Malevolence (the ability to possess creatures). It does not gain Manifestation.
  • Special Qualities: The parasite does not gain Turn Resistance. It retains the Rejuvenation ability, which allows it to regrow within 2d4 days from the brain of any dead creature it has used its telepathic mindlink ability with.
  • Skills: Instead of the listed skills, the parasite gains a +8 racial bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy, Disguise and Sense Motive. It also has a +8 size bonus to Hide in its natural form for being Tiny.

Note: You can gain the possession ability at only level adjustment +4 by taking ghost template levels. This is kind of a cheap trick since the ghost level progressions only give skill bonuses at 5th level.

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