Memetic parasite
Custom Burden for Eco Mofos!!
I’ve been way into Eco Mofos!! recently. One interesting mechanic it has is Burdens. A Burden takes up an inventory slot, representing a preoccupation that makes you less able to give it your 100%. Burdens are things such as “Arrogant” or “Sad”, and you gain them from pushing yourself (e.g., using special powers). To get rid of a Burden, you have to perform a specific activity. E.g., if you are sad, you may get rid of the condition if you indulge in a vice.
I thought it would be interesting to hack this subsystem. As a quick thought experiment, I came up with the idea of a memetic parasite. Enjoy.
Memetic Parasite
The Memetic Parasite is a form of a mental condition that spreads telepathically.
If you gain a Burden while in the presence of somebody infected with the Memetic Parasite, you will gain “Memetic Parasite” as a Burden instead of the usual choices.
Every Memetic Parasite comes with a behavioral directive, e.g., “Must extinguish any fire in your vicinity” or “Must eat any food you notice.” If you act against the directive, you need to make a WIL save. On a failure, the parasite multiplies to another inventory slot.
You can get rid of a single instance of the parasite through a moment of shared vulnerability or intimacy with another person. That instance of the parasite gets transferred to the person you share the moment with.
You can also get rid of a single instance of the parasite through a week of secluded meditation with the guidance of a hermit.