Soft Scale
Soft Scale disease afflicts the scales and temperament of Tortles.
Transmission & Vectors
No known method of transmission is yet apparent. Cases have appeared almost out of thin air, while Tortles may live in close proximity for years without spreading the disease. Further study is needed.
Causes
Unknown. Non-physical causes are suspected.
Symptoms
Those affected first notice that scales are more likely to chip or break, then large patches of skin become wax-like and soft, offering little protection. As the disease progresses, many become noticeably lethargic and females have difficulty laying eggs. Most of the eggs laid by afflicted females are incomplete. Eggs laid intact are extraordinarily delicate.
Treatment
Scale softening can be partially reversed by avoiding long exposure to moisture and staying close to sources of heat and light. Anecdotal evidence suggests that magical or divine sources of flame are particularly effective. No treatment has lessened the lethargy, though not all victims experience this. No treatment has been found to improve the survivability of eggs.
Prognosis
The symptoms mentioned above are not life threatening and, with care, an infected Tortle will live out a normal lifespan. Care must be taken not to damage the softened scales, as they grow back very slowly.
History
The Tortles of Atiu Beach were the first to be affected. Since then, sporadic cases have been reported from many other beaches and Horizon Turtles (species). The population of Atiu Beach stopped brooding hatchlings over the course of 70 years. If a similar timeline holds out for other communities, there will be no hatchlings Tortles by the year 1890.
Cultural Reception
Most Tortle communities are not greatly affected, and are confident a cure will be found or that the disease will simply pass. A few outliers, such asKrusk are viewed as overreacting and most attribute the downfall of Atiu Beach to other causes. Some communities and Horizon Turtles are starting to take notice.
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