V.I.R.U.S.
The year 20XX, on the Island of Cairn- formerly California until an earthquake broke it away from the rest of America. The tremor not only knocked loose an entire state from the continent, but also released an unknown pathogen into the air.
After extensive study, the pathogen has been marked as fatal, but not to all. It has been named V.I.R.U.S.- Virally Integrated Ribosome Utilizing Symbiote- after the way it invades the body. When first released, V.I.R.U.S. infested the new Island of Cairn. These microorganisms invade the body, infect the cells, and use the ribosomes for protein synthesis and live off the body. They attach to DNA and change the hosts’ genetic makeup, allowing them to exhibit supernatural abilities. However, the infected are not affected by these changes, but they’re offspring are. The V.I.R.U.S.’s powers lay dormant in the children until puberty, multiplying drastically as the body cells begin to undergo a growth spurt. Once the host begins to use their abilities, they develop a sort of addiction causing them to use their powers more and more in a process called ‘Runaway’ where the organism grows and multiplies until it goes through a degeneration, eating away at the cells and itself, ultimately killing its host.
When introduced, the pathogen infected as many people as possible, an estimated 80% of the island’s populace. It soon died off- the salt from the ocean surrounding the island picked up in the wind and killed the microorganisms. Also, due to the simplicity of the organism, compared to the complexity of the human body, only 20% of the people infected actually supported their specific V.I.R.U.S. It is unknown how many people were able to reproduce and pass on their V.I.R.U.S., but through study it has been confirmed that there are 7 types of V.I.R.U.S. with different powers:
The year 20XX, on the Island of Cairn- formerly California until an earthquake broke it away from the rest of America. The tremor not only knocked loose an entire state from the continent, but also released an unknown pathogen into the air.
After extensive study, the pathogen has been marked as fatal, but not to all. It has been named V.I.R.U.S.- Virally Integrated Ribosome Utilizing Symbiote- after the way it invades the body. When first released, V.I.R.U.S. infested the new Island of Cairn. These microorganisms invade the body, infect the cells, and use the ribosomes for protein synthesis and live off the body. They attach to DNA and change the hosts’ genetic makeup, allowing them to exhibit supernatural abilities. However, the infected are not affected by these changes, but they’re offspring are. The V.I.R.U.S.’s powers lay dormant in the children until puberty, multiplying drastically as the body cells begin to undergo a growth spurt. Once the host begins to use their abilities, they develop a sort of addiction causing them to use their powers more and more in a process called ‘Runaway’ where the organism grows and multiplies until it goes through a degeneration, eating away at the cells and itself, ultimately killing its host.
When introduced, the pathogen infected as many people as possible, an estimated 80% of the island’s populace. It soon died off- the salt from the ocean surrounding the island picked up in the wind and killed the microorganisms. Also, due to the simplicity of the organism, compared to the complexity of the human body, only 20% of the people infected actually supported their specific V.I.R.U.S. It is unknown how many people were able to reproduce and pass on their V.I.R.U.S., but through study it has been confirmed that there are 7 types of V.I.R.U.S. with different powers:
Pyros (Fire) - Host is able to control the movement and size of fire, snaking it through the air or even expanding it into a wave of flames. Inexperienced hosts need to carry around a source of fire, such as a lighter, flint, or anything that can make a spark. Those who fall prey to Runaway with this power tend to exhibit burnt flesh where the organism begins growing out of control, until they completely die.
Aquas (Water) - Host is able to control the flow of water, along with many other liquids, and even breathe underwater. As they begin to grasp their powers, the host is able to control the temperature of water, pull water molecules out of thin air, and even control minimal weather conditions. Those that fall prey to Runaway with this power exhibit dehydration. They need to drink a lot of water, up to five times a normal intake, and will eventually die from rapid dehydration.
Terran (Earth)- Host is able to control the element of Earth, from throwing small boulders to causing large scale earthquakes. As their powers advance, they are able to refine their skills, covering their skin in an armor as tough as steel. Those who experience Runaway with this power, experience a degradation of the bones, the calcium breaking down. Eventually, their bones become as brittle as glass, eventually leading to death.
Ventus (Wind)- Hosts gain power over wind. They are able to control anything from soft gusts, to large tornados, to super thin blades of wind capable of cutting stone. As powers progress, they can use their powers to fly. Runaway in hosts with this power restricts the lungs, causing asthma in hosts and eventually suffocation.
Raioh (Lightning)- Hosts are able to convert the natural energy in their body into electrical energy. They can also convert energy in others’ bodies to electricity through physical contact. As their powers advance, they are able to project the energy in the form of lightning bolts from their bodies. Those who experience Runaway with this power develop an overactive metabolism, burning away all energy and eating away at the body. Eventually, the organism will eat away at the major organs, causing system shutdown and death.
Deus (Gravity)- Hosts develop the ability to increase or decrease the pull of gravity on their body or other objects, such as a sphere of gravity that can condense to the size and power of a bullet. However, this may be the most fatal of organisms because they must be careful of the effects on their body. Constant use of gravity on the body changes the ability of the heart to pump blood under more pressure or less pressure. Inevitably, they die of a heart attack, or some kind of cardiovascular disease where the blood vessels explode.
Lumos (Light)- Host is able to bend the light around them. They can cause illusions, and even turn themselves invisible for short periods of time. It’s a very passive ability but can be used as a mental offense rather than a physical one. The development of Runaway in these powers result in cataracts of the eyes, eventually causing blindness through tumors of the eyeballs that affect the brain and eventually shut it down.
