Ebon Decay

Transmission & Vectors

Ebon Decay is a sexually transmitted disease, passed from vampires to the Mat'veyan lineage through intimate contact. The pathogen responsible for the disease is highly potent and requires only minimal exposure to infect a host. Here’s how it spreads:
Transmission Through Saliva: Oral Contact: During oral sex, the vampire's saliva comes into direct contact with the mucosal surfaces of the Mat'veyan individual. The pathogen in the vampire’s saliva is particularly concentrated, making transmission highly efficient. Once the saliva contacts the mucosa, the pathogen quickly invades the host cells, beginning its harmful effects. Kissing: Kissing can also be a mode of transmission if the vampire’s saliva is exchanged during the act. Although less common, it can be a precursor to further intimate contact that leads to a more significant exchange of pathogens. Transmission Through Seminal and Vaginal Fluids: Penetrative Sex: The pathogen is also present in the seminal and vaginal fluids of infected vampires. During penetrative sex, these fluids are exchanged, and the pathogen enters the bloodstream of the Mat'veyan partner through tiny tears or abrasions in the genital or anal area, which are common during intercourse. Factors Increasing Transmission Risk: Physical Abrasions: Any form of sex that results in micro-tears or abrasions provides an entry point for the pathogen, greatly increasing the risk of transmission. Prolonged Exposure: Longer durations of contact and repeated exposure to an infected vampire's bodily fluids increase the likelihood of acquiring the disease. Immune Status: Individuals with weakened immune systems, whether due to existing conditions or other infections, are more susceptible to the disease.

Causes

Ebon Decay is caused by a unique and virulent pathogen known as Vampiric Morbus Virus (VMV), which is native to the vampire population of Aganasta. This virus exhibits characteristics that make it particularly formidable and deadly when it crosses species from vampires to the Mat'veyan lineage.
Viral Nature and Mutation: Origin: Originally confined to vampires, who are asymptomatic carriers, VMV adapted over centuries to exploit both vampires and Mat'veyans physiologically. In vampires, it enhances their predatory capabilities, while in Mat'veyans, it results in debilitating disease. Mutation and Adaptation: VMV is highly mutable, allowing it to rapidly adapt to the host’s immune responses. Its ability to alter its surface proteins makes it difficult for the immune system of a Mat'veyan to detect and neutralize it effectively.
Transmission Mechanisms: Tissue Tropism: Upon entering the Mat'veyan host, VMV targets melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin. This tropism is facilitated by the virus’s ability to bind to receptors on these cells, initiating a cascade of cellular dysfunction.
Pathophysiology: Melanin Depletion: The direct attack on melanocytes leads to a rapid depletion of melanin, manifesting physically as skin pallor and biologically as a decrease in the protective functions of melanin, such as UV protection and free radical scavenging. Immune Suppression: VMV also interferes with the host's immune response by downregulating key immune signals, making the host more susceptible to secondary infections and less capable of combating the virus itself.
Environmental and Social Factors: Vampire-Terramian Interactions: The social dynamics between vampires and Mat'veyans, including the allure vampires hold over some Mat'veyans, facilitate the spread of VMV.
Genetic Susceptibility: Host Genetics: Genetic factors in the Mat'veyan population may make them particularly susceptible to VMV, possibly due to specific receptor configurations that enhance viral entry into melanocytes.

Symptoms

Initial Symptoms: Penetrative Transmission: For both men and women, the initial symptom is a subtle loss of pigment at the site of contact—typically, the penis for men and within the vagina for women. In women, if the initial contact does not involve the external genitalia directly (e.g., through penetrative sex), the first signs might be internal and go unnoticed in the early stages, as the virus begins in the uterus or cervix and slowly spreads outward killing tissues.
Oral Transmission: When contracted through oral sex, the first signs of Ebon Decay appear around the lips and inside the mouth. This manifestation is particularly perilous due to the proximity to critical structures such as the brain, respiratory tract, and major blood vessels, which can facilitate a faster and more aggressive spread of the virus.
Intermediate Symptoms: Spread of Depigmentation: After the initial loss of pigment, the affected areas begin to expand, showing a stark, ghostly white appearance that contrasts sharply with the natural skin tone. This depigmentation gradually spreads to encompass adjacent areas. Physical Weakness and Fatigue: As the virus affects the body's ability to produce melanin, patients experience increasing physical weakness and fatigue, which is exacerbated by any exposure to sunlight due to the loss of natural UV protection.
Advanced Symptoms: Systemic Infection: Over time, if not treated, the viral infection becomes systemic, affecting major organ systems. The proximity of initial symptoms to critical areas in cases of oral transmission can lead to severe complications, including neurological symptoms (such as headaches and confusion), respiratory issues, and increased susceptibility to infections. Compromised Immune Response: The virus’s impact on the immune system becomes more pronounced, leading to further complications and secondary infections, which can accelerate the progression of the disease.
Critical Stage Symptoms: Organ Failure: In the final stages, the systemic spread of the virus and its extensive impact on the body's melanocytes and immune system can lead to multiple organ failures. Severe Neurological Impact: Particularly in cases of oral transmission, where the virus has easier access to the central nervous system, patients may experience severe neurological degradation, potentially leading to paralysis, loss of sensory functions, and fatal systemic shock.
Psychological and Social Symptoms: Social Stigma and Isolation: The visible symptoms, such as drastic skin depigmentation and other physical manifestations, can lead to social stigma and isolation, exacerbating psychological distress. Mental Health Deterioration: The stress of dealing with a progressively debilitating and stigmatizing illness contributes to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness.

