On the virus' strains

The virus, or the Contagion as it will generally be called in later chapters (circa 120), by nature is very malleable. Basically it can change a lot and produce a lot of different effects. Some effects are passed from one bearer to another, usually by Alphas, forming strains. This is a quick guide to the strains that show up in Aroband's chapters (that's me). Other authors are invited to add a chapter or two for their own created strains if they so wish, just to keep things with the illusion of being organized. The magic types listed are generally only able to be wielded by the corresponding Alpha.

Ares: The original(-ish) strain belonging to Aiden/Ares/Aires and the base for most others. Because it was the first (and I didn't have any plans at that point), this strain doesn't really have any notable traits, other than an intrinsic desire to expand and infect more people. Some later strains may move away from this base need for expansion, but it remains the driving **** for most. Magic: General control of the horde, mostly ignoring specific strains and largely mental. Allows for people to be infected from a distance, though this is a pretty limited range. This strain also allows for general magic, such as telekinesis. A jack of all trades, master of none type thing. Aires can also freely change his own body, which isn't necessarily something magical, but given that it applies only to him, can be considered as such.

Cupid: The strain carried by Julie/Aphrodite, specifically once she comes into her own and gains control over plants. This strain has a tendency for more fantastical changes, such as creating a magical forest and living plants. Its human victims can broadly be categorized as mythical creatures, such as elves, centaurs, fairies, dryads, and others. Notably, this strain gains more power the longer it can permeate an area, making it more prone to staying in one place as opposed to spreading. Magic: Similar to Aires, Aphrodite has general magic, though it is a bit more powerful. Due to the nature of the strain, these powers increase within the strain's dedicated domain.

Traitor: The Traitor strain is the name given to the strain belonging to the Lady, who works with Olympus. Its exact limits and abilities are unknown, but its basis is in the denial of sexual pleasure. In general, the longer a person goes without orgasm, the stronger they become, though this is countered by a complete reset if they do climax. Due to the unknown nature of this strain, this should be considered the base line, but not a strict rule, as exceptions may exist. This strain also seems to not transform its carriers as much, generally allowing them to retain their wholly human forms and minds. Magic: unknown, but seems to have some ability to enchant basic medieval weapons.

Waifu: Carried by Owen, this strain is quite specific, transforming anyone infected by it (with the exception of Owen himself) into a sexy girl out of an anime or hentai, usually with some manner of animal features, which can generally be considered monster girls. Thanks to Owen's curious and scientific-ish nature, he has discovered that these changes take place in anyone touched by the strain, men and women alike turning into girls out of a weeb's dreams. Magic: unknown.

Grace: Lacking a specific name, Grace's strain takes after her, turning people into angels or fallen angels. Note that fallen angels are different from demons. Magic: Grace can create weapons and objects out of hellfire that radiate intense heat. Being a creature of some religious significance, she will gain more power for being actively worshiped.

Catgirl: Vivian's strain adopts her traits of being a girl with feline features, such as cat ears and a tail. The degree of changes may vary from mostly human to mostly cat, usually with an increase in dexterity. Scratchy tongues are optional. Magic: while not specifically magical, Vivian can selectively shift more of her body towards a feline form, sprouting sharp claws as an example.

Vampiric: Rebecca's strain again takes after her own form, turning people into sexy, vampiric creatures. While not strictly weak to sunlight, they are stronger in darkness. They tend to have a desire for both blood and sex and going too long without either might send them into a feeding frenzy. Sometimes someone infected will become a thrall instead of a new vampire, completely obedient to the one who infected them and devoid of their own will. Magic: Rebecca can sink into shadows and create weapons out of darkness, as well as fly with shadow wings.

Corruption: A strain created by Cecilia, a Divine who was gifted power by Aphrodite. This strain has a tendency to consume the soul of those infected by it, essentially erasing morals and empathy. Thanks to Aires' intervention, this strain is limited and doesn't spread as wildly as others, but each individual member is quite powerful. Venus can also be considered an Alpha/Divine for this strain. Magic: As Divines, Cecilia and Venus both possess general access to magic, though their strain does not grant them any further, more specific powers (at this point, this might change).

Drider: Zoe's strain originally involved shapeshifting, but was changed when joined with the Corruption strain, turning her into a drider. Women infected with this strain typically either become broodmothers, used for incubating eggs, or driders, responsible for laying those eggs. Men may either be rendered helpless, used for little more than their semen, be genderswapped into either of the female options, or turn into monstrous insectoids. Due to the corruptive nature of the strain, those infected with this strain also lose much of their human morals. Magic: Zoe still possesses some degree of shapeshifting, able to take on a fully human form and can manipulate her natural poison and webbing freely.

Honestly, the more I write this, the more it becomes obvious I have no plan. So here's to that! If I do more stupid shit and decide to change things further, this list will be updated. Until then, other authors, feel free to add details on your own specific strains if you want. Cheers!