Myrmecophs are mind control specialists in Hyacinth's clan, capable of using a variety of pheromonal and psionic signals to coordinate non-puppet creatures to their own commands. A group of Myrmecophs is known as a shrink.

Myrmecophs are on the heavier side of the light puppets, standing at 3' 2" (97cm), between Manipulators and Tricksters. Myrmecophs have fairly moderate builds, though their size is accentuated by an extended shell that they use to mimic their prefered targets, that being insects or other buggish creatures. This shell stretches from their neck all the way to the ground past the Myrmecoph's tail, and sustends itself on a small number of extremely small legs that the Myrmecoph controls psionically. There is no muscle mass in the shell of any sort; it is, in essence, like a giant finger- or toenail, with a thin layer of cuticle that stretches beneath it to help regrow damaged segments.

Myrmecophs are not a complete and utter rarity in combat, but they are not particularly common either. This is due to their nature; Myrmecophs are at their best when they have simple-minded, isolated victims to take control of. When attempting to control a target, the Myrmecoph secretes a concoction of different pheromones that suppress critical thinking and other higher brain functions, leaving the target mentally dull and generally some amount of relaxed. The Myrmecoph then establishes a psionic link with its target, which it then uses to direct commands to; moving, working, and even speaking or attacking. The strength of the Myrmecoph's connection can seemingly vary quite heavily, though there does seem to be a maximum range that is relatively short (about 50 feet). As such, Myrmecophs prefer targets they would not have to send away; those who can attack at range, or who would not be used for combat at all.

While Myrmecophs primarily exist to subjugate non-puppet creatures, they can also provide assistance to puppets as well. The method, curiously, seems very similar to their control over a non-puppet creature: dousing the target with pheromones, and communicating via psionic signals. The pheromones seem to have a different effect on puppets, sharpening the mind and inspiring a certain vigor in them that isn't usually there. More curiously, this effect isn't mutually exclusive with the psionic rage that Deltas can imbue other targets with.

While it is most certainly effective enough to function in combat, Myrmecoph mind control sees extensive use outside of combat when conditions permit it. Myrmecophs will generally treat controlled creatures as work animals during idle time, usually directing their small posses around other puppets and helping maintain an order even with nonconventional body shapes or abilities. More rarely, Myrmecophs have been known to keep pets; these are usually small animals or large insects that the Myrmecoph displays a prior fondness for.

The circumstances in which a Myrmecoph takes control over its target seems to influence how the Myrmecoph treats it: Targets subject to more hostile takeovers such as enemy combatants will be handled very carelessly, often thrown into danger or even subject to outright fratricide against whatever force they were fighting with. Targets taken over through more peaceable means such as willing subjugation will generally receive much greater care, to the point that the Myrmecoph will find them shelter, food, and medical attention as needed.

Myrmecophs sport an unusual variety of epigenetic triggers, though most curiously, their cuticle cells share many similarities to the pheromone-secreting blister sacs found on Pustules. Considering they both make heavy use of pheromonal secretions, this correlation seems to be a likely case of convergent evolution.

Curious little things, my Myrmecophs are. They can be a bit too eager at times; sometimes I'll find them with a whole menagerie of small critters and insects they've rounded up for whatever purpose. It's not like my children to go seeking out pets, so it's definitely a change of pace from the usual activities on the farm.

Once or twice, I've had to force them to relinquish their hold on other ponies or changelings; it seems even thinking folks aren't immune to their wiles. Though I have had a few people claim that they've volunteered to be controlled on purpose.

Myrmecophs are the first case of a puppet being made for Into the Breach rather than their own narrative or as part of Dungeons and Dragons design. They originated as an ItB-unique puppet for Hyacinth to spawn as their pilot ability, though I've taken some liberties on their abilities for the sake of writing. Mind control is arguably a bit out there for Hyacinth, though I guess you could consider it a form of adoption.