Blacklight

Blacklight is an evolutionary chimeric mutagenic infectious agent that can reproduce only inside the living cells of other biological organisms, and leads to the development of the Black Flu. It is transmitted primarily through bodily fluids, such as blood and saliva. There are several outcomes prior to infection, though the most common is to become a Fade. In extreme circumstances, it lead to a person becoming a Glitched.

The origin of Blacklight is unknown, though the virus is strongly linked to the Aether. It was first unleashed during the Second Icecrown Incursion.

Origins
During Naomi Masher's earliest research into the Aether, it was discovered that the Draconi contained a natural affinity towards it via their blood. This, along with research into the Ceph of Ancient Charos, proved evidence enough for Naomi to use genetic material harvested from Draconi fossil. However, following the Icecrown Incursion early in the work, Ptomley learned of the nature of the Aether after Typhon was sent to investigate the demonic attack. Ptomley ordered the research to continue, under more controlled conditions, on the hope that it'd lead to more advances in Sethian technology that'd help towards his expansionist ambitions - a top secret research project entitled Soulcreek. Naomi at first refused to participate, but realising the consequences of refusing the king and, potentially, allowing a less experienced hand to research the Aether, she agreed. Desperate for a second input, she sent samples Draconi genetics and her data to her research partner in Pippirria, Daniel Bedington.

Bedington went radio silent shortly after, but not before he transmitted the results of his research - the blueprints for a virus, Blacklight. A week later, the virus was released into Icecrown City via Flight 2647.

The Black Flu
Blacklight is a cryophillic pathogen, capable of thriving in temperatures of under -50. Hotter environments can still cause transmission, but it is far less likely and the virus itself will not survive long outside of a host. Those infected with the pathogen quickly develop the Black Flu - a devastating condition whereby the host's mind is sucked into the Aether, whilst their body remains in reality. The incubation period of Blacklight is anywhere between a few seconds and a day, and the development of the Black Flu has a 100% mortality rate.

The Faded
The initial symptoms of the Black Flu are nausea, headache, photophobia and paranoia. These symptoms usually develop immediately. Later symptoms include extreme hostile aggression and total loss of self, to the point where the host seem 'possessed' of some demonic rage (which, indeed, they are). As the Black Flu develops, the host's conscious and subconscious being are partially drawn into the Aether, and the psychic energy within that realm fills the gaps left behind. Where exactly the 'person' goes and what happens to them in the Aether is unknown, but is likely an unpleasant fate best not considered. The end result is the host's entire mind being pulled into the Aether whilst their body remains, inflated with physic demonic energy. At this stage, the host is considered to be a 'Fade'.

The Faded are hyper aggressive demonic entities. The resemble the humans that previously occupied their body before the transmission of the Blacklight pathogen, but with some notable difference. Due to the nature of the Aether's power, the Faded glow an ominous red through their eyes, mouth and skin. They exhibit enhanced strength and speed. In this state, the Faded are still capable of infecting others with the Blacklight pathogen through bites and scratches - indeed, many seem consciously intent on doing so. However, the level of Blacklight present in their systems is almost microscopic. The Faded cannot be reasoned with, and all memory of the person that once occupied their body is gone. Damaging the Faded's body or head will dispel the Aether, destroying the Faded permanently.

However, becoming a 'Faded' is not intended to be the final stage of the Black Flu. The host is likely required to be 'unfaded' for the final stage to be attained, however this is not possible with human hosts, as humans cannot survive the inevitable blend of their minds into the Aether.

The Glitched
Believed to be closer to the 'final' and proper outcome of the Black Flu, the Glitched are rare forms of Blacklight hosts that do not display the same symptoms as the Faded. The circumstances by which someone can be 'Glitched' are highly unlikely. Unlike the Faded, they do not display the same symptoms of hyper aggression or, indeed, any form of symptom. They are no longer infectious, but are still somehow linked to the Aether.

The purpose of the Glitched is unknown. They may simply be freaks of nature, given their fate by Bedinginton's work. Or they may be the precursor for something else...