Ascension

Transmission & Vectors

Infection is spread through exchange of fluids, with blood and saliva carrying the infection into new hosts and infecting the infirm and mentally weak.

Causes

An outbreak of Ascension begins with a ritual, requiring a part of an Eldur, the knowledge to carve an Eldur rune, and the sap of a Eldur Tree. This ritual begins the infection within the target of the ritual. The ritual allows Eldur cells to enter the bloodstream of the infected. The more compromised the immune system of the victim and the weaker the will power, the quicker the infection spreads.

Symptoms

• Phase 1: The infected becomes quiet and paranoid. They experience a sensation of dread, as if something is watching them from the shadows. Their paranoia convinces them that those around them are plotting against them, and they begin seeking out others who are infected as trusted confidants. The larger the group, the more they feed into one another's delusions, speeding up the infection. Infected individuals can stay in this phase for months to years, depending on the strength of their will power, how much contact they have with other infected, and if their delusions are validated.
  
• Phase 2: At this stage the infected has found a group to share their delusions with, called a Circle of Ascension. Within this group they begin making plans to spread the infection through sabotage meals of former friends, or inducting new members with feigned romantic interest. During this phase infected begin to grow rashes that they scratch raw. They experience minor hallucinations of beings watching them at night when they are alone. They also begin to intuiate what other members of the Circle are thinking.
  
• Phase 3: The Circle of Ascension has now grown to at least 90 members. They have begin making larger plans, seeking to infect larger portions of the population rather than picking individuals to induct. The rashes they grew in Phase 2 are replaced with growths, beginning to grow new eyes, limbs, wings, spines, and horns. The lines between individuals blur, and they begin to develop a basic hivemind, issuing commands to the whole regardless of distance. The infected begin to feel incredibly attracted to their fellows, and lustful polyamorous relationships become common within the Circle.
  
• Phase 4: The Circle has now fully infected it's local population. Infected persons barely resemble humans, with a multitude of mutations. Their individuality has been destroyed, and they share one hivemind. The infected build a nest in the center of town composed of viscera from wildlife and uninfected visitors. After offering a victim to the nest, an infected lays within it, and begins to merge with other members.
  
• Phase 5: The Circle has Ascended. Their humanity is gone for they are one. The Ascended slips out of reality, leaving behind only the remanants of their mortal lives.

Treatment

Ascension can only be treated during the first and second phase of infection. If caught during these phases a healthy dose of holy water can cure the infection before it takes root. A Circle can be halted by isolating all infected individuals during the third phase. Once the infection has progressed to fourth phase the only cure is fire.