Treatment

Herbal Remedies and Primary Care: Luminescent Moss Brew: The first line of treatment for Ebon Decay involves administering a potion made from the rare Luminescent Moss found in Aganasta's Grottos. This brew is prepared under the new moon and consumed at midnight, leveraging lunar energies believed to enhance its healing properties.
Moonlit Water Baths: Concurrent with the moss brew, affected individuals are required to immerse themselves in baths filled with water left under moonlight. This ritualistic bathing is thought to help realign the body’s energies and stimulate the regeneration of melanin.
Surgical Intervention: Amputation of Affected Areas: In severe cases where the infection spreads uncontrollably and threatens life, amputation of the affected areas is considered. This drastic measure includes the removal of limbs, external genitalia (such as the penis and testicles), or other heavily affected tissues. The goal is to prevent the spread of the virus to vital organs and stave off death.
Procedure Details: The amputation must be performed with great care, using tools that have been ritually purified and anointed with sacred oils. Post-amputation, the wounds are treated with a paste made from ground Nightshade Cloak leaves and silver dust to prevent further infection and promote healing.
Shamanic Rituals: Purification Ritual: Before the amputation, a shaman performs a purification ritual to cleanse the patient spiritually and physically. This involves chanting, the burning of sacred herbs, and the application of a consecrated clay mixture to the body, drawing out the dark energies associated with the virus.
Spiritual Amputation Ritual: During the actual cutting, shamans recite ancient prayers that are believed to sever the spiritual connection between the diseased tissue and the body, ensuring that the disease does not cling to the patient’s soul.
Healing and Protection Rituals: Post-surgery, the patient undergoes several rituals to promote healing and protect against further affliction. These include placing protective talismans around the recovery area, continuous burning of incense to ward off evil spirits, and nightly prayers under the stars to invoke the healing power of the moon.
Reintegration Ceremony: Once the physical wounds have begun to heal, a reintegration ceremony is conducted to welcome the patient back into the community. This ceremony reaffirms their place within the society and restores their spiritual dignity, which may be compromised due to the loss of body parts.
Supportive Care and Recovery: Prosthetic Crafting: For those who have undergone amputations, custom prosthetics are crafted by skilled artisans who imbue these aids with symbols of strength and resilience. These prosthetics are not only functional but also carry spiritual significance, representing a new phase of life.
Mental Health Support: Given the traumatic nature of the treatment and the disease’s stigma, ongoing mental health support from shamans and community elders is crucial. They provide counseling and spiritual guidance to help the patient cope with their altered body image and societal reintegration.

