Bloodchill Plague

The Bloodchill Plague marked the most devastating event to strike our kingdom in centuries; it was the grim line that divided two very different eras, Proklatá Doba (PD) and Morová Doba (MD). Soren's rule saw the death throes of an age of magic pass into an age of fear and reform. The Bloodchill Plague spread, bringing a quick and agonizing death. It brought panic to cities and devastated social orders.
By the time the plague was at its climax, the kingdom was in ruins, and most people were living in fear and distrust of each other. The suspicions of the scourge being based on dark magical practices led to the persecution of suspected associations with sorcery, the implementation of severe laws, and rampant witch hunting.

— As chronicled by Nestor during the reign of King Soren, with commentary and reflections by Hilaron, Royal Chronicler to Queen-Regent Dragana.

Transmission & Vectors

Rapidly spreading through any fashion, the Bloodchill Plague brings death and waste to wide-spread parts of the kingdom. The affected exhale the disease into the air. Their sickly blood, vomit and spittle are infectious; even their touch can impart disease. Contagion attaches itself to surfaces and water at times without any way of avoiding it. The plague becomes infectious as soon as symptoms appear.

— Nestor's diary, Year 1668 PD

Commentary by Hilaron

Nestor does well to chronicle the spread of the Plague but has not gotten to its roots. This was no ordinary plague; it was a sorcery-spun and blasphemous curse. The breath, the touch, and the water are mere vessels for a curse wrought by ancient forbidden sorcery.

Causes

Born of obscure sorceries and profane rites, the Bloodchill Plague was upon us. Lust for power and an eternal life began with King Yngvarr. During his time, the infamous Radomir led blood mages in unholy rites and fused the king's own blood with a malevolent essence of terror. This ritual created a disease that was both tough and infectious.
The plague begins where its essence is carried by breath, blood, and bodily fluids, which take on a new form. Crowded living environments, filth, and stagnant water sources facilitate the spread of plague better than anything else. It will thrive in places where the dead and dying lie unburied, and the waters are befouled by decay. So this cruel plague can thrive and grow with the speed of a terrible storm, leaving death in its wake throughout every inch.

— Nestor's diary, Year 2 MD

Commentary by Hilaron

What Nestor observes as environmental factors are shadows of the spiritual degradation of our kingdom. Refugees are living in crowded, unsanitary conditions as a physical manifestation of the world turning its back on divine grace. These are the earthly conduits by which plague is spread. The plague began with King Yngvarr's dark arts and vile ambition. But some continue to live in his vile way. Only when we come to fully understand the Bloodchill Plague as a scourge brought down upon ourselves may we hope for any success against it.

Symptoms

Bloodchill Plague acts terrifyingly and stubbornly, as it causes people to die slowly with all types of stark symptoms. It starts out innocuous enough—high fevers and deep chills that rock the body in uncontrollable shivers. The skin breaks out in painful boils, oozing pus secreted such a noxious stank. The eyes turn red, and a network of black lines appear under the skin that seem to spread across their face, making them look like something from another world. Vomiting and explosive diarrhea can cause the body to become even weaker, accelerating dehydration, hence weight loss. Not content with the body, it goes for the brains as well. They have horrible hallucinations; they see shadows and monsters that are not real. These visions are also prone to causing fits of blinding rage that may result in whoever is near the subject being harmed. The result is often madness, with victims frequently descending into total insanity. At last, the plague does its work completely and all organs shut down together, leaving that poor one to die quickly and in agony.

— Nestor's diary, Year 1670 PD

Commentary by Hilaron

Nestor describes the symptoms of the Bloodchill Plague in a grisly manner. He lists the fever; he gets the boils and vomiting right—but what he overlook are those deeper spiritual stakes. Nor are the dark veins and bloodshot eyes simply signs of sickness, but marks of a soul corrupted by even fouler arts. These hallucinations and madness are an expression of the disembodied mind, unbound from divine influence and fragmented by spiritual decay at its core. No, the fact that a person goes on uncontrollable rushes of rage and violence is more than just a symptom; it's proof positive of what happens to one who has lost his soul as completely as something born from heresy should.

