Parasitic Heart

Opinions differ on whether this was a natural or unnatural mutation of the Symbiotic Heart or just an example of cross-production. In either case, this parasitic heart offers almost all the bonuses of a regular Symbiotic Heart, except that it eats the heart, similar to the Heart Worms! The symptoms are instantaneous and very difficult to detect.

In fact, several malicious merchants may do any of the following (or combinations): Sell "Symbiotic Hearts" at 1/10 list price, sell "Symbiotic Hearts" at full price, sell these to humanoids only, etc. However, when someone dies of a sudden devoured heart (as Symbiotic Hearts do not get heart disease) suspicions will rise. Even Splynncryth does not like the false selling of Parasitic Hearts; it's important to have a base level of trust. Thus, the Parasitic Heart is typically sold only by transitive merchants.

There are a few ways to detect the difference if one is ripped off. First of all, psychic diagnosis and other psychic/magical means of detection will work (or a more conventional medical scan may also be effective). Another way is to observe the effects; the Parasitic Heart has similar but weaker effects than the Symbiotic Heart, so comparing with another person will work. And if one sees the organism before implantation and knows what the Symbiotic Heart looks like, he can quite easily tell that THAT is not it.

Host Type: Humans, D-Bees, and other mortal creatures.

Host Environment: Wrapped around the heart.

Reproduction: When the heart is devoured, 1D6 Parasitic Heart babies pop out of the chest of the person.

Hit Points: 1D6x100 S.D.C.

Average Life Span: Varies with the host; 10 years outside.

Alignment: Not applicable.

Powers: The heart is impervious to most types of heart disease and artery clogging. The equivalent of Summon Inner Strength 9 times per 24 hours.

Bonuses: +2 to P.E., +5% to save vs. coma/death, +1 to save vs. Horror Factor.

Side Effects: After 10 +P.E. years bonded, the host's chest explodes and 1D6 baby Parasitic Hearts are left.]

Means of Elimination: Extremely complex surgery with a good chance of killing the host!

Market Cost: 300,000; this extremely low price should be a tip-off against some merchants.