#bugnsax

Monsterfication process:

A limited/highly-maintained consumption of bugsnax can not convert a grumpus and is ‘non-lethal’ in the most technical of terms.

Conversion starts when a grumpus has consumed enough bugsnax for the matter to start taking control of the body (this begins roughly around the 50-70% range, varies between individuals). By this point there is enough snakmatter to influence perception, cognitive thought, and may disfigure or reshape the host as a side-effect. This process also tends to make the grow much larger, though it is not known what causes this side effect or how it happens (aside from the theory of the expansion of the snakmatter itself within the host). But it is speculated to be an evolutionary trait to fortify the host.

Naturally, this process is an accidental parasitical relationship that happens overtime. Though it has been noted that some bugsnax may also single out and overtake a grumpus for conversion, if they deem necessary. This is a rare scenario, however, as bugsnax in their base forms are very passive and opportunistic creatures.

Like normal snakifocation, these effects will eventually wear off over time, reverting the host back to normal with no known lingering affects. Though this is an unlikely case to happen naturally, as snakmonsters will actively renew their snakmatter. Cannibalizing the smaller bugsnax. Left unchecked, these individuals will eventually convert themselves to 100% snakmatter over time, and after a while, will break down and return to the the island's soil to rejuvenate the hive with new high-quality matter. Ending the lifecycle.

The psychology of a Snakmonster:

Bugsnax on their own seem to have quite an effect on a grumpuses' mind. Exaggerating personality traits, and hindering moral judgement. But as a snakmonster, a grumpus completely lose themselves. Becoming little more than feral animals that are highly aggressive, and in some cases territorial. They do not have a coherent understanding of who they are or were, even though certain items or faces might trigger a momentary docile response. Any cognitive thinking they might have left is very limited and of the most basic form.

Reverting Snakmonsters and tools to help:

A heavily modified version of that odd shrink powder developed by the ancient grumpuses of Brokentooth can be used to reduce the size of a snakmonster, back to their original self. But they are still highly dangerous, if not more aggressive after this has been done. Despite this, it is an incredibly useful asset to aid the reversion of an afflicted grumpus. Making it far easier to keep them quarantined until the snakmatter has worn off. Unfortunately there is still no known treatment to speed up the reversion process at this time.

The tools to help aid in the capture of a snakmonster are quite extreme compared to the normal snaktraps. Some recommended equipment being: 

A high powered bola launcher (this is a borderline necessity for for aerial based snakmonsters). A net launcher using heavy/leaded nets could also work, though these can prove to be a bit more unwieldy due to the size of nets needed. Use at your own discretion. 

A ground trap, activated by pressure or a manual input, using 4 long arms that camp upward to hold a target in place (similar to the snaktrap model, if it were upside-down). It is recommended to construct these out of a sturdy metal or similar material, as wood will not hold these creatures for long.

Outside of mechanical tools or traps, a pitfall is also a very useful and effective method of capture for ground based snakmonsters, as extensive it is to prepare one. However, be aware, as these are non-effective for burrowing snakmonsters.

Sauce is not quite as reliable to lure in a snakmonster on it’s own most of the time, but the normal bugsnax are. And they make for very good bait. Also any personal objects or items of extreme interest they might have had as a normal grumpus can do the trick.

Why does this process happen?:

It is not officially understood why this process occurs in the bugsnax lifecycle. But there are several standing theories:

Theory 1: This process is a failsafe to ensure the lifecycle of the bugsnax can finish. A fairly overdramatic one if this is the case, but nature is not shy from being a bit overkill, and this method is highly effective in that regard. As unnecessary as it might be...

Theory 2: It is a 2nd method to collect more hosts for the hive. These monsters show high aggression to grumpuses specifically, and will attack on sight without hesitation. It could also be to eliminate any non converted grumps to keep the hive safe from any potential outside threats, but this theory seems highly unlikely as it would be a waste of extra, easily obtained nutrients for the hive.

Theory 3: Some suspect this might have roots with the ancient grumpus civilizations that inhabited the islands, specifically Brokentooth. Their ceremonial sacrifices to the bugsnax is no secret, and some believe the snakmonsters came to be from the anger and trauma of those sacrificed. This theory also holds little strength. The only thing giving it any logical legs to stand on being there is no known record of these monsters before the ancient grumps. This does not mean much, however. As there are yet to be any known bugsnax records that date back before the ancients.