Purple Crystal Parasite
These crystals are a type of alien parasite discovered in the year XX50 and are one of the oldest known on Eyrth. These parasites are often considered one of the most beautiful and are often sought after by alchemists in their mature state for their effects.
The Infestation
A purple crystal parasite infects the host through contact, taking several days to integrate itself into the host body. These parasites are said to drain the lifeforce of the host but enhance the strength and endurance of them for a period of time as well as prevent the effects of fatigue. As the host's body begins to fail, the light purple crystals start to emerge from the body, fully erupting in a violent manner once the host dies, creating the "bloom effect."The crystals may remain active in the bloom for a few days before maturation and growing dark. It is in this state that alchemists seek to obtain the crystals. A living creature coming into contact with any crystal in the bloom while active may impart the parasite into the new host, who would be none-the-wiser since it takes a few days for the parasite to begin showing symptoms.
Treatment
Luckily for most, the purple crystal parasite can be killed alchemically and removed from the body. Although treatment can be relatively expensive since the occurrence of infestation has become much rarer since the initial discovery of a cure.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
