#I took heavy inspirations from Ophiocordyceps unilateralis

[hopalongfairywren]

I know there's a separate ask game going on but I'd actually love to hear your take on how the Egg restructures people's bodies!

While I've taken plenty of artistic liberties, i'm trying to take a science based approach on this, so tw for well. Fungus amongus. I imagine the Egg releases spores, which once inside the body of a victim, do several things. Number one, is increase adrenaline and cortisol production by several magnitudes. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone in your body, but when too much of it is produced it can cause an increase in irritability, headaches, decrease in pain reception, skin discoloration, and even inflamed/red eyes due to pressure on blood vessles within. The spores also release many metabolites which work as neurotransmitters, helping to manipulate the body of an infection individual sophisticated. (Though not to the same levels as before, as movement is noticeably jerky and erratic due to the fungus forcing the muscles to contract.) Throughout the whole ordeal, the victim remains totally conscience although unable to control their action. I imagine although a cure did exist (complete submerging in prime water, and that is where the scientific bit falls apart because that's not how infections would work irl) The Eggpire was relatively lucky in that they got captured and then decontaminated all relatively early into their infection. There's a certain point, maybe after a few months to a year, in which I think it would be too late. As for permenant effects, due to the inhibiting of pain reception, and the physcological and behavioral changes on the victims forcing them to put the egg's needs- (protection, nurishment, hygeine) above all else, they carry many injuries/ailments from an immune system pushed to the brink by the egg's infection. Torn muscles are also pretty common, because while the brain usually naturally limits your speed and strength to avoid you hurting yourself, the egg doesn't give a shit and actually needs its victims to be stronger and faster. In case your wondering, my headcanon for why c!Tommy is immune to the Egg is the same reason I headcanon c!Dream to also be immune to it and c!Sam to be resistant to it. An increased internal body temperature which the spores could not survive in. :)