Compendium observers embedded in a research facility documented progressive physiological anomalies in a lead scientist following an experimental matter-transmission procedure. Initial signs included increased strength and erratic behavior, followed by rapid degeneration—shedding of teeth and skin, abnormal secretions, and altered motor patterns.
Containment was attempted after the subject demonstrated the ability to incapacitate a handler using a corrosive discharge. By the time capture protocols were initiated, the subject had undergone extensive morphological restructuring, abandoning human posture and movement patterns. The attempt failed when the subject breached containment using a combination of brute force and environmental damage, leaving behind biological residue and partially digested materials consistent with insect-like feeding behavior.
Compendium Taxonomy
Power Source
Natural (Mutated – Viral Catalyst / Forced Evolution). The subject’s abilities arise from a catastrophic genetic fusion between human and insect DNA, triggered during a failed teleportation process. Observed effects—rapid mutation, enhanced strength, and biochemical weaponization—can be explained through accelerated cellular restructuring and unstable hybrid physiology.
Intelligence Level
Declining from Intelligent (Sapient) to Low Intelligence (Instinct-Driven, Predator-Logic). Early stages retain human cognition and personality, but progressive mutation results in loss of higher reasoning, replaced by instinctual drives and fragmented awareness.
Biome / Habitat
Primarily Urban and Interior Environments, particularly enclosed spaces that allow concealment and ambush. As transformation progresses, the subject favors isolated, enclosed areas where it can remain undisturbed.
Origin
Altered Origin (Transformed – Forced Evolution / Spliced Hybridization). Created through the unintended fusion of two organisms at the molecular level during experimental teleportation. Alternative interpretations may frame this as a technological accident resulting in uncontrolled biological recombination.
Threat Scale
Tier 3 (Moderate) baseline, escalating to Tier 4 (Severe) as transformation progresses. Early-stage subjects are dangerous but controllable; later stages exhibit increased strength, resilience, and unpredictability, posing a serious threat to confined groups.
Physical Form
Hybrid (Chimeric, Insectoid/Arthropodal progression). Begins as near-human, gradually shifting toward a grotesque fusion of humanoid and insectoid traits, culminating in a largely non-human anatomical structure.
Behavioral Disposition
Transitions from Opportunistic (Ambition-Driven) to Predatory (Ambush Hunter) and eventually Chaotic / Unstable (Fragmented Will). Behavior becomes increasingly erratic and driven by biological urges.
Social Structure
Singular (Unique Being). The condition appears non-replicating under normal circumstances, though theoretical risk exists if the transformation process is repeated.
Narrative Role
Primarily functions as a Victim / Tragic Figure (Cursed Transformation) and Adversary (Corrupted Self). It embodies the consequences of uncontrolled experimentation and the loss of identity.
Environmental Interaction
Primarily Corrupts Life (biological contamination, parasitic feeding) and Creates Hazards (corrosive secretions, biohazardous residue). Its presence renders environments unsafe through contamination and structural damage.
Physical Description
The Brundlefly undergoes a progressive transformation from human to insect-like organism. Early stages may appear superficially human, though marked by subtle changes such as skin lesions, increased hair growth, and unnatural posture. As the condition advances, the body begins to degrade and reform—fingernails and teeth are lost, replaced or supplemented by hardened, irregular structures.
The skin becomes mottled and uneven, often appearing moist or decayed, with visible seams of transformation. Limbs elongate or distort, and movement shifts from coordinated human motion to erratic, jointed articulation. In later stages, the subject develops pronounced insectoid features: enlarged compound-like eyes, mandible-like mouthparts, and the ability to expel a corrosive digestive fluid.
The final form is hunched and asymmetrical, with a mixture of human and insect anatomy that no longer aligns with either. Its presence is marked by organic debris—shed tissue, viscous secretions, and partially dissolved matter.
Encounter Frequency and Usage Notes
Previously Unencountered — Typically a singular, event-specific phenomenon tied to unique experimental failure.
The Brundlefly is highly adaptable across genres: as a biotechnology failure in science fiction, an alchemical catastrophe in fantasy, or a body-horror anomaly in horror settings. Tone is inherently tragic and horrific, with emphasis on transformation and loss of control rather than simple combat. A common GM pitfall is treating the creature as static; its defining feature is progression—each encounter stage should reflect further physical and cognitive decline. The encounter anecdote should demonstrate this escalation and the difficulty of containment once transformation advances.
OpenD6 Stat Block
Attributes (Late Stage)
Strength: 5D
Dexterity: 3D
Intelligence: 2D
Perception: 4D
Wits: 2D+1
Presence: 1D
Skills
Brawling (Claws/Mandibles): 6D
Climbing: 5D
Intimidation: 4D
Survival: 4D
Special Abilities
Progressive Mutation: Stats and abilities evolve over time; Intelligence decreases as Strength and resilience increase.
Corrosive Secretion: Can expel a digestive fluid that damages targets and materials.
Wall-Crawling: Can cling to vertical surfaces.
Bio-Resilience: Gains resistance to pain and injury due to altered physiology.
Unstable Physiology: Suffers unpredictable physical degradation or mutation effects under stress.
Basic Fantasy RPG Stat Block
Brundlefly (Late Stage)
Armor Class: 15
Hit Dice: 7
Movement: 30’ (climb 30’)
Attacks: 2 (claws) or 1 (acid spray)
Damage: 1d8 / 1d8 (claws) or 2d6 (acid)
No. Appearing: 1
Save As: Fighter 7
Morale: 8
Treasure Type: None
Special
Acidic Attack: Ranged corrosive spray damages targets and equipment.
Climbing: Can move freely on walls and ceilings.
Mutation Progression: May gain or lose abilities depending on stage of transformation.
Optional Rules
If using staged encounters, earlier forms retain higher Intelligence and lower physical power, while later forms reverse this balance.
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