Rampancy (Valorîin): Difference between revisions
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'''Rampancy''' is a severe '''neurological and psionic affliction''' that primarily affects the [[Valorîin]], a species within the universe of [[Lethurîa]]. It is the final and most devastating stage of [[The Curse (Valorîin)|The Curse]], a condition that afflicts unbonded or improperly bonded High Valorîin. The disease leads to a complete loss of identity, rendering its victims into feral, hyper-violent creatures. | |||
{{Disease | {{Disease | ||
| name=Rampancy | | name=Rampancy | ||
| image=Rampancy.jpg | | image=Rampancy.jpg | ||
| caption-image=A | | caption-image=A Valorîin in the late stages of Rampancy | ||
| type=Neurological/Psionic Degeneration | | type=Neurological/Psionic Degeneration | ||
| universe=[[ | | universe=[[Lethurîa]] | ||
| affected_species=[[ | | affected_species=[[Valorîin]], [[Elder Valorîin Rebellion|Post Rebellion]] [[High Valorîin]], [[Old Valorîin]] | ||
| cause=Failure to bond, blood deprivation, partial | | cause=Failure to bond, blood deprivation, partial Valorîin heritage | ||
| stages=Onset → Intermediate → Late Stage (Irreversible) | | stages=Onset → Intermediate → Late Stage (Irreversible) | ||
| symptoms=Aggression, bloodthirst, cognitive collapse, physical decay | | symptoms=Aggression, bloodthirst, cognitive collapse, physical decay | ||
| prevention=[[The Binding]], [[The | | prevention=[[The Binding]], [[The Ûlîum]], Regular Blood Consumption | ||
| cure=None (only prevention or delay) | | cure=None (only prevention or delay) | ||
| fatality=100% (once past a certain threshold) | | fatality=100% (once past a certain threshold) | ||
}} | }} | ||
== Symptoms & Progression == | == Symptoms & Progression == | ||
Rampancy progresses in distinct stages, beginning with mild cognitive and emotional instability before escalating into a full psychotic break. | Rampancy progresses in distinct stages, beginning with mild cognitive and emotional instability before escalating into a full psychotic break. | ||
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=== Intermediate Stage === | === Intermediate Stage === | ||
* Physical '''tremors''', nausea (unusual for [[ | * Physical '''tremors''', nausea (unusual for [[Valorîin]]), and hypersensitivity to light and sound. | ||
* Gums recede, elongating into '''fangs'''. | * Gums recede, elongating into '''fangs'''. | ||
* Loss of '''[[Call of | * Loss of '''[[Call of It'slâmwâ|It'slâmwâ's Call]]''' (spiritual connection to the afterlife). | ||
* Episodes of '''hysteria''', manic laughter, and involuntary convulsions. | * Episodes of '''hysteria''', manic laughter, and involuntary convulsions. | ||
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== Causes & Triggers == | == Causes & Triggers == | ||
Rampancy is '''not a disease''' in the traditional sense, but rather a catastrophic failure of the | Rampancy is '''not a disease''' in the traditional sense, but rather a catastrophic failure of the Valorîin psyche due to '''prolonged deprivation of a [[Soul-Tether]]'''. The main causes include: | ||
* '''Failure to Bond''' – | * '''Failure to Bond''' – Valorîin who do not undergo the [[The Binding (Ritual)|Binding Ritual]] or [[The Ûlîum]] in time will eventually succumb. | ||
* '''Extended Blood Deprivation''' – Hunger for blood accelerates the process. | * '''Extended Blood Deprivation''' – Hunger for blood accelerates the process. | ||
* '''Partial | * '''Partial Valorîin Heritage''' – Mixed-blood Valorîin are especially vulnerable if their genetics weaken their ability to resist [[The Curse (Valorîin)|The Curse]]. | ||
=== What Does Not Cause Rampancy === | === What Does Not Cause Rampancy === | ||
Contrary to some beliefs, '''losing a bonded mate does not cause Rampancy'''. Instead, the surviving mate will either: | Contrary to some beliefs, '''losing a bonded mate does not cause Rampancy'''. Instead, the surviving mate will either: | ||
* '''[[ | * '''[[Transcendence|Transcend]]''' with their partner, their souls passing into [[It'slâmwâ]] together. | ||
* '''Gradually lose the will to live''', often dying within a short period due to heartbreak and spiritual depletion. | * '''Gradually lose the will to live''', often dying within a short period due to heartbreak and spiritual depletion. | ||
