Virmen

Virmen, also called the Stricken or Infestati, are hideous, rat-like monsters. They originate from an ancient plague, often considered a form of curse, that can afflict Men and Dwarves (Elves are unaffected). The process is slow, painful, and revolting, and the victims nearly always go mad, becoming violent and spreading their plague.

Names

Both the plague itself and its victims have many names. Perhaps most common is "virmen," referring to the plague victims. In the Achaean Empire, they are also called Infestati (singular Infestatus), and in many regions, they are also called "the Stricken." These names can refer to the infected in any stage of the illness. However, ultimately, they will become creatures not unlike horrible humanoid rats, and it is for this reason that some refer to virmen colloquially as "wererats," despite them having no known connections with, or even similarities to, werewolves.