Winterwaste

The wilds of Ovidan can be harsh and unforgiving during the winter, and never more so than when the Winterwaste hits. This illness can knock even the strongest warrior off of his or her feet for many days at a time, and it can easily make its way through most of a clan in just a short time. While it's rarely fatal to those who are healthy, it can easily kill the elderly and the weak. Even more dangerous, however, is the fact that it leaves much of the group helpless, making it easier for anyone who might wish to attack. Unfortunately, even after the worst of the illness is past, those who have been affected nearly always take a few weeks before they are back to full strength.

-Maradeja Bidingsun, Bard of the Royal Elven Court of Silvermoon Forest

Transmission & Vectors

The Waste is airborne, passed on by close proximity to those who have been infected. It is likely that animals carry the disease, although it is exceedingly rare that any ever show symptoms.

Causes

Winterwaste only strikes in the cold weather, as indicated by its name. A cause for this has not been found, but

Symptoms

Winterwaste's most prevalent symptom is that of weakness. Those who are struck by it start to feel weak and unable to do all but the simplest of tasks, usually finding themselves unable to do much of anything at all. The fatigue that accompanies the illness is strong, and most of those who become ill spend most of their days unable to do much more than sleep.
In addition to this, nausea and vomiting always accompany the weakness, making it quite difficult to keep food and water down. Head pain is quite common, as well as a sensitivity to light. Some who become ill also suffer from delirium and hallucinations, and these unfortunate people need to be kept a close eye on lest they attempt to wander off.

Treatment

The best treatment that could be found until recently has been rest, unless one is lucky enough to have a cleric or shaman who is able to deal with the illness. Even then, it has been found to be quite resistant. Those who become ill must be kept warm and allowed to sleep as much as possible. Food and water must sometimes be forced, as the appetite and desire to imbibe water become mostly lost.
However, a particularly determined shaman of the Yak Clan recently discovered that an herb that is found in the Spooky Forest to the north has the ability to speed up recovery, and, in many cases, quickly diminish the symptoms of Winterwaste. The herb is known as Anvirite, which is made into a paste and then dissolved into either water or broth before being given to those who have been afflicted. After only one or two days, most feel stronger again, with the symptoms disappearing within that time, or just a little after.

Prognosis

Most who catch Winterwaste will survive it, although they will have a period of time after when they tire easily and still need to sleep more than they usually might. Those who are quite young or quite old, or who have other infirmities, sometimes find themselves with more long-term fatigue and weakness.

Affected Groups

The nomads of Ovidan are almost exclusively affected by Winterwaste, likely because there are few others who will brave the wilds of Ovidan during the deadly winters. Even the gnomes of the Spooky Forest, who frequently interact with the nomads who come near the forest, have not had any issues with contracting the disease.

Prevention

No way has been found to prevent this illness, which appears to be brought in with the winter winds. One can only hope they are lucky enough to be unaffected.

Type

Viral

Children

• Anviritic Palsy

Rarity

Uncommon