The Erudite Plague

Often referred to in short as "The Red Plague" by many commoners, the Erudite plague has been a terror that exists deep beneath for as long as any species can remember. Though its origins are unknown, its deadly fatality rate and quick invasion of the body are considered legendary among the denizens of Aversia. The erudite plague is a malignant crystal formation that uses thousands of different forms of energy to propagate and spread, from leyline energy to flesh and blood. It is also known for being capable to form a hive of sorts from animal dens or villages where they were once transmitted to. When the plague is unable to leech or propagate from victims, it dims and goes inactive until a time where it senses the presence of nearby food sources, causing its signature red glow to disappear entirely.

Capable of psionic manipulation of the senses of the mind, the plague is capable of tricking its victims into approaching or getting near it, where the crystal produces spores on itself that it releases into the air around it. These spores are capable of growing on virtually any surface, and if reaching the bloodstream or nerves, they begin to invade and promptly take over the body. The larger the entity, the faster the plague propagates and takes over, turning them into a grisly zombie-like horror whose only purpose is to find new sources to spread.

Treatment

The Erudite plague is unique in the fact that it can only be cured a number of times with the same method before it becomes immune, unless it is unable to psionically communicate with itself.

Current Immunities

• Healing Via Mana and Shakti
• Unrefined raw plant-life medicine.

Spread

The Erudite plague is epidemically contagious, as even a single spore has been known to be capable of wiping out a city, or even a species of animal. The spore it emits, if it creates an open wound with an infected weapon, or even just contact with the crystals causes the shards of said crystals to grow rapidly into new formations.

Symptoms

• First Sept (1 OOC Day)
  • People or animals begin to feel lethargic, and want to move less as their energy is sapped away
  • Objects will not be affected at this stage, however red roots can be easily seen growing within things if one investigates and looks beneath the surface layer.
    • These roots often need to be removed in whole chunks, as even a tiny speck is enough to regrow to its full potential.
  • Animals will begin to almost instinctively move into packs, or stay near their masters much more often.
    • This is caused by Psionic suggestion of the now baby crystals growing within them.
  • Mind bowel discomfort, bloating, gas.
    • Their bodies metabolism accelerates unnaturally, causing such issues.

• Second Sept (2 OOC Days)
  • Animals will begin to be more active, and scratch themselves as if their skin itched or was irritated.
    • The roots begin to start forming microscopic crystals, pushing other cells out of the way.
  • People will begin to feel more communal and have an innate desire to interact more physically with others. (Handshakes, shoulder slaps, etc..)
    • The psionic effects begin to suggest the person into action, though they still would not do things against their nature.
  • Objects will begin to degrade at this stage, and show clear signs of infection.
    • The crystals grow faster on solid materials then flesh.
  • Rashes or skin itchiness become much more common.
    • The roots begin to start forming crystal formations deep in the body, causing off reactions and pushing other things out of the way.
  • Vomiting and Fever begin to show at random intervals, and can appear at any time.
    • The metabolism accelerates significantly, as the crystals begin to grow faster.

• Third Sept (3 OOC Days)
  • Symptoms seem to vanish in all people, communal feelings remain.
    • The crystals synchronize with the body, and become deeply rooted. Treatment requires invasive surgery.
  • Animals begin to act more rashly, and violent to their communal partners, be it people or other animals.
    • The crystals begin to cause hysteria and unnatural anger in order to spread the plague further.
  • Objects begin to have small crystalline structures piercing their surface, barely visible.
  • Fluids begin to be extremely contagious, and carry spores that infect others by even skin contact. with one another.

• Fourth Sept (4 OOC Days)
  • People begin to feel paranoia, and increased aggressiveness around others.
    • The resonance of the crystals overwhelm the mind.
  • Animals begin to kill others in random, almost feral attacks, feeding on them to desperately gain more energy to propagate.
    • Crystals use the carcass to grow as well.
  • Objects begin to have visible crystalline surfaces, dig through deeper and spread far more rapidly in the structure.
    • The structure must be destroyed to prevent spread at this point.
  • Skin irritation and bowel issues return, this time far more often and severe.
    • Having fully invaded the body, it begins to drain it once again of its resources as it produces spores to grow rapidly.
      • The plague is incurable at this point.

• Fifth Sept (5 OOC Days)
  • Crystals erupt from people in random areas, causing immense pain and releasing spores everywhere in the room they are in.
    • The crystals supersede the body, draining all its lifeforce at once to rapidly proliferate.
  • Massive crystal structures begin to form in objects, spreading across any surface it can infect, and release contagion spores that contaminate any surface they touch, be it raw skin or otherwise.
    • Cadavers also take this shape at this point.

• Sixth Sept (Six OOC Days)
  • People and animals isolate themselves, curling up in whatever corner they feel safe the most, and promptly die.

The World of Aethius • The Multiverse of Aethier