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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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→Infection Process
It isn't clear how the various strains of metaphysical contagion known as the Walking Pox spreads, but it can transmitted through both air and liquids. Blight strains can also be infused into [[stimms]] to infect unknowing individuals or further bolster acolytes of Nurgle. An individual infected by a strain of Walking Pox tends to go through two stages of transformation.{{Fn|6}}
The initial stage of an infected individual in the process of transforming into a poxwalker is sometimes called a "'''Groaner'''", as some acolytes of the Inquisition refer to them. While still mostly human, the individual's body is ravaged with mostly mundane, if excessive, symptoms of disease, infection, and malnutrition. The infected eventually lose control of their body, but still remain conscious and clinging to life. Often heard bemoaning the sensation of things crawling inside their body and mind, they're filled with an unnatural cold and hunger, desperately yearning for warmth and to be sated. They can be heard groaning and mumbling "hungry" or "cold" as they shamble about, laughing or crying manically as unnatural forces drive their actions and breaks their psyches. When happening upon other humans they will lunge; attempting to attack with whatever melee implements they have on hand while also clawing and biting to feast on fresh meat. While pursuing their targets, a groaner will often call out for their misery to be ended or express their want for warmth and fresh meat.{{Fn|6}}
The second and final stage is the individual becoming a poxwalker. They mutate further into an atypical poxwalker, sprouting a variety of mutations such a large horn on their head, additional eyes in clusters of three, or tentacles. This final stage usually occurs after a Groaner dies one or more times. Poxwalkers inevitably rise again due to the supernatural blight. Poxwalkers display all of the prior traits of a groaner, but speak little and instead express inhuman screams alongside growling and snarling.{{Fn|6}}
