Inkwell Plague

The Inkwell Plague is a strange infection like parasite that exists on the lower levels of the Underground past the 10th layer. It seems to be both an infection and a parasite, as parts of the plague seem to be able to move on its own.

Transmission & Vectors

Inkwell Plague is spread through direct contact with the black inky substance in any capacity on the skin or orifice. While there are various methods of spreading itself, including and up to the actual substance itself moving on its own, weakened carriers are usually under full control of the plague and will actively attempt to spread the ink substance to others.

It is unknown of the aftereffects of stronger carriers also spreads the effects.

Once an amount of ink-blood has reached the be an amount equal to about that of 3 tablespoons, it gains the ability to move on its own, much like a maggot or small snake. From there it will seek to infect a living organism of some complexity.

Causes

Unknown. Believed to be linked to stones found in the lowest levels of the Underground.

Symptoms

For low level carriers, early symptoms start as headaches and hearing voices. this eventually progresses to include black ink-like blood leaking from the mouth, nose and eyes. Slowly, the infection seems to escalate until the parasite seems to have full control of the host, with most of the victims blood being replaced with the ink. From there the infected will do everything in their power to spread the infection, though it seems it has limited control over the infected.

For high level carriers, early symptoms seem to the same as before, including ink-blood, headaches, and hearing voices. However it seems the stronger carriers have the ability to gain different benefits from the parasite. However, it seems that accessing more and more of those benefits has the possibility to cause a furthering of symptoms until full infection and control of the infected is possible.

Treatment

The only known treatment that prevents furthering of symptoms is contact with Black warpsteel, a strange metal that is found in the deepest parts of the underground. This steel looks like a darkened Damascus. It is unknown as to why it prevents symptoms from spreading but it does not prevent initial infection.

Type

Parasitic

Rarity

Unique