Keel Leeches are armored parasites that attach themselves to the undersides of sea vessels and skyships.
Young specimens are small enough to hide behind a hull plate. Mature ones can spread across several frames, flattening their bodies against wood and metal.
What they feed on
- warmth
- vibration
- pressure discharge
- trace Éterlumin leakage
- the stable Fortera pattern used to maintain lift
The symptoms
An infested vessel develops minor but persistent faults:
- a list that returns after correction
- delayed helm response
- increased gas consumption
- instruments disagreeing by fractions
- a hum that sounds true everywhere except beneath the hull
- unexplained drag during ascent
Because no single symptom appears serious, crews often blame poor maintenance, bad weather, or an inexperienced engineer.
Keel Leeches do not glow. Their damp shells reflect nearby lamps, making them resemble patched metal or marine growth.
Removing a mature specimen while the drive is active is dangerous. The parasite may release the pressure it has stored, causing a sharp loss of lift or a violent recoil through the hull.
Navies inspect for them regularly. Smugglers have been accused of attaching juveniles to pursuing vessels.
A long-handled tapping hammer is used along the underside. Healthy plating gives a clean answer. A leech gives back a dull, wet note.
At the table
Keel Leeches create maintenance mysteries, sabotage suspicions, and difficult exterior repairs while the ship remains in service.