Evil scientists, while working with necromancers, came up with a terrifying variety of different types of undead, specifically those which follow the classic ‘zombie’ motif. Then someone came up with the brilliant idea to create a parasite, which could be used to infect a host, and turn it into a zombie while it was still living. When the host was finally killed, the parasites would simply reanimate the host as an undead creature. Thus this particular type of zombie was created.

The basic parasite was created using a species of wasp. The insect was genetically engineered and then infused with necromantic magic. The creature never grew past its larval form, and even in this stage of existence, it could still produce eggs. The larva could infect a host, quickly taking over and turning it into a feeding machine, whose only purpose is to spread the infection.  

The wasp larva bred at incredible speed and are born pregnant with the next generation of larva. These specially engineered insects would spread through the host’s body, leaving the host perfectly aware of what was happening but at the same time taking away all motor control.

A Parasite Zombie is created through two methods. The first and most direct is through a bite, where the zombie infects the victim with the larva. It doesn’t take long for the larva to infect the body and take it over, turning it into a vehicle to spread their progeny.

The second method is for the zombie to spit at a target. The spittle is filled with the squirming larva and eggs, and as such if the spit hits an open wound or gets into any orifice, the creature is able to continue the cycle.

That however, is not the worst aspect of the infection. The host is perfectly aware of what is happening to them, and are incapable of preventing their bodies from attacking and trying to spread the infection. At this point, they are still living.

As stated, the victim is completely aware of what is happening but has no control over its body.  The victim cannot communicate or react in any manner, although spells and abilities such as Telepathy will allow the victim to be contacted.  Once the victim has died however, the mind is gone and only a Limited Wish, Miracle or Wish spell will bring them back.

Source: Dead of Night by Jonathan Maberry.

Starfinder Creature Index