Stage One
The first step into darkness, where humanity fades and the fungus takes control.
Stage One refers to the initial phase of the Cordyceps brain infection that devastated humanity in this universe. Commonly known as Runners, these hosts are recently infected individuals who have not yet undergone severe physical deformation but have lost their higher cognitive functions to fungal aggression. This stage represents the most dangerous period for survivors, as the infected retain full human mobility and speed while acting with unpredictable violence. They serve as the primary vector for spreading the pathogen through direct fluid contact before evolving into more specialized forms.
- Classification
- Early-Stage Infected
- Common Designation
- Runner
Lore & Background
The source does not provide specific biological records, details about the nervous system, or descriptions of internal transformation such as fever, disorientation, or behavioral changes for Stage One. The source states the series is set in a post-apocalyptic United States ravaged by cannibalistic humans infected by a mutated fungus in the genus Cordyceps. It mentions that the games involve fighting against hostile humans and cannibalistic creatures with firearms, improvised weapons, and stealth, but does not detail the progression of infection stages or the specific characteristics of Runners beyond what is implied by the term "cannibalistic humans infected by a mutated fungus."
In Their Own Story
The source does not provide any narrative vignettes, specific scenes, or character moments describing a person's experience during Stage One infection. The story field cannot be populated from the given source.
Reader's Guide
The source does not provide information about distinct biological phases, incubation windows, transmission methods, or progression to later stages like Clickers or Bloaters. It does not mention fever, hallucinations, echolocation, spores, or scientific logs. The guide field cannot be populated from the given source.
Did You Know?
- The series is set in a post-apocalyptic United States ravaged by cannibalistic humans infected by a mutated fungus in the genus Cordyceps.
- The games use a third-person perspective in which the player fights against hostile humans and cannibalistic creatures with firearms, improvised weapons, and stealth.
- The first game, The Last of Us, was released for the PlayStation 3 in June 2013 and PlayStation 4 in July 2014.
- The franchise has sold over 37 million games as of January 2023.
- A television adaptation for HBO debuted on January 15, 2023, and was the first live-action video game adaptation to receive an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama Series.
More in Infection & Cordyceps
Elsewhere in the The Last of Us universe
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