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, and eventually entangles itself to the body using the vascular system. Once the parasites 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. How it does this is via infection. Within the host’s salivary glands, the parasite establishes a secondary gland in which it lays trillions of microscopic, dormant eggs. Like a snake, these eggs are released when the host bites down on something, the eggs becoming active when introduced to a hot, living bloodstream. This is what drives the host’s need to bite and draw blood. Only one parasitic egg will survive to take root in the heart of it’s victim, and it entirely possible for the infected to fight off and survive the infection with an approximate 50% of victims making a full recovery.

Survival is a different matter. As an aetheric organism, the vampirus parasite thrives on aether. It consumes the hosts aetheric reserves in order to sustain itself, oftentimes causing exhaustion should the host attempt to use their abilities for prolonged periods. This of course like many other hardships of the infection can be overcome with time with careful management.

Side Effects & Symptoms

• During the initial infection period, or the incubation, the host body goes through a number of physiological changes; fever, hallucinations and intense physical pain in all facets of the body are the most commonly experience. Infected are also likely to lose access to their aether entirely while the parasite establishes itself.
• It’s not unheard of for a host to die from the shock of the infection; this is actually more common than a host being mutated into a vampire, but not as common as surviving and being rid of the infection.
• If infected your chances are 50% survival, 20% mutation, 30% death on average.
• The host will lose a number of teeth during the initial infection, though they are eventually replaced with much sharper, hollow ones.
• The chemicals the parasite releases while assimilating the host have a euphoric effect on the host, causing them to remain calm and docile as if nothing is wrong with them, at least for part of the incubation period.
• The longest recorded infection period is 2 months, 3 days and 15 hours.
• Vampires have a strange infatuation with the smell of vascular blood - it’s currently theorised that this may be due to the parasites natural inclination toward reproduction.
• The vampirus parasite becomes naturally docile in sunlight, though it tends to shy away from it. This means that the host will return to their pre-infection physiology while out and about during the day, with some exceptions. Their eyes are more sensitive to light, their skin tends to burn easier, and they become physically exhausted with prolonged exposure.
• Vampirically infected individuals will show more signs of infection during the night. Heightened strength, speed and senses are the most common attributes affected.

Notes

• Vampires tend to live what could be considered immortal lives, only dying from unnatural causes or starvation.
• The body no longer has the capacity to grow or develop on its own; the parasite now controls all physiological facets of the body including cell creation and deterioration, muscle development, fat stores and of course ageing. This of course means that vampires tend to have physically developed bodies in order to ensure the parasites two instincts; survive and reproduce.
• Food isn't required as the parasite feeds off aether and in turn sustains the body, but that doesn't mean a vampire can't enjoy a hearty meal. The body functions pretty normally as far as digestion goes.
• Vampires can remain completely in control of themselves given the right circumstances
• Self control, mental well being, and willpower all play a vital role in maintaining control over the parasite.
• Their eyes reflect light like a cat's.
• Their bodies become much more robust; bones won’t break as easily, wounds will heal faster and muscles tend to develop almost over night.
• Though their aetheric abilities tend to be weaker than prior to infection, vampires make up for this in other ways.
• It's not uncommon for vampires to become ravenous, bloodthirsty creatures.
• There is a league of “purists” that believe vampires to be the next evolutionary stage, and therefore they consider themselves to be the superior life forms. They actively seek out strong contenders for the parasite, infecting victims that they deem worthy with no regard to life. They look down upon all other life forms, most significantly survivors of the parasite. They call themselves The Progenitors and seek to infect the population.