Prognosis

Early Detection and Treatment: Men and Women: If Ebon Decay is identified early, when the symptoms are limited to initial depigmentation and minor physical fatigue, and if treatment with Luminescent Moss brew and moonlit water baths is started promptly, the prognosis is generally good. The ill can expect a significant halting of the disease's progression, with potential partial or full reversal of the depigmentation effects. Success Rate: Early treatment success rates are high, around 70-80%, especially if no significant organ damage has occurred.
Intermediate Stage: Men: In men, if the disease progresses to more extensive depigmentation and begins to affect the genital area severely, the need for surgical intervention such as amputation of affected tissues increases. The prognosis becomes guarded, depending on the patient’s overall health and the timeliness of the intervention.
Women: Women may not notice symptoms until the disease has progressed internally, particularly if it begins in the cervix or uterus. This delayed detection makes management more challenging. If treated at this intermediate stage, the prognosis is moderately positive but depends heavily on comprehensive medical and surgical response.
Recovery Challenges: Both genders face increased risks of complications from secondary infections due to immune suppression caused by the virus.
Advanced Stage with Surgical Interventions: Men and Women: When the disease reaches an advanced stage where extensive surgical interventions such as limb or genital amputation are necessary, the prognosis becomes poor. Although these measures may prolong life, they significantly impact the patient's quality of life.
Complications: Post-surgical complications, including infections, significant loss of mobility, or other organ failures, are common. The psychological impact of disfigurement and disability can also exacerbate the overall health decline.
Terminal Stage: Men and Women: In cases where the disease is not treated effectively or when diagnosis comes too late, Ebon Decay is likely to be fatal. The virus's ability to spread to vital organs and cause systemic failure often results in a dire prognosis.
Mortality Rates: Without adequate treatment, the mortality rate for advanced Ebon Decay can reach up to 90%, especially among younger adults who might have engaged more frequently in risky behaviors leading to exposure.
Long-term Outlook: Quality of Life: For survivors, especially those who undergo amputations or suffer from extensive depigmentation, the quality of life can be severely impacted. Community reintegration rituals and ongoing mental health support are crucial for restoring a sense of normalcy and acceptance.
Follow-up Care: Regular follow-up with apothecaries or shamans, continuous monitoring for any signs of recurrence or further health deterioration, and supportive therapies are essential for managing long-term consequences.

Sequela

Physical Sequela: Chronic Pain and Discomfort: Patients who undergo amputations or other invasive surgical procedures may experience chronic pain, phantom limb sensations, or discomfort in the areas where tissues were removed.
Permanent Depigmentation: Even after recovery, the areas affected by Ebon Decay may remain permanently depigmented, leaving distinct patches of white skin that do not regain their original melanin levels. This can lead to increased sensitivity to sunlight and a higher risk of skin damage or waisting diseases.
Reduced Immunity: The viral effects on the immune system can persist long after the acute infection has subsided, making survivors more susceptible to other infections and diseases.
Psychological Sequela: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The traumatic experience of dealing with Ebon Decay, especially the advanced stages and drastic treatments like amputations, can lead to PTSD. Survivors may struggle with anxiety, depression, and flashbacks.
Body Image Issues: The significant changes in physical appearance and the potential loss of body parts can severely impact mental health, leading to body image disturbances and self-esteem issues.
Social Sequela: Stigma and Isolation: Due to the visible signs of the disease and its notorious nature, survivors of Ebon Decay might face social stigma and isolation. This can hinder their reintegration into society and affect their personal and honorable relationships.
Dependency and Disability: The physical impairments resulting from the disease or its treatment can lead to increased dependency on others for daily activities and personal care, which may strain family and community resources.

Hosts & Carriers

Primary Carriers - Vampires: Vampiric Transmission: Vampires are the primary carriers of the Vampiric Morbus Virus (VMV), responsible for 95% of Ebon Decay cases in the Mat'veyan population. Although they are asymptomatic, they maintain a high viral load in their saliva and other bodily fluids, making them highly effective at transmitting the disease through intimate contact.
Vampire Ecology: Vampires often reside in the shadowy, secluded regions of Aganasta, where their close-knit colonies and frequent interactions facilitate the maintenance and spread of the virus within their own communities before it reaches the Mat'veyan populace.
Secondary Carriers - Demons: Demon Reservoirs: Demons, another dark entity in this mythical realm, also serve as carriers of VMV. Unlike vampires, who are primarily blood-feeders, demons engage in various forms of energy and essence exchange with both vampires and other creatures, providing a reservoir for the virus.
Transmission to Vampires: Vampires often contract the virus initially by feeding on these demon hosts, who may carry diverse strains of the virus due to their interactions with multiple species and supernatural beings. This feeding relationship underscores a complex ecological web where VMV can mutate and adapt, potentially increasing its virulence when transmitted to Mat'veyans.
Transmission Dynamics: Cross-Species Infection: The interaction between vampires and demons represents a critical juncture in the epidemiology of Ebon Decay. When vampires feed on demon blood, they ingest the viral particles which then integrate seamlessly into their system due to their supernatural physiology.
Terramian Risk Factors: The trans-species transmission from demons to vampires and then to terramians (Mat'veyans) is particularly dangerous because it combines the mystical and biological aspects of the virus, making it both potent and difficult to detect until symptoms become apparent.
Control and Mitigation Challenges: Monitoring and Control: Due to the elusive nature of both vampires and demons, monitoring these carriers is extremely challenging. Efforts to control the spread of the virus often require cooperation between different species, including alliances with more benevolent supernatural entities that can navigate these communities.
Research and Strategy: Understanding the transmission patterns from demons to vampires and then to terramians is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat the spread of Ebon Decay. This includes studying demon and vampire behaviors, habitats, and interactions to identify potential intervention points.
Cultural and Mythological Implications: Mythological Education: In Mat'veyan culture, awareness of the demonic and vampiric roles in the spread of Ebon Decay influences both mythological narratives and practical health teachings. Shamans and lorekeepers must educate the populace not only about avoiding vampires but also about the broader ecological web that includes demons as part of the disease’s reservoir.
Rituals and Protections: Protective rituals and charms are often specifically tailored to guard against both vampires and demons, incorporating elements believed to be repulsive or harmful to both to prevent the initial transmission of the virus.

