Squidcada

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"Squidcada"
Details
Code name	CicadaA, CicadaB (White and Black Squidcadas, respectively)
Behavior	Neutral
HP	0.8
Food Pips	3 3 1.5 0.5
Points	2
Regions : Outskirts, Garbage Wastes, Sky Islands, Farm Arrays : Waterfront Facility : Metropolis : Rubicon

Squidcadas, simply called Cicadas in the game's files, are nonaggressive flying insectoid creatures that form small nests and colonies found in several locations throughout Rain World. They hunt for small prey to bring back to their nests, and are generally passive towards Slugcat, though they can be both useful and dangerous to the player in certain situations. They prey upon Batflies, Leeches, and rarely Infant Noodlefly corpses. Squidcadas are hunted and eaten by Lizards, Vultures, and other predators.

Abilities & Behavior

Squidcadas are cuttlefish-like creatures that flutter across the regions they inhabit on four small wings. Their bodies have two variations, black and white, and are detailed in various shades of blue. They generally make nests in enclosed spaces, where they bring food they catch and return to after a hunt.

The primary prey of Squidcadas are Batflies, like the Slugcat. For this reason, the player may often find themselves in contention with these creatures for food if pressed for time by the rain. They catch prey using their great mobility and aerial speed and bring it back to the nest. While generally passive, these creatures are somewhat territorial and may attack Slugcat if they steal their prey or intrude on their territory. Though unable to deal damage, they can grab and hold onto Slugcat, dragging them down. They may also ram into Slugcat, knocking them off poles or ledges.

If necessary, Squidcadas can be stunned or repelled by Rubbish, Spears, and other weapons, though they may be difficult to hit due to their erratic flight.

Squidcada varieties

Squidcadas are found in two varieties distinguished by their body color and behavior. Black Squidcadas are encountered more commonly, as they often stray further from the nest in search of food and are more widely spread out. On the other hand, White Squidcadas stay closer to their nest, and are larger and slower than their counterpart. Both otherwise follow similar behavior.

Relationships

Black Squidcada

Default relationship	Uncomfortable
Wants to eat	Batfly  •  Leeches ( Blue  •  Red)
Reputation-based	Slugcat

Reputation

At sufficiently high levels, Squidcadas ignore Slugcat completely. At low reputation levels or when intruding on their territory, they attempt to charge into the Slugcat and knock them off of poles and platforms. At very low reputation levels, Squidcadas avoid Slugcat if they are carrying a weapon. 'Brave' Squidcadas however, consisting of 50% of the total population, still attempt to ram the player, even when armed.

Leech Fishing

Squidcada "Leech fishing"

Squidcadas occasionally attempt to 'fish' for Leeches by diving into the water until one latches on. This can sometimes result in multiple leeches latching onto a Squidcada, causing it to drown.

Utility

Use in extended jumping

Squidcadas can be invaluable movement tools to Slugcat, especially in high areas like the Sky Islands. If grabbed, the Squidcada acts as a propeller, increasing the height and distance of jumps and allowing one to reach normally difficult or impossible-to-reach locations. However, Squidcadas grow exhausted with erratic movement and stop flying to rest. When this happens, the player must stay still in order for it to wake up. Squidcadas wake faster if released. Black varieties tend to get exhausted more easily, so if the player is crossing a dangerous gap with one, they may wish to find a white Squidcada. Grabbing onto a Squidcada requires both hands.

Use in flying

If Slugcat is starving, their weight decreases dramatically. When this is used in conjunction with a Squidcada, large distances can be traveled very quickly. If a white Squidcada is used rather than a black one, a backflip or pounce can be performed which allows Slugcat to fly indefinitely, holding jump to ascend whenever they want. Touching any surface with Slugcat or grabbing a pole ends this effect, forcing the player to set it up again.

As Spearmaster, starving is not required, as they are so light naturally that they can fly even without starvation.

Trivia

• Despite holding onto a Squidcada requiring two hands, Slugcat is still able to climb poles.
  • If Slugcat is holding onto both a Squidcada and a pole, the Squidcada drags them up the pole. If the Squidcada is exhausted, however, Slugcat is dragged slowly down the pole due to the weight.
• While items usually cannot be carried in conjunction with a Squidcada, Batflies can still be grabbed if Slugcat lands directly on one. Moreover, eating the Batfly does not cause Slugcat to release the Squidcada.
• It is possible to bring multiple Squidcadas from one region to another, starting with a white one and then multiple black ones. This results in a new Squidcadas 'colony' in that region.
• The metal plate asset on the front of the Squidcadas is reused in-game on the upper bodies of Leviathans.
• Batflies that are being carried by Squidcadas can be knocked out of their mouth by throwing an item at it.

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