Stage Four

Lore & Background

Despite their blindness and often slow gait, Stage Four infected are incredibly dangerous due to their resilience and strength. They can survive injuries that would be fatal to humans or earlier stages of infection. Their defining characteristic is the clicking sound produced by the fungal growth on their face as they emit clicks to map their surroundings. This echolocation allows them to pinpoint living targets with terrifying accuracy, making silence the only defense against them.

In Their Own Story

The silence in the abandoned subway station was heavy, broken only by the distant drip of water and the rhythmic tapping of a fungal shell against concrete. A figure emerged from the shadows, its head encased in a grotesque white mask that blocked out all sight. It tilted its head, emitting a sharp, staccato click that echoed off the tiled walls. The sound bounced back, painting a three-dimensional map of the darkness for the creature. Suddenly, a floorboard creaked under a boot. The Clicker froze, then spun with unnatural speed toward the noise, letting out a guttural roar before lunging into the void.

Reader's Guide

The infection progresses through distinct biological stages as the Cordyceps fungus consumes the host. Stage One involves initial symptoms like fever and confusion, while Stage Two sees the victim becoming aggressive and physically altered but still somewhat human. Stage Three marks the loss of sight and the development of echolocation, creating the Clickers. These infected are blind but hunt by sound, making them highly dangerous in quiet environments. They often wear remnants of their former clothing and move with a shuffling gait. The scientific lore suggests that this specific strain of Cordyceps has mutated to infect humans rather than insects. The fungus hijacks the brain stem, overriding higher cognitive functions while maintaining motor control for hunting. Eventually, some hosts may progress to Stage Four (Runners) or further mutations like Bloaters and Shamblers in later years.

Did You Know?

• The clicking sound used by these infected is a form of echolocation similar to that used by bats and dolphins.
• Stage Four infected are completely blind due to the fungal growth covering their eyes.
• They can survive for months or even years without food, sustained entirely by the fungus within them.
• Their skin becomes tough and hardened over time, offering significant protection against physical attacks.