The Psychrophilic Necrovirus
The Psychrophilic Necrovirus (PNV) is a novel virus from the Mononegavirales order, sharing characteristics with both the Human Vampiric Virus (HVV) and Human Zombism Virus (HZV).
PNV is notable for its ability to thrive in cold environments and its role in causing the condition known as draugr transformation, named after the revenants of Norse mythology.
The virus establishes a persistent infection that leads to dramatic physiological and neurological changes in the host, primarily targeting muscle, nerve, and epithelial tissue, while also affecting the brain's limbic system and various organs including the jaw, teeth, and digestive system.
Its effects result in severe metabolic disruptions, physical transformations, and behavioral changes that mirror aspects of The Draugr legends. PNV infection and subsequent transformation are believed to be the biological basis for the draugr legends in Scandinavian cultures, particularly in remote northern regions.
The virus's effects create a self-perpetuating cycle of hunger and aggressive behavior in its victims.
Transmission & Vectors
- Primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids during violent encounters
- Initial infection occurs through endocytosis in muscle, nerve, and epithelial tissue
- Can remain viable in frozen environments for extended periods.
Causes
- Infection by the Psychrophilic Necrovirus (PNV)
- Progression through three distinct phases: Initial, Acute, and Reanimation
Symptoms
Initial Phase:
- Mild inflammation
- Muscle spasms
- Fatigue
- Sensation of cold in extremities
Acute Phase (12-48 hours):
- Slowing circulation
- Heaviness in limbs
- Confusion and irritability
- Decreased cognition
- Waxy, pale skin
- Clouded, milky eyes
- Dramatically reduced heart rate and respiration
- Unconsciousness
Reanimation Phase (48+ hours):
- Sudden reanimation of seemingly dead body
- Unnatural strength
- Enhanced olfactory abilities
- Insatiable hunger
- Aggressive behavior
- Limited cognitive function
- Retention of basic memories and associations
- Enhanced bite force
- Elongated teeth
- Skin necrosis and sloughing
Treatment
No treatment currently known.
Prognosis
- Fatal within weeks to months of reanimation
- Death occurs due to complete physical deterioration
- Survival time extended in colder environments
Sequela
- Irreversible physical transformation
- Severe metabolic disruptions
- Significant cognitive impairment
- Enhanced strength and sensory abilities
- Uncontrollable hunger and aggressive behavior
- Progressive tissue necrosis
Prevention
- No specific prevention methods known
- Cold environments should be approached with caution in areas with known cases
Epidemiology
- Primarily found in remote regions of northern
- Scandinavia May have existed in human populations for centuries
- Particularly active in cold, isolated environments
History
- Closely associated with draugr legends in
- Norse mythology
- References in medieval Scandinavian sagas
- Recently identified as a viral pathogen
- Shares genetic similarities with HVV and HZV, possibly suggesting common ancestry
Cultural Reception
- Primary host: Humans
- Historically recorded in Norse sagas and folklore
- Continued reports from remote Scandinavian villages
- Associated with burial mounds and grave sites
- Connected to broader supernatural and undead mythology
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