Geostigma originated from contact with the Planet's vital life energy, the Lifestream, which became contaminated by an alien influence during a catastrophic event.
The Genesis of Geostigma
The affliction known as Geostigma emerged following the dramatic conclusion of Final Fantasy VII, when a massive celestial body, known as Meteor, threatened to obliterate the planet's capital city, Midgar. In a desperate act of self-preservation, the Planet's spiritual energy, the Lifestream, surged forth to repel the destructive Meteor.
However, a critical factor led to the subsequent widespread outbreak of Geostigma:
- Contamination of the Lifestream: Crucially, some segments of the Lifestream had been infected with Jenova's memetic legacy. This ancient, parasitic influence had long plagued the Planet.
- Infection via Contact: As the Lifestream ascended and dispersed to push back Meteor, individuals who came into contact with these tainted portions of the Lifestream subsequently contracted Geostigma.
The direct chain of events leading to Geostigma can be summarized as follows:
| Event Trigger | Contaminating Agent | Resulting Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Meteor's Descent on Midgar | Jenova's Memetic Legacy | Geostigma |
Key Components in Geostigma's Emergence
Understanding Geostigma's origin requires insight into the core elements involved:
The Lifestream
The Lifestream is more than just a source of energy; it is the very essence of the Planet:
- The Planet's Lifeblood: It represents the spiritual and energetic current that flows throughout the world, sustaining all life.
- Repository of Souls: It serves as a vast repository for the memories and souls of all living beings who have ever existed on the Planet.
- Defensive Mechanism: When the Planet faces existential threats, the Lifestream can manifest physically to protect itself.
Jenova's Memetic Legacy
This is the corrupting element responsible for Geostigma:
- Ancient Alien Influence: Jenova is an extraterrestrial entity that invaded the Planet millennia ago, leaving behind a profound and destructive genetic and spiritual imprint.
- Biological and Memetic Corruption: Her "legacy" is a parasitic, infectious influence capable of corrupting organisms at a fundamental, cellular, and even spiritual level. It can be thought of as a memory-driven virus that spreads her destructive will.
- Transmittable Threat: This legacy can spread through direct contact with tainted biological matter, or, as seen with Geostigma, through the corrupted Lifestream itself.
Symptoms and Impact of Geostigma
Geostigma manifests as a debilitating illness that causes severe physical decay. Those afflicted experience:
- Intense fatigue and chronic pain.
- The appearance of dark, crystalline lesions on their skin.
- Progressive weakening of the body's systems, often leading to eventual death if left untreated.
The disease rapidly became a widespread epidemic in the years following the Meteor crisis, particularly affecting the survivors and those living in the areas where the Lifestream's tainted surge occurred.
A Consequence of Planetary Defense
Ultimately, Geostigma was an unforeseen and tragic consequence of the Planet's desperate attempt to save itself from destruction. The powerful defensive act by the Lifestream, while successful in averting the Meteor's impact, inadvertently spread the deeply embedded corruption of Jenova, leading to a new, insidious threat to humanity.
