Moon Plague

(this article is for lore regarding the Moon Plague. For specific mechanics as they apply to player characters, see Moon Plague Player Rules)
The Moon Plague is the common name for a strain of Therianthropy prevalent during The Age of Coalescence, which is a generalized condition in which humanoid creatures are forced to transform into various kinds of beasts. Therianthropy itself has existed since before recorded history, however this new strain is particularly infectious and markedly more severe. Even those who had previously contracted some form of Therianthropy prior to becoming infected with the moon plague reported their existing symptoms changed. In some cases their existing case become more severe, and others the manner of creature they transformed into had changed entirely.
The most notable factor which separates the Moon Plague from more mundane forms of Therianthropy is that the manner of beast one transforms into seems to be entirely independent of what they were turned by. In traditional therianthropic cases, transmission would invoke the same strain on the victim as their attacker. For instance, a man who contracts Therianthropy from a lycanthrope would typically expect to contract lycanthropy, as this is what the progenitor had. With the Moon Plague, however, the specific deformation of any one victim is currently unpredictable. This has even created Therianopes with exotic forms never seen before, including aquatic creatures such as sharks, whales, and goldfish.
Since the end of The Age of Coalescence and the rise of the moon goddess Natsu, Moon Plague is no longer contagious.  In addition, the symptoms are now much more manageable than they were before.

Transmission & Vectors

As with traditional Therianthropy, the primary transmission vector is through the bite of an infected creature who is in their transformed state. However, some additional vectors have been confirmed that are unique to the Moon Plague:

• Saliva
• Sweat
• Blood
• Intercourse

The disease does not appear to spread merely through proximity or social contact.

Symptoms

Infected individuals are typically asymptomatic until their first transformation. The risk of transformation is strongly tied to both the lunar cycle and the emotional state of the patient. Powerful emotions, especially primal ones such as anger, fear, and lust, are typical transformation triggers. It begins as a typical panic attack, but within a matter of minutes progresses into a sudden and violent metamorphosis. Some patients manage to retain some semblance of control over their new forms, while others give in entirely to instinct and lose all semblance of their former selves. In particularly traumatic cases the patient may also experience amnesia, remaining blissfully unaware of the monster within.
After the initial transformation passes, patients typically report that they are somehow not their normal selves. Some report that they have changed in some way, while others will claim to sense "another presence" within themselves. In extreme cases, the patient may manifest some degree of multiple personality disorder. In very rare cases, the patient may also experience the peculiar sensation that one of their limbs does not belong to them. Such patients will frequently seek amputation of the affected limb.
Over time, particularly when the moon is bright, patients may begin to manifest minor physical alterations related to their second form. Avianthropes, for example, sometimes grow feathers in their armpits or have their fingernails harden into talons. Lycanthropes and Ursinthropes often report that their hair grows unusually quickly, and in more places than it had before. Sometimes a patient will also have a change in eye color.
Patients also suffer from a diverse array of mental disorders. Patients often suffer from short temper and a lack of impulse control. Most patients suffer from severe guilt complexes. Patients will also frequently begin to exhibit instinctive behaviors of their second form. Wererats, for instance, will develop an instinctive urge to always stand near a wall. Avianthropes sometimes catch themselves trying to take flight. Lycanthropes develop a tendency to travel in large groups, particularly with other Lycanthropes. It is also very common for patients to develop Selenophobia, which is a fear of the moon.

Treatment

While a remove curse spell is sometimes effective if performed immediately after infection, there is no known cure for those who have already suffered from their first transformation. Many traditional rituals for Therianthropy exist, but these are typically ineffective for Moon Plague patients. This topic is the subject of considerable research, especially in the nation of Esma.
There are a number of steps that can be taken to manage the symptoms:

• With practice, patients can predict and sometimes even postpone transformations through strenuous mental effort. These patients can then take action to secure themselves, typically in a large metal cage or a set of chains, for the duration of their transformation.
• Due to the influence of strong emotions on the transformation process, patients often take sedatives or even tranquilizers to keep themselves calm.
• Emotional training, such as anger management courses and grief counseling, can reduce the risk of transformation
• A well-timed calm emotions spell can sometimes prevent a transformation from happening or help an already-transformed patient return to their senses

If a transformation is inevitable, there are certain techniques to keep it under control. The important thing to understand is that moon plague patients are in possession of an extra soul. Transformations come about as a result of the other self attempting to assert dominance, so it is possible to negotiate with it to some extent. When attempting this, it is important to keep a few things in mind:

• Be honest. For example, if you postpone a transformation by promising to let it out later, then follow up on this and surrender control freely when the time has come. Lies might work once, but will cause the other self to become distrustful in the future.
• Caving into urges when you can helps you to push them down when you cannot. Even while in control, engaging in behaviors the inner self wishes to do from time to time can help keep it calm. Rats, for instance, are more comfortable near walls, and canines feel more comfortable when with others they view as part of their pack.
• Deliberately choosing to remain in a transformed state for an extended period instead of trying to reassert your normal self can also go a long way. In time, some patients find that they can simply "share" the body with their inner self and face relatively little resistance if the two can learn to coexist.

Prognosis

While the Moon Plague is not lethal in and of itself, patients with predatory forms of the Moon Plague can frequently attack and kill others around them. For this reason confirmed cases are often run out of town, if not murdered outright, by fearful citizens. Some also face murder or manslaughter charges and find themselves imprisoned. Those with more mild symptoms or harmless second forms may still be able to maintain normal lives, but even these people face considerable discrimination from the public if their condition is revealed.

Affected Groups

All mortals appear to be susceptible, including those who already have some other form of Therianthropy.  Fiends, on the other hand, are theorized to be immune.  Other groups of creature are not yet determined.

Prevention

The most important things you can do to protect yourself are:

1. Avoid infected areas, such as Esma.
2. Take care not to upset potentially infected individuals
3. Avoid all contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of potentially infected individuals and wildlife
4. If traveling in infected regions, try to travel when the moon is not visible.
5. If exposed, seek immediate treatment from a priest capable of casting remove curse

History

It is unclear exactly when the Moon Plague began, but it appears to have started in Esma. It was originally treated as a rash in Therianthropy cases, but it was eventually identified as a unique strain. It was declared an epidemic on October 13th, 738.

Cultural Reception

The Moon Plague has caused considerable fear among the residents of Esma. Many lash out, sometimes violently, while others choose to hide in their homes at night. Even The church of Olidammara has been scarred from the incident, and now throw their parties with markedly lower frequency and with more sedate events. The infected often attempt to flee from civilization, hiding in the woods or in small settlements such as Moonbrook.

Type

Supernatural

Parent

Therianthropy

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired & Congenital

Rarity

Rare