Whispering Tongue Louse

Cutting your tongue out to speak a language of control does not sound like a good deal if you ask me.

— Merfolk

The Whispering Tongue Louse is an uncommon isopod species found within the ocean, known for its symbiotic existence with many fish and merfolk species.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Tongue Louses of this kind grow no bigger than an inch, with the largest specimens known to reach at least two. The thing that sets it apart from other kinds of parasites is its flat behind, resembling a cut-through of a humanoid tongue, presumably for its parasitic nature.

Behaviour

Tongue Louses seek a host and crawl into their mouth, using their claws to cut blood vessels in the tongue and remove it through necrosis. After which, the isopod re-attaches itself to the stub, fusing its blood vessels and other parts with the host. From there, it becomes dependent on their host for food, feeding off their blood and to survive on its own.

To defend its own nest, the louse actually provides the host with an ability to speak magic incantations. These words allow it to incapacitate suspected predators or even drive them away, or in certain cases even lure prey in for both to feed upon. Though it seems also able of other commands.

Should a host die early, it detaches itself from the tongue and swims away, assumed to find a new host in the progress. Most probably do not survive long outside their host, either eaten or starving soon after.

Culture

Its unique ability makes it sometimes sought after by fanatic merfolk, who use the parasite to give themselves access to such powers. Most see it as a rather taboo practice, even in more controlled environment requiring body disfigurement to succeed. But when it does work, it can provide a powerful weapon.

A few users even learned to move the isopod in such ways to give out other commands, allow them to manipulate and trick sealife and fellow Merfolk to do their bidding. The issue lies that such attempts may be seen as a threat to the louse itself, making it possibly control their host back to keep itself safe.

In most cases, trade and ownership of a whispering tongue louse is illegal, with many users being seclusive merfolk or exiles from their regions.