Myrkild (/mɜrkɪld/)
Watch for unusual growths on your meat, fruit and vegetables, these can be indications of Myrkild in the vicinity. Under no circumstances should you consume produce you believe to be infected.Myrkild are symbiotic parasitic microorganisms, otherworldly scourges, consumers of organic matter. Their most basic form, a singular Myrkild cell, is capable of multiplying at an alarming rate, consuming, building and connecting new matter. New Myrkild. From a singular unintelligent cell, to an almost mycelial-like network of cells, to eventually being capable of forming multiple beings all connected via hivemind with crude personalities… The Myrkild infest, consume, create in an endless cycle. But do not be deceived, for the Myrkild are a diverse species, each race boasting its own method of infiltration and a unique, terrifying form of transformation. As they consume more and more biomass, these microorganisms give birth to a host of grotesque constructs, each a testament to their diabolical ingenuity. Once the Myrkild's shadow has cast itself upon a host, an eerie equilibrium may persist for a fleeting moment, concealing the impending cataclysmic transformation. But in most cases, the changes occur with breathtaking speed, obliterating any trace of the host's original form in a matter of days.
The manifestation of Demons
Species, Strains and Constructs - What is a Myrkild?Uravand cells
The seed, the progenitor of the seven different Myrkild species. Uravand cells mutate into one of the seven species of Myrkild when they first come into contact with an intense emotion. Be that of Gluttony, Envy, Sloth, Wrath, Lust, Pride or Greed. Once mutated, it will then infest, consume and create. This mutation defines the species of Myrkild.A hidden rot
Deep under the surface, the endless networks of Myrkild tunnels smother Errack. Centred on the north-pole and deeper still, warped cancerous roots stitch themselves into Errack's crust. Like bone marrow, these roots produce vast quantities of Uravand cells. Within the deepest Myrkild tunnels, tumours from the roots below burst forth into the cavernous chambers. These tumours form blighted wellsprings, pools of primordial soup. Uravand cells inject into and swirl amongst Myrkild infested fluid, mutating the Uravand cells into new Myrkild.Myrkild species
There are currently seven different species of Myrkild known to mankind. The species are; Gluttony, Envy, Sloth, Wrath, Lust, Pride and Greed. Each has a unique appearance but they share some consistent similarities such as; they all contain a spiked icosahedral core, a translucent outer membrane and the surface of the Myrkild bares various masses. These masses vary dependent on the Myrkild's species. For example, Pride Myrkild have long, thin thorns protruding from their surface, whereas Gluttony Myrkild have concave pits potmarking their outer membrane. In addition to their similarities in apperance, the Myrkild all share an aversion, and weakness, to fire and UVc light. Fire has been used for millennia to destroy the Myrkild, reducing them to ash. In the modern age, humanity furthered this discovery by utilising UVc emiting bulbs, chemicals and other such creations. Eventually coming to utilise various degrees of laser technology as part of their arsenal against the Myrkild.Strains of the dark gore
Potency and variance. The strain defines what construct(s) the Myrkild is able to form. They are in essence, the unique puzzle pieces that make one construct or another rise from the sinewy ooze.Evolution
Throughout the Eras, the Myrkild strains have evolved, and so too do the constructs these microorganisms can form. Every few years, new variants appear, some more successful than others, and with this appearance of new evolutions the Myrkild get ever stronger. They learn to combat humanity's weapons, their drugs and medicines, reacting to these new threats by mutating and adapting evermore.Constructs - manifestation of intent
Constructs are best defined as the being that is formed by an amalgamation of Myrkild. These often horrific creatures bear individuality derived from their species, yet their minds interlace within a tight-knit network. They share thoughts and dark whispers across their Myrkild kin. Calling such unnatural, unhuman beings "Demons" is an easy stretch for the mind.The 7 Nadirs of Sin are simply constructs from an extremely potent strain of their Myrkild species. These entities possess a unique twist upon their telepathic communion, bridging much greater distances to converse with their kin. Beyond mere words, they may also seize control of their brethren, seeing through the eyes of others and forcibly executing their malevolent will.
A persistent weakness to fire, UVc light.
Envy,
Sloth,
Wrath,
Lust,
Pride,
Greed
Underlings
Hm, interesting and fitting for the world, at least as far as I can tell. I would have been interested to know whether there are ways of reversing this process once it has begun and how much has to be transferred, so to speak, for one to become infected. I mean, is an infected drop of blood enough or does it have to be a pool of blood and so on? Or does it depend on the size and resistance of the biomass?
Thank you! You're right, that's something I can develop indeed! Something to build upon. In terms of reversing the process, I don't think this will be possible. However, prevention of spread is. For example, if you remove the infected area and hopefully no Demons have spread to other areas yet, you should be okay. But there is the risk of a missed Demon and the infection coming back somewhere else. In terms of infection, a singular cell is enough to begin the process, so, depending on the race, this would be transferred differently but they can come in concentrated ammounts just like any real-world virus, bacteria etc. Thank you so much for your time taken to comment and start the discussion! It's my favourite thing about the WA community <3