Twilight Fever
It's Not About the Book...
About
While many books and movies play with the end result of a vampire bite, everyone knows the truth: that being bitten by one will not turn you into one of them. Instead, it will transmit a disease that is named Twilight Fever. However it is not only the pure-blooded vampire that can spread the disease -- it is also carried by damphyrs (dam·pire). Within a vampire or damphyr, there is a potent collection of mana and various components in their venom, which interact poorly with other beings' immune systems.Cultural Reception
Beings capable of catching this disease are fearful of it due to it causing a loss of control. Media including vampire bites tend to stoke the fires of unease, with some stories claiming you could 'catch' vampirism. This is unfounded and likely just extended side effects from catching Twilight Fever. Many treat victims of Twilight Fever with fear and distrust, and it is not uncommon to find sufferers of the disease pulling away from their social circles due to embarrassment and shame.Did you hear? I heard Veronica down the street got Twilight Fever. I can't believe it! I used to let her babysit my kids! It's a shame though, she was such a good match for the kids when we went out...What, no I'm not letting her watch my babies! What if she's still rabid!...Yes I know she wouldn't be out if she wasn't over it, but, you remember those stories right? About how sometimes people go crazy....? I can't risk her hurting my children!However, there are certain types of beings that...enjoy the primary sensations of a vampire/damphyr's bite and will go out of their way to allow themselves to be fed on. These people are called Fever Addicts, or Pincushions, due to how often they are punctured by the species' fangs. These individuals cover themselves in runes and wards, and willingly offer their blood in exchange for feelings of euphoria and bliss. Vampire venom is considered a hot commodity to them.
Namesake
Twilight Fever is so named because of old wives' tales that vampires and their kin would only strike during that time period, and that shortly after being fed on, the first symptom typically noticed by others is a fever. This fever persists throughout the lifetime of the disease, and is the main namesake. When the fever breaks, it is typically used as a sign the disease has run its course.Twilight Fever Symptoms
Infographic for Twilight Fever symptoms.
| Symptom Name | Description of Symptom | Phase Symptom Occurs |
|---|---|---|
| Lethargy | A state of sleepiness or deep unresponsiveness and inactivity; a lack of energy and enthusiasm. | 1 |
| Sense of Euphoria | A feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness. | 1 |
| Wound Pain | Bite wound(s) and surrounding area become painful to touch. | 1 |
| Lightheadedness | A sensation of dizziness or a feeling that one may faint; Vertigo is common. | 1 |
| Fever | An abnormally high body temperature usually with shivering, and in severe instances, delirium. | 1-3 |
| Fatigue | A state of extreme tiredness. | 2 |
| Limb Stiffness | Patient suffers from stiff and tight limbs near wounds. | 2 |
| Rapid Heartbeat | An increased pulse, sometimes above average. | 3 |
| Sweating | Above average perspiration. | 3 |
| Hysterical Strength | A display of extreme strength, beyond what is believed to be normal; usually occurring when people are in life-and-death situations. | 3 |
| Increased Aggression | Increased hostile, violent behaviour or attitude; readiness to attack or confront. | 3 |
| Hypervigilance | An enhanced state of sensory sensitivity; may bring about a state of increased anxiety which can cause exhaustion. | 3 |
| Sensation of Hunger | Patient suffers from a sensation of unending hunger. | 3 |
| Sensation of Thirst | Patient suffers from a sensation of unending thirst. | 3 |
Transmission & Vectors
Twilight Fever is transmitted through bite: the vampire's/damphyr's fangs must penetrate skin, with their venom and saliva entering the bloodstream of the victim. It is possible to extract the main vectors from a carrier to use via an injection into the bloodstream, but it is an incredibly uncommon transmission vector. This method is used only by Fever Addicts/Pincushions.
Causes
The main cause behind Twilight Fever is currently under research, and results of testing have been kept under wraps. It is theorized that there is an alternate type of Mana within the body of a vampire or damphyr, due to their feeding habits and how they metabolize blood and its components.
Depending on a beings' Magical Immune System they may not suffer from the negative effects of a bite. They may just experience the aphrodisiacs in a vampire or damphyr's venom instead. This is theorized to be why certain people become Fever Addicts.
Treatment
Treatment for Twilight Fever is limited due to the transmission vector. Despite that, there are a few options available for people suffering from Twilight Fever, which are as follows:
Ideally, a victim of the fever is recommended to undergo isolation, without any reflective surfaces. This ensures that they don't see anyone (including themselves) as a possible meal or threat, depending on the progression of the disease.
If the afflicted being is a substantial threat to themselves or others, it may be suggested that the being is placed alone and restrained using medical devices. Trying to restrain a being suffering from Twilight Fever with plain ropes or fabric can result in them hurting themselves or others.
Due to the increased senses of the aftermath of the bite, it is recommended that the sufferer be placed in a quiet place, with access to earplugs and eye-coverings. If they don't have the autonomy to do so, and it is still safe to approach, an eye-covering is best to avoid over-stimulation.
Runes can be used to lessen the chances of infection or to hasten recovery. If runes are used they must be on a choker or other accessory which directly touches the skin, or tattooed onto the subject.
Isolation
Ideally, a victim of the fever is recommended to undergo isolation, without any reflective surfaces. This ensures that they don't see anyone (including themselves) as a possible meal or threat, depending on the progression of the disease.
Restraint
If the afflicted being is a substantial threat to themselves or others, it may be suggested that the being is placed alone and restrained using medical devices. Trying to restrain a being suffering from Twilight Fever with plain ropes or fabric can result in them hurting themselves or others.
Sensory Deprivation
Due to the increased senses of the aftermath of the bite, it is recommended that the sufferer be placed in a quiet place, with access to earplugs and eye-coverings. If they don't have the autonomy to do so, and it is still safe to approach, an eye-covering is best to avoid over-stimulation.
Magic Based
Runes can be used to lessen the chances of infection or to hasten recovery. If runes are used they must be on a choker or other accessory which directly touches the skin, or tattooed onto the subject.
Prognosis
While Twilight Fever is a feared disease, it should be noted that it is rarely fatal. It is a short term condition, with the more aggressive symptoms lasting between 24-48 hrs. As mentioned previously, there are some side-effects that last after the disease has run its course, but they are treatable and manageable.
The disease is likely to be diagnosed in a clinic or hospital, and depending on the being's reply to medical staff a treatment plan will be set in place.
Sequela
Twilight Fever Complications
There are risks of complications with this affliction, such as sensitivity to light and shortened temper. Some of the symptoms may linger after recovery, with far lessened intensity. Documented cases of symptoms staying after recovery are as follows:
| Lingering Symptom List | Description of Complication |
|---|---|
| Photosensitivity | Sensitivity to light. |
| Short-Temper | Shortened temper with a proclivity to anger. |
| Hypervigilance | An enhanced state of sensory sensitivity; may bring about a state of increased anxiety which can cause exhaustion. |
Huh, neat! I like the detail given to symptoms and causes, plus the cover image is nifty
Thank you!