Vampirism

You mostly feel the same at first. As the nights pass and the days feel endless, the scorching rays of the sun make your flesh sizzle and your eyes strain. You feel a ravenous hunger that was never there before, a lust for blood as well. You try to live on animal blood but soon it isn't enough for you, you need the succulent blood of other mortals. You have been chosen by one of Kabara's own to take on this most noble of blessings. Vampirism is a disease which can only be inflicted by intentional turning from a vampire on a mortal, usually through biting. Once a vampire bites you, you have until you fall asleep to be cleansed either through prayer, magic, or elixir. If you fail to do so, your body will begin to turn and your soul falls into the hands of Kabara.

Transmission & Vectors

Almost always through blood, mainly being bitten by a vampire or drinking the blood of one.

Causes

The original vampires created by Kabara spread this disease intentionally by massacring entire settlements to spread their race at the command of their unholy father.

Symptoms

After the first rest with the disease, vampirism will begin to show symptoms. It begins with irritated eyes, heightened hunger and senses, and headaches. Over the next few days, these symptoms become amplified until they're unbearable, the infected becomes emotionally frenzied, the hunger becomes ravenous, and the slightest sound becomes a dreadful clanging in the victim's mind, they can only be stopped by feeding. Physically, they begin to develop fangs, their eyes turn a crimson red, and their skin loses color.

Treatment

Normally, vampirism can only be cured before the victim goes to sleep while infected. Once they sleep, there's no going back. However, before that, there are a number of ways to cure the disease. Vampirism can be removed by a skilled cleric, elixir, prayer to a merciful god, or magic.

Prognosis

The outcome of the disease is the victim being functionally undead, a non-living entity only sustained by blood.

Prevention

Certain amulets, talismans, and divine protections can guard against this unholy disease.

Cultural Reception

In almost any corner of Sol, a victim of vampirism is likely to be lynched along with their entire family for good measure.

Type

Parasitic