Katarios Curse

Katarios is a curse of sorts that has rarely been seen and few historical accounts are found on it.

Origins
Katarios was once a very powerful Necrosis mage. He delved deep into the powers of death and all its applications.

Hated by locals, Katarios was slew in his sleep, but he had made arrangements, or so he thought, for his physical body to be nothing but a mere vessel. For centuries his sentience lay dormant in an orb that was locked away, but was stolen in a random thievery. The orb was broken and released the virus that Katarios had become. A random thief's sword became infected by it. Thus began the Katarios curse.

Contraction and Epidemiology
The Katarios Curse can only be contracted by slaying the one who is infected. With that in mind, only one can/is cursed with it at a time.

Stage One: Weapon Infestation


The weapon of the accursed is effected, giving it a stronger edge, lighter swing, and any enchantments are enhanced exponentially. Also a pestilence enchantment is added which infects it's victims with a rotting effect that quickly detriments the flesh. It should also be noted that the weapons appearance becomes afflicted.

Stage Two: Body Infestation


The limb(s) of the accursed that wield the effected weapon begin to be effected by what looks like a black poison growing through their veins. The Victim gains enhanced strength as the curse spreads in all areas: physical, magical. This stage continues onward even into the next. As it progresses it cosmetically distorts the victim with rotten flesh armor and distinct abnormal additives.

Stage Three: Mind Infestation
The victim's mind begins to experience fractures of Katarios dead consciousness interfering with their own. This includes slight ticks of insanity such as paranoia, hallucinogenic images/audio, etc. Katarios can not fully manifest himself in his victim, but fractures of his being meld with the accursed. The victim can/will experience small losses of time and increased irritability and violent tendencies. Once this stage begins, there is no turning back. The accursed is addicted to the power and will fight to the death any who try to sever the tie between Katarios and theirself.

Trivia

 * Katarios Curse was inspired by the Soul Calibur video games with focus on Soul Edge.


 * Katarios, as a name, is a mash up between two Greek words, Katará - meaning Curse - and íos - meaning Virus.