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Research report: Transgenic Cellular Rewriter (TCR / Tracer)
Compiled from: Scattered archives of 'X' Corporation's biological research division, field notes and survivor accounts
Report by: [Redacted]
Date: 2 years post "Collapse"
BACKGROUND
- The virus, Tracer (Transgenic Cellular Rewriter), was discovered inside an ancient vial by the 'x' corporation.
- Isotopic dating suggests that the vial is approximately 5,000 years old.
- Initial experiments revealed extreme lethality: Researchers that were exposed to the contents inside the vial collapsed within minutes, exhibiting intense pain followed by autolytic decomposition.
TRANSMISSION
- The virus has two methods of transmission:
- Primary method: Close proximity (< 3 meters), not predominantly airborne.
- Secondary method: Surface contact, The virus remains dormant untill contact in with a viable host.
Note: Human blood acts as a catalyst, sustaining infection in hosts.
INFECTION STAGES---------------------------
Stage: 1
Key symptoms;
- Occasional twitches and mild discomfort
Effects;
-Early neural degredation, outwardly minor symptoms
- Host may appear uninfected
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Stage: 2
Key symptoms;
- Blood vessels visibly dialated (larger, more visible), Some cognitive decline (Speech becomes fragmented, Slower thinking, Delayed responses)
Effects;
- Neurological breakdown in progress
- Host shows discomfort, uneasy movement and minor disorientation with an increase in emotional instability (Prone to anger)
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Stage: 3
Key symptoms;
- Blood colour begins to shift into either green, purple, or black
Effects;
- Increased aggression, Motor control shifts into instinctual behaviour and host beginning predatory tendencies toward humans.
- Formation of infection "bubbles" that causes nearby (within 3 metres) individuals to rapidly fall victim to the infection.
Notes: Stage progression speed is strain- dependent.
- Researchers haven't observed stages beyond 3, but evidence suggests that they are still changing.
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STRAIN CLASSIFICATION
Green blood(Standard): Most common class; incomplete data.
Purple blood (Elite): Only occurs when infected by a Royal; Incomplete data.
Black blood (Royal): Extremly rare, mutants who survived infection from the source vial. Only 3 known to exist, Incomplete data.
Note: Due to insufficient data, researches are unable to find other effects.
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SURVIVAL REQUIREMENTS
Human blood is essential to sustain stage 3 mutants. All other alternative sources fail to maintain infected subjects.
- Prolonged stay without Consumption of human blood, causes stage 3 hosts to weaken and die.
- The infection stage accelerates if host consumes human blood.
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Current status: The virus remains uncontained, humans scattered and confined to government or fortified safehouses.
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End of Research report
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