Proteavirus

+A **Proteavirus** is a complex virus-like organism from which the moon **Proteus** derives its name. There are two known strains of Proteavirus: The highly abundant base version (**Proteavirus alpha**) which appears to be integrated into the biosphere of Proteus and is present in every living organism on the moon, including the player, and the **Bloom** strain (**Proteavirus beta**) which appears to be a parasitic version dedicated only to its own reproduction.+ +## Proteavirus alpha+ +**Proteavirus alpha** is an unfathomably abundant strain of Proteavirus released by the **World Tree** into the water of Proteus. It exists across the entire moon and infects all living beings. **Proteavirus alpha** is released by **Angel Comb**s into the surrounding water to collect gene samples from nearby organisms.+ +The Angel Combs releasing Proteavirus alpha are often attacked by the **Bloom**, a rival Proteavirus strain which harvests nutrients from its surroundings and seems to serve no purpose other than producing more of itself.+ +## Bloom or Proteavirus beta+ +The **Bloom** strain of Proteavirus is one that seems to attack the Proteavirus' **Angel Comb**s. It infects the Combs and all nearby organisms, significantly deteriorating nearby life and making the Combs dedicate all of their systems to producing more of it.+ +## Masefield Syndrome+ +The Masefield Syndrome caused by the Proteavirus induces hallucinations and irrational behavior in humans. Affected individuals develop an obsession with the sea and the **World Tree**, and may eventually be compelled to swim towards the tree and/or drown themselves. **Sophie Boucher** believes it will be catastrophic to Proteus' biosphere if left unchecked, though other evidence (particularly the message found in the **Axum Observatory**) suggests that it's an integral part of Proteus and is harmful only to humans.+ +**Wu Lianghai** initially believed that Masefield Syndrome was caused exclusively by the Bloom strain of the Proteavirus. However, **Wander** later discovered that the Bloom strain was entirely different from the virus found in colonists affected by Masefield Syndrome, leading to the conclusion that even standard Proteavirus causes it.+ +## Virology+ +The Proteavirus appears to capable of infecting all life on Proteus, said to have a "root level" access to Protean biology. It appears to facilitate horizontal gene transfer between all organisms on Proteus, allowing for rapid and unpredictable evolutionary trajectories. It may also cause rapid hallucinations, loss of autonomy, and violence in those affected. It is said that all life is infected by the Proteavirus the moment they enter the water.+ +## Trivia+ +* The name "Masefield Syndrome" is possibly in reference to John Masefield, an English poet and writer, most notably known for his poem *Sea-Fever*.