AUTOIMMUNE
is a story that I may or may not ever actually finish writing. The world is ravaged by deadly, incurable, highly infectious diseases, reducing society to patches of isolated, quarantined communities. These isolated populations have evolved immunities to certain diseases, called maladies, but can still transmit them to others, giving up hope of any safe contact between different civilizations. One community, Imuran, intends on exterminating anyone infected with a different malady and cannot develop immunity to their native malady, CD8. Here we find an individual with complete immunity to all diseases. Disturbed by the actions of Imuran, he takes it upon himself to find a way to reunite the world.
The Characters
Renovata/"Reno"
Our protagonist. As stated in the synopsis, he is immune to all maladies. Taken in for research, kept because he can go around anyone without risk of infection. Naive, compassionate, and sensitive. Sometimes he's an empathetic sweetheart, sometimes he's a pessimistic downer, sometimes he's both at the same time. Avoids sharing his ideals with others, partly because he doesn't like to bother people, partly because he doesn't trust anyone to understand him. Often bites off more than he can chew.
Prudence
In charge of exterminating other maladies. Levelheaded, reserved, and unexpressive. Has a lot going on in her mind, but not much coming out of her mouth. She often finds herself at odds with her ideals. Secretly agrees with Renovata that what Imuran is doing is wrong, but is afraid of defying authority. Her colleagues tend to find her intimidating, but in reality, she's a doormat.
Amaranth
Specimen of a rare malady captured to study. Fiery, passionate, vivacious and dauntless. Wants to preserve the dwindling culture of Salicyl, where she's from. A flower that was revered in this culture supposedly went extinct, but she sets out to find one to prove that there is hope for them still. She still has hope for her mission despite her captivity, and works with Reno to plan her escape. Less mature than she thinks she is.
Justice
A vagabond who is also immune to all disease. Stubborn, arrogant, and shrewd. Wants to find a way to give everyone complete immunity to reunite society. Won't listen to anyone but herself. Detests Imuran, but seems to have some kind of connection to it. Wants Renovata to join her midst. Likes to tease people she likes.
Temperance
In charge of researching maladies, particularly prevention and treatment of maladies besides CD8. Renovata's primary caretaker throughout his life. Relaxed, amiable, and discerning. Often minces his words. Seems to know more than what he lets on. Good at reading people. Occasionally comes across as insincere.
Fortitude
The leader of Imuran. Very little is known about them.
