Monsters

Cadaver Growths, also known as Cadavers, are a dangerous, aggressively-growing fern which thrives in dark, wet and enclosed spaces such as caves. They are recognizable as clusters of tall ferns, combined with large, sickly-yellow petals of a flowering plant. Do not enter a room where Cadaver Growths are present. Even if you have received the vaccine, intense exposure to Cadaver spores can overwhelm the immune system's antibodies.

These yellow petals are now a vestigial structure previously belonging to the species Pilea microphylla or the Artillery Plant, which has been co-opted by the Cadaver Growth for dispersal of its spores. There is some debate among plant biologists whether this is still two species, but the general consensus is that the fern assimilated this flowering species and now shares much of its DNA. The specifics of this process are still under confidential research.

Because of this successful hijacking and its already-intense ability to self-replicate, the fern is able to spread its spores at incredible efficiency and is well-equipped to attempt to perform a similar process in mammals, including humans. The resulting infected creatures are called Cadaver Blooms.

At the point in which spores have entered the body and are beginning to germinate within the lungs, prevention is still possible, and anyone in contact should immediately seek medical attention. The first, most common sign is small, yellow petals sticking out from the neck or back. In desperate circumstances, various herbicides have been found to kill the infection in early stages. If the victim is emitting spores visibly from the mouth, full treatment is almost impossible, and anyone in proximity should cover their faces and keep a distance of at least 10 feet; this sign of critical infection shows in about 80% of cases.

Once the infection has become critical, if the host loses consciousness for any reason, the plant will take immediate, full control, accelerating growth using the body's nutrients. If the host does not lose consciousness, the plant will eventually shut down the brain by crowding it out with its own growths. It's not fully understood why the growth "waits" for the brain to enter a state of unconsciousness, but this has lent to the name Cadaver Bloom, due to the manner in which it activates at death. Luckily, no outbreak of Cadaver Blooms has been recorded to jump from the species of origin thus far.

Any sighting of Cadaver Growths must be reported to the ITDA.