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* '''[[The Binding (Ritual)|The Binding Ritual]]''' – The safest and most accepted way to prevent Rampancy by forming a [[Soul-Tether]]. | * '''[[The Binding (Ritual)|The Binding Ritual]]''' – The safest and most accepted way to prevent Rampancy by forming a [[Soul-Tether]]. | ||
* '''[[The | * '''[[The Ûlîum]]''' – A more extreme and '''taboo''' method, [[The Ûlîum]] is an intense sexual bonding act that can forcibly '''stabilize a rampant individual''' if performed in time. | ||
* '''Regular Blood Consumption''' – Blood-drinking, particularly from a bonded mate, can slow | * '''Regular Blood Consumption''' – Blood-drinking, particularly from a bonded mate, can slow Rampancy's progress. However, this is only a temporary measure. | ||
* '''Mercy Killing''' – Once Rampancy reaches a certain stage, the only humane option is to '''put down the afflicted''', as they cannot be reasoned with. | * '''Mercy Killing''' – Once Rampancy reaches a certain stage, the only humane option is to '''put down the afflicted''', as they cannot be reasoned with. | ||
== Cultural Impact == | == Cultural Impact == | ||
Rampancy is one of the '''greatest fears''' in | Rampancy is one of the '''greatest fears''' in Valorîin society, as it is '''worse than death'''. Several cultural beliefs surround it: | ||
* '''Suicide as an Alternative''' – Some | * '''Suicide as an Alternative''' – Some Valorîin choose '''ritual suicide''' rather than succumbing to Rampancy. | ||
* '''Fear of Malis' Claim''' – It is believed that those who fall to Rampancy are '''claimed by Malis''', the god of evil, and their souls never reach [[ | * '''Fear of Malis' Claim''' – It is believed that those who fall to Rampancy are '''claimed by Malis''', the god of evil, and their souls never reach [[It'slâmwâ]] (the afterlife). | ||
* '''Ties to The Curse''' – Rampancy is viewed as the ultimate consequence of failing to resist [[The Curse ( | * '''Ties to The Curse''' – Rampancy is viewed as the ultimate consequence of failing to resist [[The Curse (Valorîin)|The Curse]]. | ||
== Famous Cases of Rampancy == | == Famous Cases of Rampancy == | ||
* '''[[Delkar Pavarii|Delkar]]''' – A once-honored | * '''[[Delkar Pavarii|Delkar]]''' – A once-honored Valorîin warrior who succumbed to Rampancy and had to be killed by his own squadmate. | ||
* '''[[Merik Teslek|Merik]]''' – Nearly fell into Rampancy multiple times, saved only by the memories of [[ | * '''[[Merik Teslek|Merik]]''' – Nearly fell into Rampancy multiple times, saved only by the memories of [[Mîra Ûrlek Teslek|Princess Mîra]] and his vow. | ||
== Related Concepts == | == Related Concepts == | ||
* [[The Curse ( | * [[The Curse (Valorîin)]] – The affliction that leads to Rampancy. | ||
* [[The Binding (Ritual)]] – A ritual that prevents Rampancy by forming a [[Soul-Tether]]. | * [[The Binding (Ritual)]] – A ritual that prevents Rampancy by forming a [[Soul-Tether]]. | ||
* [[The | * [[The Ûlîum]] – A taboo alternative to prevent or reverse Rampancy. | ||
* [[Soul-Tether]] – The permanent bond between | * [[Soul-Tether]] – The permanent bond between Valorîin lifemates. | ||
* [[ | * [[It'slâmwâ]] – The afterlife where Valorîin souls are meant to transcend. | ||
* [[Transcendence]] – The state of a bonded mate after death. | * [[Transcendence]] – The state of a bonded mate after death. | ||
== Trivia == | == Trivia == | ||
* Rampancy is so feared that some | * Rampancy is so feared that some Valorîin clans '''exile or execute''' individuals showing early signs, even if they could still be saved. | ||
* The transformation process is '''extremely painful''', with some victims remaining '''partially aware''' of their descent into madness. | * The transformation process is '''extremely painful''', with some victims remaining '''partially aware''' of their descent into madness. | ||
* Some scholars believe '''certain legendary creatures''' from | * Some scholars believe '''certain legendary creatures''' from Valorîin folklore were actually Rampant individuals whose bodies mutated beyond recognition. | ||
[[Category:Diseases]] | [[Category:Diseases]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Lethurîa universe]] | ||