Ctherpes: Am I At Risk?

Usually by the first full moon after an encounter (though the time may vary, depending on the current Cycle of Hastur), an infected person will develop bumps or sores on and around their genitals. Over the next week, the bumps grow, elongate, and develop into a patch of tentacles.

The tentacles are willful, and controlled by the whims of Azathoth, but can sometimes be placated with a live puppy or small child.

That's a tricky question.

In most cases, you will not pass your infection on to your partners. However, that is typically because they will not survive the encounter.

Those that survive may develop Ctherpes on their shattered, ruined bodies, but they will most likely have been driven to total madness during the course of events, and will therefore not likely spread the infection farther.

Modern medicine has no cure for Ctherpes, though some less sever Mythos STDs like Mi-Gonorrhea and Hasturtitis can sometimes be remedied with the proper rituals and sacrifices.

Records indicate that the Whately family of Dunwich had some limited success in clearing up a case of Ctherpes with the "generous application of various farming implements, and a soldering iron," although back-alley methods such as this are just as likely to kill the patient as the infection.

It can be hard living with a condition that limits your sexual encounters with humans to brief and horrifying (though strangely satisfying) bloody slaughters. However, your new appendages make you more likely to survive intercourse with things like Shoggoths and Cthonians (which is likely where you picked up the disease in the first place), so some Cthulhuphiliacs actually see their condition as an improvement.

People suffering the affliction also have formed support groups you can attend. Many of them meet after-hours at marine life theme parks or aquariums.

Certain activities, various Mythos creatures, and different times of year all affect your chances of contracting Ctherpes. Shoggoths and Deep Ones are notorious carriers of the disease, whereas members of the Great Race of Yith are generally cleaner candidates for relations.

One of the more dangerous times of year for Ctherpes outbreaks is around Valentine's Day. The holiday began in part because of all the eldritch fertility/mating/cannibalism rituals that take place during that time of year. Lovecraftian abominations are much more easily aroused and active during the weeks surrounding the day, so it is advisable to keep them at a safe distance (perhaps with a warding circle or binding spell).

This doesn't mean you can't still show your affection for your favorite Byakhee, however: send them a Valentine's Day card to show them that you still care! If you're looking for a card twisted enough to convey your particular brand of love, check out Valentines for Villains on Squidoo. There's a free web valentine, and plenty of paper options if you find yourself so inclined.

Make sure not to leave anyone out... Hell hath no fury like a Cthonian scorned!