Licid

Licids are parasitic or symbiotic beings of an insectoid nature with six (generally) limbs and a tail that latch onto another creature and then imbue that creature with some ability. In some cases, a licid is used by sentient beings for their ability granting capabilities. For example, a calming licid might be used to subdue dangerous criminals, or a quickening licid could be used to increase a warrior's speed.

Game mechanics

Licid is a creature type found on creatures in the Tempest block.

All licids have two abilities; an activated ability that changes the Licid into an aura enchantment with enchant creature, and a static ability that modifies the characteristics of the creature it enchants.

The activated ability is always of the form "[mana cost], Tap: [This] loses this ability and becomes an Aura enchantment with enchant creature. Attach it to target creature. You may pay C to end this effect." The use of this ability causes the creature to stop being a creature and instead become an Aura attached to a target creature. This can prevent lethal damage from killing the Licid, and also creates a tapped enchantment, an unusual state for an enchantment that has no effect on its function. This ability also includes a clause for reverting the Licid back to its creature state, which costs one mana of the same color as the Licid (C).

The static ability is like that of any normal Aura enchantment, which modifies the characteristics of the creature it enchants either by granting it an additional ability (such as flying) or by modifying its characteristics (such as its controller) or its card types.

There is an uncommon cycle of licids printed in Tempest, all of which are 1/1 creatures with a casting cost of C. They are Quickening Licid, Stinging Licid, Leeching Licid, Enraging Licid, and Nurturing Licid.

There is also an uncommon cycle of licids printed in Stronghold, all of which are all 2/2 creatures with a casting cost of C. They are Calming Licid, Gliding Licid, Corrupting Licid, Convulsing Licid, and Tempting Licid.

Two licids were printed in Exodus. These are the uncommon Transmogrifying Licid and the rare Dominating Licid. Transmogrifying Licid is the only "Artifact Creature - Licid", and Dominating Licid is the only Licid to have a casting cost requiring two mana of a specific color.