Prevention

Community Education and Awareness: Public Teachings: Educating the Mat'veyan population about the risks of intimate encounters with vampires is crucial. Local healers and shamans should conduct regular assemblies to discuss the symptoms, transmission methods, and severe consequences of Ebon Decay.
Mythical Narratives: Utilizing mythical stories and legends, storytellers can impart lessons on the dangers of vampires, weaving preventive messages into the cultural fabric of society to reach all age groups effectively.
Protective Rituals and Charms: Warding Charms: Individuals are encouraged to carry charms blessed by shamans, which are believed to ward off vampires. These charms typically contain sacred herbs, stones, and symbols etched into metals known for their protective properties.
Protective Circles: Before any potentially risky interaction, individuals can draw protective circles around their sleeping quarters or inside their homes using salts and ashes blessed by clerics. These circles are believed to repel dark entities, including vampires.
Barrier Methods: Herbal Concoctions: Applying pastes made from silverthorn can act as a barrier method during intimate contact. This herb can be ground and mixed with blessed oil to enhance its potency.
Ritual Cleansing and Hygiene: Regular Cleansing Rituals: Regular spiritual and physical cleansings conducted by shamans can help purge any early traces of the virus. These rituals often involve baths in sanctified waters infused with lunar energy, particularly beneficial during full moon phases.
Hygienic Practices: Encouraging good personal hygiene, such as regular washing with waters containing floral essences sacred to protective deities, can also help reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
Controlled Contact with Vampires: Regulations on Interactions: Imposing strict regulations and monitoring interactions between Mat'veyans and vampires can help prevent the spread of Ebon Decay. This might include designated envoys or mediators who are trained to deal with vampires and are knowledgeable about protective practices.
Treaties and Agreements: Leaders of Mat'veyan communities may seek to establish treaties with vampire clans to regulate or entirely forbid dangerous interactions. These diplomatic efforts could be reinforced by mutual rituals to ensure compliance.
Surveillance and Monitoring: Early Detection Systems: Setting up systems to monitor and report any unusual activities or symptoms related to Ebon Decay can help in early detection and containment. Shamans and healers could lead surveillance teams, using both magical and conventional means to detect signs of the disease.

Epidemiology

Geographical Distribution: Ebon Decay is primarily found in Aganasta, a region known for its arctic and dark landscape. The illness has sporadic occurrences in bordering areas where vampire encounters are reported.
Population Affected: Primarily affects the Mat'veyan lineage, particularly adults between the ages of 18 and 40, who are most likely to engage in behaviors that increase the risk of vampire encounters. Both genders are equally susceptible, although the progression and initial visibility of symptoms can differ.
Seasonal Variations: Incidences of Ebon Decay tend to increase during certain lunar phases, particularly when the moon is new or full, suggesting a potential influence of lunar activity on vampire behaviors or the potency of the VMV.
Containment Challenges: The secretive nature of vampire-terramian interactions and the stigmatization surrounding these encounters complicate efforts to accurately track and contain outbreaks. Additionally, the mutable nature of the VMV allows it to adapt swiftly to changing environments and host defenses.
Public Health Response: Efforts to manage and contain Ebon Decay include widespread public health campaigns focusing on education, the distribution of protective charms and potions, and strict regulations on interactions between Mat'veyans and vampires. Specialized units of shamans and healers are also mobilized to detect early cases and perform community rituals to cleanse affected areas.

