Difference between revisions of "The Plagues"
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* The fourth Plague was a bacterium designed to consume copper and many copper alloys. The bacteria were extremely hardy and could withstand high levels of heat. When they had consumed all available copper, they would release their stored water, purposefully drying themselves out. The shape of the bacteria when dried out made them extremely aerodynamic. The slightest gust of wind could transport the bacteria for miles, where they would find a new source of copper, re-hydrate, and begin consuming and reproducing. The bacteria spread quickly and effectively, and had devastating effects on the copper wiring that was used for electrical transmission. By the end of 1983, virtually every power-grid on the planet was destroyed. The bacteria continues to present a challenge. There are occasional outbreaks at copper-mines and several mines have been rendered useless. Electrical production and distribution is no longer viewed as a viable large scale operation. | * The fourth Plague was a bacterium designed to consume copper and many copper alloys. The bacteria were extremely hardy and could withstand high levels of heat. When they had consumed all available copper, they would release their stored water, purposefully drying themselves out. The shape of the bacteria when dried out made them extremely aerodynamic. The slightest gust of wind could transport the bacteria for miles, where they would find a new source of copper, re-hydrate, and begin consuming and reproducing. The bacteria spread quickly and effectively, and had devastating effects on the copper wiring that was used for electrical transmission. By the end of 1983, virtually every power-grid on the planet was destroyed. The bacteria continues to present a challenge. There are occasional outbreaks at copper-mines and several mines have been rendered useless. Electrical production and distribution is no longer viewed as a viable large scale operation. | ||
| − | * The fifth Plague was a series of viruses created to devastate the global livestock populations. Specifically the viruses targeted cattle, goats, sheep, swine and fowl. The viruses were similar to the Flu virus, but much more deadly, and spread much more quickly. By 1983 more than 90% of all livestock had been killed. A small percentage of individuals in each group of livestock did develop immunity to the viruses. These individuals have been selectively breed and the majority of livestock born today | + | * The fifth Plague was a series of viruses created to devastate the global livestock populations. Specifically the viruses targeted cattle, goats, sheep, swine and fowl. The viruses were similar to the Flu virus, but much more deadly, and spread much more quickly. By 1983 more than 90% of all livestock had been killed. A small percentage of individuals in each group of livestock did develop immunity to the viruses. These individuals have been selectively breed and the majority of livestock born today possess a natural immunity to the virus. Those that are born without the immunity do not usually survive to adulthood. The nation largely moved away from livestock as a significant food source. [[Manna]] based products now account for approximately 70% of the nation's calories. |
* The sixth Plague was a virus designed to cause blisters and boils that would leave permanent scars on the afflicted. The virus was the same one used in the tenth Plague. In children, the virus was often fatal. Adults would usually survive but would be left with scars all over their body. Individuals who had a resistance to the Chicken Pox virus usually had a immunity to the sixth Plague. This meant many adults were spared from the effects of the Plague thanks to their childhood exposure and recovery from Chicken Pox. | * The sixth Plague was a virus designed to cause blisters and boils that would leave permanent scars on the afflicted. The virus was the same one used in the tenth Plague. In children, the virus was often fatal. Adults would usually survive but would be left with scars all over their body. Individuals who had a resistance to the Chicken Pox virus usually had a immunity to the sixth Plague. This meant many adults were spared from the effects of the Plague thanks to their childhood exposure and recovery from Chicken Pox. | ||
