Zoanthropy

Zoanthropy is often spread by fluid contact, specifically the exchange of bodily fluids between an infected individual and a healthy individual. This exchange may occur through contact with mucous membranes or open wounds, allowing the virus or pathogen responsible for the condition to enter and infect the bloodstream of the healthy individual.

Animals infected with zoanthropy show no symptoms. When humanoids contract the disease, they initially show no symptoms, as the virus remains dormant until triggered. Fresh animal DNA must come into contact with the infected individual's bloodstream, usually through an animal-caused injury, to activate the virus.   Once activated, the individual becomes a zoanthrope and begins to undergo gradual changes that make them more like the animal that triggered the virus. During the week of the full moon, the zoanthrope will be completely transformed into the animal. This period of nocturnal transformation lasts for five nights - the two preceding nights, the night of the full moon, and the two following nights.   At first, most zoanthropes experience blackouts during their transformations and behave like wild animals. Over time, however, they tend to learn to control their transformations and retain their faculties. How each zoanthropes handles their transformations is unique to the individual. Those who are born with the condition tend to adapt more easily, as they learn to control their transformations from an early age.

It is believed that the use of disease-cleansing magic or potions can eliminate the zoanthropy virus in its dormant state. However, once the virus is activated, these methods become ineffective.   Individuals infected with the disease can be treated with an herbal remedy that is toxic under normal circumstances. The remedy must be administered during the first week of transformation, after which it is usually fatal. There are some rare cases where individuals survive the remedy after the first week, but barely. Administering the remedy to someone who is not infected will cause severe abdominal distress for several days.   For those born with the disease, the remedy is always fatal. It is currently unknown if the cure can be given to a newborn zoanthrope, as no one is willing to risk poisoning an infant. The prevailing theory is that the child is already transformed in the womb, solidifying the condition before birth.

It is not known which animals, if any, are immune to the disease. The prevailing theory is that all animals have the potential to carry the virus. The virus has been observed anecdotally in birds and reptiles as well as mammals. It is unclear whether fish can transmit the virus, and insects are not known to be vectors for its transmission.

The only way to ensure that a person does not contract the virus is to completely avoid contact with an animal's bodily fluids. In cases where contact is unavoidable, it is imperative to prevent any injuries caused by an animal at any time after contact. It remains unknown if any form of immune boosting magic can prevent the virus from being contracted.

According to legend, a hunter insulted the goddess Nromrore and was cursed to become like his hounds. This is believed to be the origin of the virus, explaining the chaotic nature of the disease and the connection between the infected, the moon, and silver. The moon is under the domain of Nromrore, and silver is said to be the solidified light of the moon. Zoanthropes are transformed into beasts under the moon's light and are believed to be vulnerable only to silver.

Fear of zoanthropes is widespread due to the violent behavior displayed during the transformation by those who cannot control themselves. As a result, those who have the condition and can control it usually keep it secret to avoid stigma and discrimination.