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Simon Wentworth (order #1132857) 9alternative character concepts . . . . . . . . . . .62infected metavariantsThe ghilani viruses are highly prone to mutation,and different species around the world have differentbehaviors, powers, weaknesses, and appearances.The Abat is a vampire metavariant native to thePhillipines, noted for its fear of sea water and penchantfor sucking on the viscera of its victims. Similaris the Amalanhig, Filipino/Malaysian vampire whichuses a proboscis-like structure on the underside ofits tongue to draw blood from the victim.The Busaw is one of two West African ghoulmetavariants, most often seen in ork and troll tribes,with more extensive dermal deposits and a dislikeof salty foods; the latter may account in part forthe predisposition to goiter in busaw populations.Sasobonsams are the other native African ghoulmetavariant, and the most populous; they developextremely elongated (if fragile) arms and legs, enablingthem to walk and run on all fours.Gaki are a ghoul metavariant mostly restricted tothe Japanese archipelago, with unconfirmed sightingsin the republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Hawai’i,and the Chinese states. It is distinguished by its fluorescenteyes and its purportedly high percentage ofmagical ability.Penanggalan are a very rare Southeast Asian vampiremetavariant whose astral form reportedly consistsof just its head and pulsating organs; these Infectedare supposed to require a great deal more blood thantheir kin, and must pickle their bloated bodies.The Sukuyan is a Caribbean vampire metavariantthat often preys on ships and (according to legend)drowning sailors. They are the subject of a small butlucrative slave trade among the Zobop syndicate; itis rumored the boccors find the sukuyan very pliableto their traditional zombie-drugs.Fomóraig(Homo sapiens ingentis monerus)Trolls infected with a species of HMHVV II becomeFomóraig. Like their cousins the dzoo-noo-qua, they developheavy calcifications and dermal deposits in their skin, particularlysubcutaneous “chestnuts” of bone, around which form sebaceousgland complexes that constantly secrete a corrosive, acidic fluid.Other changes include rudimentary gills along the neck and sixprominent incisors. A shaggy and irregular mane of dark brownor black hair is common. Fomóraig are considered native to Tírna nÓg, and are omnivorous, but prefer raw meat; like ghouls,cooked meat makes them sick.Ghouls(Homo sapiens wichtus)Metahumans afflicted by a species of HMHVV III becomeghouls. The most common traits to all those afflicted with thisvirus are a loss of all body hair, the development of a scabrous hide,the development of filmy cataracts and lesions in the eyes, a pallidAddendum by Henri Gilbert,UNESCO Secretary and Panel Presidentthe cure for HMHVVThere is no current “cure” for the Infected. Nomagical spell, genetic treatment, retroviral cocktail, orcombination of the above has managed to halt or reversethe transformation once it has begun, and oncecomplete it is impossible to alter the subject’s geneticcode without the death of the subject. Still, researchinto the nature of ghilani and its variants continues.Rumors suggest that Shiawase Biotech has beenworking for years to develop a vaccine to preventthe virus from crossing the germ line in vampires,allowing them to procreate as normal humans. TheOrdo Maximus is said to have squashed a thesis byMartin de Vries, Th.D., which suggested that thetotal separation of the Infected’s spirit from its bodymight allow the astral and physical problems to beaddressed separately. Many elven nobles subscribeto the idea that a banshee must “walk the Circle,” orcomplete a set of spiritual tasks and astral quests, inorder to purge themselves of the curse.These are but a sample of the many “cures,” noneof which are proven to exist. Until such time as solidevidence is presented to the contrary, the committeebelieves there is no cure for the Infected, nor any vaccinationto prevent it.complexion (dead-white to ashen grey, depending on the ghoul’soriginal ethnic group), and slightly enlarged jaws and hands, withthe nails typically hardened into claws. Ghouls are exclusivelycarnivorous and cannibalistic.Goblins(Homo sapiens pumilionis vrykolakas)Dwarfs infected with a species of HMHVV I. Transformationconsumes all body fat and causes the loss of all body hair, leavingan extremely emaciated appearance, with the skeleton clearly visibleand the skin often taking on a sickly, almost glossy sheen. Theirears become longer, larger, and slightly pointed, while the salivaryglands increase output, typically causing goblins to drool uncontrollably.Goblins are omnivorous with cannibalistic tendencies.Loup-Garou(Homo sapiens sapiens monerus)Humans infected with a species of HMHVV II transforminto loup-garou. The loup-garou’s most common characteristicsare a covering of short grey-black hair; lips drawn back from theirteeth and receding gums, giving the illusion of elongated fangs;and bloodshot eyes. They often appear to be in considerable pain.Loup-garou are keyed to an internal 28-day cycle (not, as popularlystated, tied to the moon), during the four-to-six-day peak of whichthey become extremely aggressive. The cycles of individual loupgarouwho meet are rarely aligned, but prolonged cohabitationbetween mates or in a pack will cause their cycles to synchronize.Loup-garou are carnivorous and cannibalistic.Runner’s Companion