Necrophage (Bacterial Infection)
It is said that, with the introduction of skeletons and the like onto the surface world of Terra Firma, came the infection of the Necrophage. It has not yet been confirmed, but it is rumored that the Necrophage can be given to any living creature by coming into contact with skeletons. It can't be just any skeletons, it has to be the living undead skeletons, like those who serve Yharm. Those skeletons are created by the divine and the abyss, and those are the types that can infect creatures.
The effects of the Necrophage are unknown, but there is documentation dating back to the Era of Demise about humans being infected with it. It is stated that, those who came into contact with Yharm's skeletons and lived would soon turn incredibly ill, often getting delusional soon after the first contact. There are many different things that can happen when contracting the Necrophage, it is said that some people bruise, some people bleed randomly, it us unsure if any of this is does actually happen, since it hasn't been seen in hundreds of years, but with the increase in skeleton warrior attacks, everyone should be on the lookout.
The Necrophage can be an incredibly deadly infection with terrible results, often ending in the death of a person quickly. There is also the chance that those infected could spread the infection. It is also said that, if someone dies of the Necrophage, they immediately turn into a damned soul, left to turn into a skeleton minion for Yharm.
Transmission & Vectors
Coming into contact with skeletons (skeletons created/controlled by Yharm). Getting damaged by a skeleton. There are different rumors for many different ways of getting the pathogen. These are all based on ancient documentation relating to the increase of skeleton warriors in the Era of Demise.
Causes
It is unclear how the Necrophage came to be. Some say it is based on the unclean aura of Terra Terrorium. Some say that it is the bacteria on the skeletons. Others say it could be the power of Yharm, if she can't kill immediately, she can at least have something spread for her. It is unsure which is true, however.
Symptoms
Delusion, incredible illness, bruising all over, bleeding all over, dark red or black blood, and a swift, but supposedly agonizing death.
Treatment
There is no treatment known as of right now for the Necrophage.
Prognosis
If someone is said to be contaminated, death is absolutely certain. There is no way to avoid the agonizing pain that comes with it.
Sequela
Often the illness doesn't show itself immediately, often just causing strange delusions. But after a few hours, sometimes days, the infection ramps up and swiftly goes to the next stages, ultimately killing the infected.
Affected Groups
Anyone and everyone can be affected by the Necrophage. Any creature of any size, gender, genetic code, etc. can be affected. It is a truly absurd illness.
Hosts & Carriers
The only carriers are skeleton minions of Yharm, but anyone infected can be a host, possibly transferring it to other creatures.
Prevention
Stay away from skeletons. There is no other method of prevention that is known. Don't get hurt by skeleton warriors.
Epidemiology
It is said that creatures who have the Necrophage can transfer the infection to others by liquid contact, although this hasn't been proven. If multiple people have the infection and aren't quarantined, it could cause terrible results on the population.
History
The first recorded instance of the Necrophage is way back in the Era of Demise, dating after the start of the Battle Between the Gods. Since the downfall of Yharm, there hasn't been anymore information or documented incidents about Necrophage infections.
Cultural Reception
The reception of the Necrophage, at least back in the Era of Demise, is absolute terror, not only did people have to worry about facing off with the skeleton hordes, but they had to worry about the infection that came along with them. The Necrophage is said to have disappeared from people's thoughts as the Era of Demise came to an end.
Type
Bacterial
Children
Origin
Divine
Cycle
Chronic, Acquired
Rarity
Extremely Rare
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