The Infection [On-Going Plot March - July 2015]

[Evaleigh]

The Infection

 

A biologically engineered contagion has been unleashed upon Eorzea.  It is a constantly mutating virus that is transmitted through physical contact with those whom are carriers.

 

 

This virus and the research provided to support it is actually based off the measles. While in our modern society  most industrialized nations have vaccines or treatments for the measles now it was not always the case.  Like with the measles some people are just plain immune to the actual disease and some will experience different degrees of infection.

 

If you've ever played the game Pandemic this is the Eorzean version. Infected people can show no outward signs at first and still pass the disease on to others.  How you decide to handle the illness is up to you as the individual player.  The infection has already been introduced to players in Eorzea, through general gameplay and community interaction this virus may spread (like cooties) organically through the citizens.

 

 

 

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How is this disease transferred?

Through physical contact between two individuals. The exposure to bodily fluids greatly increases that chance.  If someone has poor hygiene they are more likely to spread the disease than someone who washes regularly.  The exchange of sweat, spit, blood, etc puts you at risk.

 

Exposure to open sores or mucus from a severely infected person is an even greater chance if you are not immune.

 

For the sake of OOC courtesy if your character is infected and you interact with someone that might expose them offer the following tell.

 

 

I am participating in a cross-FC medical plot. My character is infected and yours may be too. If you'd like to know more and decide whether or not to participate check out http://ffxiv-roleplayers.com/showthread.php?tid=10792 for more details.

 

 

 

How fast does this disease progress?

It is a slow-acting disease that has a long incubation period but that period depends on the individual.  It can begin in weeks or even moons.  Each stage should last a minimum of 1 week (e.g. you shouldn't go from stage 1 to stage 4 in the span of a few days).

 

 

Can it be detected?

Stages 1-3: Mistaken for the flu or other illnesses. Not distinguishable at this time.

 

Stages 4-6: Seen as an unknown illness, distinguishable but not like anything else seen before.

 

Will there be a cure? Treatments?

Yes, we hope. Through the Eorzean Medical Society and supporting Free Companies that come on board we hope through organic roleplay to detect the epidemic, create treatments, ways to detect the illness and eventually formulate a cure and even a vaccine.  True, many may die as a result but hopefully Eorzean's finest doctors and healers can help!

 

To help with the timing of this progressive plot it is humbly requested that all progression toward a cure be sanctioned by the originators of the plot.  Certainly some people may have an immune system that can 'fight off' early stages but any unsanctioned 'cure' will be regarded as snake oil and not guaranteed to actually work.

 

 

Someone touched me and said I'm infected, do I have to be?

This plot is completely optional, if you do not wish any part of it or any risk simply decide your character is immune.

 

The infected may not show any symptoms of being a carrier for the infection at all. There is also an incubation period for the infection that ranges based on individual character (you can decide for yourself if you want to go this route).

 

For a touch of the random certain races are even said to be more likely immune than others. See the chart below for your racial chance to be infected.

 

Roegadyn: 15% (<150 on /random)

Hyur: 75%  (<750 on /random)

Miqo’te: 85% (<850 on /random)

Lalafell: 50% (<500 on /random)

Elezen: 25% (<250 on /random)

 

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The Stages of Illness

 

Vary in severity based on individual and how long they have been exposed going through several phases. These phases should not happen quickly and some people may naturally fight off the disease up to phase 4. If your character goes past phase 4 you will need to be "cured".  Each phase should last a minimum of 1 "real" week meaning you should not go from Stage 1 to Stage 4 in a few days.  It should take months.

 

Incubation Period

Lasts anywhere from a few days to a few months before any signs can be shown.  The infected individual is still contagious but will not show signs of illness.

 

Stage 1

- Dry mouth

- Fatigue

- Sneezing/Runny nose

 

Stage 2

- Mild fever

- Nausea

- Insomnia

 

Stage 3

- Stomach aches

- Vertigo

- Blackouts

- Sleep walking

 

At this point another major player decision must be made.  Your character's immune system may be able to naturally fight off the illness or the illness may mutate into the next stages.  The next stages of the illness are far more compromising and potentially deadly.  The first cases of Stage 4 should occur no sooner than May 1st.