History

The origins of Ebon Decay can be traced back to the year 504 A.E.C., marking a somber chapter in the annals of the Mat'veyan lineage. The first recorded case was a man known as Kofi Darkoa, a trader renowned for his ventures into the lands of Aganasta. Kofi was well-known among his peers for his bravery and curiosity, traits that, unfortunately, led to his fateful encounter with a mysterious figure believed to be a vampire.
Initial Discovery: Kofi Darkoa's Case: Kofi’s affliction began shortly after his return from a trading expedition deep within the vampire territories of Aganasta. Initially presenting with minor symptoms such as slight depigmentation around his lips and fatigue, his condition quickly escalated, leading to severe melanin loss and physical debilitation. Despite the efforts of the most skilled healers and shamans, Kofi succumbed to the illness, his demise sparking fear and intrigue among his community.
Medical Interest and Study: The mysterious nature of his symptoms prompted intense study and documentation by the healers of the Cenofarsis and Onyxsio Tribes, who named the illness "Ebon Decay" due to the distinctive blackening and then pallor of the skin seen in the afflicted.
Spread and Recognition: Further Cases: Following Kofi’s death, more cases began to surface, particularly among those who had ventured into or lived near vampire-inhabited areas. It became evident that this was not an isolated incident but a contagious disease linked to vampire contact.
Medical Documentation: By 510 A.E.C., numerous scrolls had been written on the symptoms, progression, and suspected causes of Ebon Decay, forming the basis of much of the current understanding and response strategies to the disease.
Public Response and Measures: Rise of Protective Practices: As the disease became more understood, the Mat'veyan communities began to implement specific practices aimed at preventing the spread. This included the crafting of protective charms and the establishment of rituals intended to ward off vampires and cleanse those who had come into contact with them.
Cultural Impact: Ebon Decay deeply influenced Mat'veyan culture, leading to a period known as the "Era of Shadows," where fear of the dark and the night profoundly affected the societal norms and daily activities of the Mat'veyan people.
Modern Understanding: Continued Research: Over the centuries, as interactions between the Mat'veyan people and the vampires continued to evolve, so too did the understanding of Ebon Decay. Modern shamans and healers now possess a far more sophisticated knowledge of the disease, employing both ancient rituals and newly discovered herbs in their treatment and prevention strategies.

Cultural Reception

Stigma and Shunning: Perceived Betrayal: In the Mat'veyan culture, vampires are viewed not merely as dangerous creatures but as ancient enemies. The lore dictates that vampires once sought to extinguish the sun itself, a celestial entity revered in Mat'veyan mythology. Thus, individuals who engage intimately with vampires are seen as betraying their heritage and the safety of their communities. Survivors of Ebon Decay, therefore, carry the stigma of this perceived betrayal, compounded by the visible scars of their affliction.
Social Isolation: Those who survive Ebon Decay are often shunned by their communities. The visible depigmentation and other physical marks of the disease serve as constant reminders of their contact with vampires. This isolation is not only social but sometimes physical, as survivors might be compelled to live on the outskirts of villages or in designated areas to avoid spreading the disease.
Cultural Narratives and Mythology: Tales of Caution: Storytellers and lorekeepers use the tales of Ebon Decay survivors as moral lessons on the dangers of straying from cultural norms and the sacred duty to combat darkness. These narratives are woven into the broader cultural mythology, serving as cautionary tales to dissuade others from similar interactions with vampires.
Rituals of Cleansing and Redemption: Some cultural practices allow for the possibility of redemption for survivors. These rituals are rigorous and often require the survivor to undertake dangerous tasks to prove their loyalty to the community and their commitment to eradicating the vampire threat.
Role of Shamans and Healers: Intermediaries: Shamans and healers often act as intermediaries between the survivors of Ebon Decay and the rest of the community. They not only provide medical and spiritual care but also work to educate and mediate, attempting to reduce the stigma and reintegrate survivors into society.
Educational Efforts: These community leaders also play a crucial role in educating the populace about the nature of Ebon Decay, emphasizing that the transmission is often more a result of manipulation by vampires than a willing transgression by the victims.
Impacts on Family and Kin: Family Shame: The family of an Ebon Decay survivor can also experience shame and social ostracism, affecting their social standing and economic opportunities.
Protective Measures: Families might perform private rituals or seek blessings from shamans to cleanse their homes and protect their lineage from further disgrace or the perceived threat of vampiric influence.
Changes in Perception Over Time: Evolving Attitudes: While traditional views persist, there is a slowly growing segment of the population that advocates for a more compassionate approach to handling Ebon Decay survivors. Influenced by the increasing complexities of Mat'veyan-vampire interactions and a deeper understanding of the disease, these progressive voices call for integration rather than isolation, promoting policies of empathy and healing support over superstition.

Type

Viral

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Common