The Virus

Overview
The Virus (also known as Roland's Virus) is a still relatively unknown virus that caused a near-extintion event, killing of 90% of the world's population in the matter of months.

Biology
Medical reports from the time period state that the Virus attacks the autonomic nervous system. When it infects a biological system, it causes uncontrollable muscle spasms and violent headaches. Scientists were able to deduce that the virus took control of enzymes in the synaptic clefts of the peripheral nervous system, causing excessive and premature inactivation of the ubiquitous neurotransmitter acetylcholine. From a combination of physical exhaustion and the disruption of activity in the heart muscles, the victim's death is generally by severe and sudden cardiac arrest.

Some people, mainly those that live in the ruins today, have an immunity to this Virus.

Debate regarding the origins of the virus continued well into the Age of Chaos and is still hotly contested among those who consider themselves doctors, nurses and scientists. A popular theory is that the Virus was a mutagen which was responsible for the advent of Mages and Night Terrors. However, there is currently no scientific evidence to support this theory.

History
The earliest (albeit debated by historians) occurrence of the Virus was in 313 AS on a remote island of Sheshwa. It was contracted by a man named Roland Kedgewik, a local businessman.

The Virus path remained sporadic, popping up in small numbers all over the globe. It was not considered a serious pandemic until 315 AS, when the Virus infected the city of Kantz and nearly wiped out the entire populace. From there, it quickly grew out of control and eventually lead to the Age of Chaos.