The Gallow

The Gallow is a highly deadly and infectious virus that turns all living lifeforms into cannibalistic and deformed monsters as part of the hivemind that is the Gallow. It is spread through the following means; air, liquid, human/animal waste, food or touch. It encompasses the entire continent of West Zaria and occasionally may invade other continents, such as East Zaria, Batebami & Erin.

### History

The Gallow can supposedly be traced back to its first appearance in the 1591 S.S, however some sources despite the 1591 claim though. A father who was hanged for allegedly killing his wife and son was the first man to have the Gallow virus according to legend. They say the corpse of the father reawakened merely a few seconds after his hanging, he killed the executioner and several others in the crowd. This story is highly disputed however as many facts to not align with current knowledge of the virus, however it is not considered a false story as of yet. As for where the virus may of originated from, no one has any idea.

### Stages

The Gallow is a progressive virus, however it is fast. Infection is separated into 3 different stages.

#### Stage 1 - "Anticipation"

Stage 1 appears at first to be any other common cold or flu; drowsiness, nausea, sore throat and similar symptoms. However one symptom that is unique to Stage 1 Gallow is pink tinted urine and lighter coloured faeces. Subjects may also find themselves to be more irrational and "not themselves" at times. At the end of stage 1, subjects will have an intense seizure before shortly dying. Stage 1 (depending on the environment and medication) typically lasts for 2 weeks.

#### Stage 2 - "Angel of Death"

Stage 2 occurs immediately after death. The skin, eyes and outer/visible layers of subjects body will take mildly longer to decay, however the virus is slowly eating and spreading on the inside of the corpse first to "make home" as well as strengthen. As stage 2 nears its end, it starts moving itself out from inside, as if speeding the decaying process. Stage 2 typically lasts for 1-2 weeks.

#### Stage 3 - "No Return"

Stage 3 occurs at a random interval after stage 2. The virus will choose a time to utilise the carcass of the subject for its will to move, attack and shield itself so that it may feed and spread. The body of the subject is incredibly decayed at this point with the virus itself being visible through the skin and holes.

### Treatment/Medication

There are currently no methods or medication strong enough to completely rid the virus out of one's system. However being comfortable, well fed & in a temperate environment can slow the effects of the virus by small increments. However it has been noted that without an almost constant source of nutrients or a host body, it will die from starvation.

### Rumours & Hoaxes

There have been many rumours & hoaxes surrounding The Gallow. Due to the virus's ferocity & relatively new existence, there are still new things to learn about it's behaviours & effects. One rumour stems from an excavation team sent into West Zaria, that saw only 1 member of the 25 man team return, the man claimed seeing decayed humans roam the destroyed & infested villages as if they were still alive, their bodies decayed & falling apart yet still following their daily schedule as if still alive. The claim is noteworthy but due to only 1 source noting this ever it is highly skeptical, the man also showed signs of Stage 1 before dying & as such many people believe it to be delusions.