Welcome to the "What Remains" Documentation

This is the central hub for all information related to the What Remains Discord Server.

Infection History

A mutation of the Cordyceps fungus, previously known to primarily only infect insects, appears to have undergone a critical shift, enabling it to target the human nervous system. Evidence from newspaper reports, specifically those from Austin, Texas in 2013, suggests it's possible origins in South American crops. The rapid spread of this mutated fungus triggered a global pandemic, leading to the widespread collapse of societal structures. Panic and violence became prevalent as civilization struggled to adapt. Martial law, implemented in an attempt to control the outbreak, proved ineffective. This period resulted in a significant population decline, with estimates suggesting a majority of the population has been infected by or died from the Cordyceps Brain Infection (CBI). From the ashes of this societal collapse, a new authoritarian regime emerged. The United States military transformed into the Federal Emergency Disaster Response Agency (FEDRA), a totalitarian government that prioritized strict information control as a means of maintaining order. Heavily populated areas were deemed high-risk zones and subjected to aggressive military action (such as bombings). FEDRA established fortified quarantine zones (QZs) as a way to contain the CBI threat and offer a semblance of safety to the remaining human population.

Infection Biology

FThe Cordyceps fungus acts as a parasite on the human brain. Its filamentous network, known as mycelium, invades brain tissue, causing cell death. This process disrupts the host's cognitive functions, leading to memory loss and eventual insanity. Furthermore, the fungus appears to manipulate the host's remaining neural pathways, driving a primal urge to spread the infection. Once the infected host's body dies, the fungus enters a reproductive stage. Fungal tendrils erupt from the body, releasing spores into the environment. These spores then become the primary mode of transmission for the Cordyceps infection.

Initial Infection

Transmission of the Cordyceps infection appears to occur through two primary routes: direct contact and airborne spores. Direct contact can happen through bites from infected individuals, as the fungus readily transfers through bodily fluids (such as saliva) and bites. Spores, released from deceased infected individuals through fungal growths, present the most common mode of transmission. Inhaling a high concentration of these spores, particularly in enclosed environments, can lead to rapid infection. It's important to note that a living host is necessary for the fungus to exert control. The progression of the infection appears to be influenced by environmental factors. Studies of infected populations in locations like Lincoln and Jackson suggest that certain conditions may accelerate or decelerate the transition between various stages of infection.