 

Stage 4

- Hallucinations

- Sleeplessness

- Excessive energy

 

Stage 5

- High fever

- Paranoia

- Sores/Boils [increased chance of spreading infection]

 

Stage 6

- Violent Schizophrenia

- Hardened bones/skin (like Rhino hide, harder to damage)

- Increased strength, increased stamina

 

Stage 7

- Heart Failure

- Liver failure

 

 

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Infection Origination

At current there have been two 'points' of infection in Ul'dah.  If your Free Company would like to be part of 'Operation: Ground Zero' please send me a private message between now and April 6th.  Choosing to be a part will include a small mini-event where the villains behind the infection will assault your company and leave the originating contagion or send an infected person to your company to spread the disease.

 

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High Level Plot Overview:: SPOILERS CAUTION

 

The following is a basic overview of the plot and where the milestones and intentions are. If you would rather it be a surprise, don't read.

 

 

This plotline is intended to be fun and engaging by any whom wish to take part.  A lot of grey area has been left to hopefully make it so people can decide for themselves what level of risk they wish to take with their character as well as provide a lot of platform to spin off extra roleplay.  Each stage of the plotline will have milestones that I hope will be achieved by the community.

 

Stage 1: Infect the World. March - April

The cult group behind the disease hopes to sow the seeds of chaos by bringing Eorzea to its knees with this epidemic.  The hired thugs have no idea what they are doing but the outcome is that several 'Ground Zero' points will be made.  The first occured on March 21st and has already spread.  If more Companies wish to be part of the origination I can set that up.

 

Stage 2: Something is Wrong!  April - May

The medical community starts getting more and more reports of people being sick. It starts a buzz as the first stir of a contagious disease begins to stir panic and noise.  The medical world starts to try and isolate and identify the illness and the first attempts at treatment may be started (tackling symptoms more than the disease itself).

 

Stage 3: Detection and Treatment May - June

The scientists and medics have been working very hard with patients to try and detect and treat the cure. People who have naturally healed from it are studied to try and figure out why some get sick and some get better.  First treatments may even cause the disease to mutate faster in patients and the first Stage 4 patients start to come in.  Panic begins to rise as the symptoms become more severe.

 

While treatment attempts are largely unsuccessful -- detection becomes more readily available.

 

Stage 4: Race for the Cure! June - July

While the death toll rises and people are becoming gravely ill the medical professionals are working around the clock.  A tentative breakthrough occurs but who is brave enough for the clinical trial?  Who is desperate enough to try what has mutated and killed before?

 

Stage 5: Memorial Service. July

While the pandemic is over the scars it has left us will remain. A memorial service will be held for those who perished to the disease.  Several special commissions will be sanctioned to honor those we have lost.  If you are an artist willing to donate your services to this cause contact me.

 

[Evaleigh]

[saving Space for Medical Breakthroughs and Plot Progress]

 

- Several cases of fatigue and flu-like symptoms being reported.

- Illness seems to linger in a few patients.

 

- April 23:: A short, black-haired Lalafell was speaking vocally in the Thaumaturge Guild about an antidote for 'paint'

 

 

 

[Evaleigh]

Next phase is starting soon.

[Evaleigh]

Writing Challenge!

The Infection is spreading and the first severe cases are beginning to take hold.  What was first presumed to just be a cold has morphed into a frightening condition and many people are now experiencing blackouts and hallucinations.  These ‘fever dreams’ often tap into the subconscious and warp the world around them.

 

Write a short story about your character’s own trip into dreamland.  The story can be surreal or realistic but you are highly encouraged to include other characters.  It’s made up so your portrayal does not haveto be accurate to anything but your own presumptions but get their OOC permission first.

 

 

To give an added incentive a small contest has been added with 1,000,000 gil in prizes being awarded to the best stories.  Categories for prizes include: Judge’s Favorite (1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd) and Fan Favorite (1^st,

2^nd, 3^rd), 

 

For more information see the Challenge post