Sacculina Carcini

Named after the barnacle parasite Sacculina carcini, which hollows out crabs and uses their bodies as a host. In Mewgenics, this creature forms a rigid shell across the face, providing 5 Shield at the cost of SPD -1. A clean defensive trade: meaningful protection in exchange for being slightly slower to act. Suits frontline cats who can afford the turn order penalty and want a high-Shield face option without losing stat bonuses elsewhere.