@polarspaz my muse is currently stuck on other fandoms but your recent infected leon art had me going through my files for plague of carapace and so I thought I'd share this thing I'd hoped (and still want) to make into a one shot that was inspired by that one piece of art you did on Leon's plaga (though I need more things for this poor plaga to be stressed about, taking ideas if anyone has suggestions...)
A Plaga's Guide to the Care and Keeping of Your Host
Or, it's just Leon's stressed plaga documenting how the fuck to keep your host, who has poor self-care methods and regularly jumps into danger, alive and healthy.
There are two basic principles to this task: (a) do not overtake the hosts’ mind and (b) keep the host healthy and safe.Â
Part I: When First Acclimating with Host
1. Equip your host with defensive and offensive weapons.
This is an obvious element, as the host’s original form is weak, squishy and quite easy to damage so it is vitally important to outfit the host appropriately so both can be kept safe and equipped for all hunting needs!
2. The host will not appreciate your improvements at first, and will likely be in great distress over it.
The host is liable to be rather close-minded and will likely be uncertain due to conversion from a prey-oriented form to something more predatory.
3. Retaining aspects of their original form (weak and strange as they may be) can be of comfort to the host and ease their transition.
This host in particular got very attached to what they called their “hair” and took great pains to keep it well groomed. (More than the carapace even!)
4. Ensure the host is getting proper nutrition
A host is likely to have difficulties getting proper nutrients during initial stages, but intake of sugars is important!
5. Ensure the host is getting proper sleep
Another difficult aspect, as they often resist sleep and experience hallucinations and disturbance during sleep, and react accordingly as if a threat is present. This can be very confusing, as there is typically no threat present.
Part II: Syncing with Host
The host is likely to have certain people who are part of their nest who they have deep attachment to, and these are critical to protect and defend.
DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES HARM THESE NESTMATES
Host reacts VERY negatively if it does happen, or if they consider the possibility of occurrence
Protectorate -> Ashley (small one), Sherry (smaller one)
Luis
Soldier-clade -> They shall aid in fight. Not as good, but help is appreciated.
Worker-clade -> The ones who poke!Â
Chris -> Tag-friend.
It is important the host experiences proper socialization! Other members of the scorpion-reborn-remake clan are liable to be antagonistic toward the host, so the host is likely to desire interaction with members of their original species.Â
The host will likely be hesitant to socialize, as their new predator-status makes them concerned for their reception.
Part III: Ensuring Host’s Continued Survival
1. If your host is anything like mine, I am so sorry. Be on constant vigilance.Â
Yes, even then. An extra set of eyes or other sensory organs for yourself can be very useful for making sure there is constant awareness.
2. Make sure they eat and sleep. Yes, still.
My host is very bad at continued self care. While overtaking the mind is not possible, it is strongly recommended to ensure exhaustion and hunger signals are wired in.
3. Alcohol is evil. Metabolize it as fast as you can.
For some reason, hosts often choose to voluntarily ingest poison that will impair their mental state and capacity to defend themselves. Why.