NORS-19 Pandemic

The NORS-19 Pandemic, also known as the NORS Crisis, is a global event within the Caseyverse that begins with Tony Bark's short story *NORS Rising*. Inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, this crisis thrusts all of Bark's characters, both established and new, into an unprecedented threat.

Unlike traditional Crisis Crossover events, which typically feature a clear antagonist, the NORS Crisis is driven by the emergence and rapid spread of a novel virus, designated NORS-19. While lacking a singular villain, the pandemic shares thematic similarities with Crisis Crossover narratives, exploring themes of societal upheaval, individual resilience, and the impact of extraordinary circumstances on ordinary lives.

*NORS Rising*, featuring Dr. Kit Welsh as the protagonist, serves as the primary narrative lens through which this crisis unfolds. However, the scope of the event allows for exploration from multiple perspectives within other stories set during the same timeframe. This opens avenues for revisiting beloved characters or introducing new ones navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic.

The in-universe timeline spans one year, mirroring the duration of the real-life COVID-19 pandemic. This period witnesses the virus's devastating impact on global populations and the eventual development and distribution of an RNA vaccine. The crisis culminates in a new post-Crisis era marked by the increased prominence of genetic enhancements. This societal shift paves the way for even more fantastical narratives within the Caseyverse, exploring the implications of advanced biotechnology and its influence on individuals and society as a whole.