Vampirus Parasite

The Vampirus Parasite is an aetheric organism that has evolved to survive in the only way it knows how; inhabiting a more capable host. Finding its home in the ventricles of the heart, the Parasite establishes dominance over the nervous system through the release of neurotoxins, eventually entangling itself to the body using the host’s vascular system. Once the Parasite's roots reach the brain, symbiosis is established. The host can no longer be rid of the parasite, and the parasite can no longer move on from the host.

The Parasite’s main goal is to survive, and of course reproduce. This is achieved through infection. Within the host’s salivary glands, the Parasite lays trillions of microscopic and dormant eggs in those glands. Akin to a snake’s poison, these eggs are released when the host bites down on something. The eggs then become active and begin incubating when introduced to a living being’s bloodstream. While Vampires themselves do not drink blood, this instinct to bite and spread the infection is still prevalent. Only one parasitic egg will survive to take root in the heart of its new host. It is entirely possible for the infected to fight off and survive the infection with an approximate 70% of victims making a full recovery unaffected by the parasite.

It has been documented that some races or individuals that seem to naturally produce less aether compared to others, have a higher chance of fighting off the infection. This is due to the fact that the eggs are more likely to be unable to properly survive/incubate within the being’s bloodstream. Such races that seem to harness these properties (or lack the proper biology for the parasite to thrive in as easily) appear to be: the Sectum, the Fleur, the Baubles, the Automatons, and specific subspecies of both the Kindred and the Submatarius.

As a Pure Aetheric Organism, the Vampirus Parasite thrives on the consumption of aether. It devours the hosts aetheric reserves in order to sustain itself, often causing exhaustion should the host attempt to use their Aspects for prolonged periods. This exhaustion can be overcome with time with careful management.

As with Whimsy and Law corruptions not affecting Pure Aether Beings, the Vampirus Parasite cannot infect those few Pure Aetheric Beings as they themselves are unaffected by sources of corruption and most infections on their biology.

An example of characters with this condition.

Vampires

While some individuals may have negative outlooks towards Vampires themselves, they are not hated or feared within Eversun City as a whole.

Some individuals may view Vampires in Castrella as blood-sucking, violent and manipulative beings, when in reality, they do not acquire such traits on infection. It is an immense misunderstanding that Vampires feed on blood (the Vampirus Parasite does not require blood to live), or that they are all hyper-aggressive simply due to their condition. While seeming to some as having a threatening or dangerous appearance, Vampires are simply a little bit goofy and are oddballs at heart due to their fluctuation in aether from sharing it with another being inside them.

As the Vampirus Parasites does need aether to survive, this aether can come in many forms with some individuals and locations having ways of accommodating this need. Strictly speaking, these avenues were not formed initially with Vampires in mind but welcome those afflicted and their needs all the same. Vampires are often noted to not use their aspects, as this cost of use demands more aether from the parasite, and can easily cause fatigue if not managed properly.

Progenitors

Originally hailing from Noct, this group of Vampires believe the Vampirus Parasite infection is the next evolutionary stage of society. The Progenitors prefer to campaign others into joining their ideology over actively searching and hunting for those to follow them. This group is also noted to use their Aspects more than non-Progenitor Vampires, as the parasite demands more aether from their body, and they feel the need to then supply it.

Uncommonly, there are some Vampires within the Progenitors who feel as though they have the natural right to harm others. Such Vampires who lash out and lose themselves are summarily handled by the individuals Amos Dominus Maledicta XIII and Chalice Aureate.

Personally.

Relationship to the Adventurers' Guild

The Adventurers’ Guild, while interested in understanding the virus itself, has a strong stance against controlling and restraining those afflicted with the Vampirus Parasites. Much like other non-Vampires within Eversun City, should they hurt or attack others, The Guild then will step in to put a stop to the behaviour. While the guild does wish to avoid the Vampirus Parasite spreading, Vampires are still offered the same open arms and warmth as all other individuals and groups within both the city and the guild itself without prejudice.

Some Vampires offer to have themselves examined by the guild to gain an understanding of the Vampirus Virus, though this is not expected of any Vampire, nor is it the standard relationship between The Guild and Vampires. It is vital that The Guild focuses on and ensures they unite people and groups together of all forms, whatever it may take.

Side Effects and Symptoms of Infection

• During the initial infection period, the host’s body goes through a number of physiological changes; fever, hallucinations and intense physical pain in all facets of the body are the most commonly experienced.
• Those infected are often noted to prefer not using their birth aspect nearly as much, as the use of aether can cause fatigue on the individual’s body and mind.
• When one is infected, the recorded averages for outcomes are as follows: 70% uninfected rate with a full recovery, 20% infection rate and 10% mortality rate.
• The host will lose their canine teeth during the initial infection, though they are quickly replaced with much sharper, hollow ones.
• During the initial infection period, the chemicals the parasite releases while assimilating the host have a euphoric effect on the host which causes them to remain calm and docile as if nothing is wrong.
• The infection period is suspected to last sometime between 3 days to 2 months, however no true average has been calculated due to the sheer diversity, and lack of data regarding the period of infection to be effective results of a true average.
• The Vampirus Parasite itself becomes naturally docile in sunlight, and this tends to result in the host shying away from sunlight altogether.
• During the day, the host will return to their pre-infection physiology with some exceptions. Their eyes are more sensitive to light, their skin tends to burn easier and they become physically exhausted with prolonged exposure.
• During the night, those afflicted with the Vampirus Parasite will show an increase in some traits. These traits are documented to be: heightened strength, stronger awareness of one’s surroundings and sharper senses. Some Vampires are also noted to have their eyes reflect light like felines, though this is not the norm across all Vampires.

General Observational Notes

• When the Vampirus Parasite’s general demands for aether is not met over a long period of time, it usually results in fatigue and exhaustion of the host. In rare cases, it may result in the host’s loss of life. Otherwise, the host is as mortal as their biological race, with reports of an extension to their expected ages. There are myths of Vampires being immortal, though this is largely false and supported by insufficient data.
• While infected, Vampires are observed to have an urge in order to ensure the parasite's two instincts; survive and infect other hosts. Vampires are aware of this pulling sensation most of their waking hours, though it does not force them to act in extreme ways.
• Consumption of food isn't required as the parasite feeds off aether and in turn sustains the body, but that does not mean a Vampire can't enjoy a hearty meal. The host’s body functions as normal.
• Vampires remain completely in control of themselves mentally and physically in most circumstances. It is very uncommon for Vampires to lash out and lose their sense of self.
• Self control, mental well being, and willpower all play a vital role in maintaining control over the parasite.
• Due to their aether being altered by the Parasite, Vampires are able to recover from ailments faster than non-infected individuals. This comes at a high demand of aether from the parasite, and if the demand is not met, the Vampire is put into a fatigue state to recover slowly over time.