Vamparism

> *“You have contracted an ancient virus, one whose symptoms are vitality and life everlasting.”*
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> By St. Valentina
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> From Unkown Source
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Vamparism, not to be confused with the Living Dead, is a spectrum of conditions caused by the infection of the Lamia Virus. The Lamia Virus infects humans, chimpanzees, and bats (though current evidence suggests this may also include swine). It is uniquely expressed in Humans as Vamparism. Though often those who express vamparism (Vampires) are considered "Undead" this is not the case. No vampire has died or is undead, they are fully alive and human.

## Lamia Virus

### **Morphology and Phenology**

The Lamia Virus is a member of the genus *Lamivirus* part of the family *Retroviridae.* Lamivirus have many morphologies and biological properties in common, though none except the Lamia Virus itself expresses vamparism. Lamiviruses are transmitted as single-stranded, positive-sense, enveloped RNA viruses. The Lamia Virus will lay dormant in a human until such time that at least 12% of a host's body switches into anaerobic conditions. Once this happens the Lamia Virus will awake and duplicate itself, in this process the Retro-virus will also create proteins which expresses vamparism in the host.

### **Symptoms**

#### **Metabolic Switching**

All Mesodermal cells switch to anaerobic respiration. The Respiratory system no longer accepts Oxygen, therefore Oxygen Heme is obsolete.

#### **Carbaminohemoglobin**

A protein cascade will cause RBC Oxygen Heme to transform into Carbaminohemoglobin. Specialized for only uptake of Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen

#### **Anemia**

All bone marrow will stop production of RBC. No RBC can be created within the body.

#### **Oxygen Sensitivity**

When flesh is exposed to oxygen the cells will undergo aerobic respiration, rapidly metabolising, giving the appearance that the victim is burning and melting.

#### **MC1R Gene Mutation**

The MC1R Gene responsible for creating *melanocortin 1 receptor*, is altered and permanently malfunctioned. The Malfunctioning stops the hormone *alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone* (α-MSH) from interacting with Melosomes, subsequently preventing Eumelanin from being produced. This results in all skin becoming lighter and susceptible to UV radiation--massive, intense, and fast, sunburns--however no skin cancer. Exposure to the sun for too long results in ruptures of the skin.

#### **Activation of Telomerase activity in somatic cells**

Telomerase is activated in all somatic cells. Resulting in no aging occuring.

#### **T-Cell Cancerous targeting**

T cells are genetically modified to more effectively track and kill cancerous cells. Highly adaptable and effective.

#### **Increased Parasympathetic activity and Signaling**

During a parasympathetic event hormones are released which excite cells beyond any seen in uninfected humans. They use resources with reckless abandon. Because of this they require ludicrous amounts of Iron, Salt, and Potassium. This is easiest to obtain by ingesting humans with the same or compatible blood type. Preventing inflammation and an immune response. Blood is a particular favorite, this results in less solid waste, and high iron content.

#### **Silver Fulminate**

Exposure to silver on the skin results in ruptures of the skin, and combustion due to the synthesis of AgCNO. This combined with hydrogen waste products, will create a conflagration upon contact with mesodermic cells of any flesh for too long.

#### Extra Cellular Slime Capsules.

Ectodermal cells produce a thick layer of “glue” that instantly seals blunt or narrow wounds, making the vampires bulletproof.