Treatment

The Bloodchill Plague must be fought with both mundane and magical means. There are a number of ways in which healing, or at least alleviation, can be given to those who undergo such ailments.

Basic Care:

• Fluids: Water is always crucial for preventing dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.
• Food: Broths, chicken soup to maintain the energy of the patient.
• Plant Medications: Advance poultices using salutary herbs like willow bark and chamomile to decoct a symptom or calm boils.

Magical Treatments:

• Purification Rituals: Powerful mages perform rituals to purge the darkness from inside those affected.
• Blessing by high priests: Holy water is used to anoint the sick and is believed to burn away the corruption within.
• Protective Talismans: Carrying a talisman with spells can protect a person from getting affected by the plague.

Additional Methods:

• Silver: Put silver objects around the sickbed, which are meant to drive away evil energies.
• Smoking Leaves: The leaves of strong sacred plants being burned in the room serve to purge the air.
• Healing Stones: This basically involves the use of a range of crystals and stones, well known for their healing properties, placed over or on the patient's body in order to draw out the sickness.

Cost and accessibility

These treatments are highly variable in cost as well as equivocal in terms of accessibility. Common-care, water, and herbs are inexpensive to a great extent. Yet true magical remedies requiring quality magic and rare ingredients are expensive. The rich have the money to pay for proper magical healing, while everyone else must deal with minor treatments or local medicines and healers. As a holy commodity, holy water is also rare, and due to this, it can be used at the discretion of the clergy among those they feel are in need.

— Nestor's diary, Year 1673 PD

Commentary by Hilaron

It disgusts me as I reflect on the process Nestor disturbingly describes in combating the Bloodchill Plague. Using purification rituals, enchanted stones, or protective amulets as a defense mechanism seems to point out the period in history tainted by heresy and corrupted use of magic.
Such abominations, effective or not in the eyes of the deluded, were desperate deeds committed by minds that have renounced light and truth. The power of prayer, faith, and divine grace holds a true path to healing with a lot more value than all these unholy rituals or simply foul incantations at that time.

Prognosis

Mrazovec, 16

The battle between Bloodchill Plague and Dragomir, the son of our beloved King Soren, has ended in defeat for the young prince. Despite the best efforts of all those who tried to protect him, he succumbed. Death only brought suffering for him. His body was covered with boils and dark veins, proof of the Plague. The body was ordered to be burnt.

Leden, 27

King Soren lost another son to the Plague. Jorvik was also taken by it. In pain and decline, his path too closely matched that of his brother’s journey. Now the royal family was mourning Jorvik's passing; both sons of King Soren had died from the Plague in quick succession. Pray that his eldest daughter pulls through.

Mraznik, 25

Helga, King Soren's firstborn, survived the Plague. God's plan being what it was; her recovery was long and painful. She was tortured by terrible hallucinations. The poor thing never leaves her rooms.

— Nestor's diary, Year 5 MD

Commentary by Hilaron

May the agony of King Soren's children be a grim reminder—healed, you are not; protected, none have been. Only in unbridled faith will you find deliverance or keep sorcery at bay. As a chronicler, I must ensure that we do not make the same mistakes again and instead rely entirely on divine guidance to root out our land and protect our people.

Sequela

Mraznik, 8

Helga, the eldest daughter of King Soren will be our queen. However, her days are haunted by the long recovery from the Bloodchill Plague. The wounds are a permanent testament to the trials she faced; numerous boils and darkened veins still tarnish her skin. Her legs remain shaky.
However, her body is not the only place that carries those scars. Helga may not rest, troubled by violent and vivid visions of suffering in her tortured mind. During the night, her visions of terror return, and upon waking, she is miserable with dread. This has undone her heart: she trusts no one and suspects everyone. The sickness has caused her to see shadows of betrayal and danger at every turn. Her spirit is as scarred as her body, leaving her haunted and wary

— Nestor's diary, year 15 MD

Commentary by Hilaron

From the account of Queen Helga's plight as given by Nestor, it leaves little doubt regarding how the Bloodchill Plague affects those who manage to survive. While the physical wounds are self-evident in Helga’s case, it is the invisible ones that still manage to pull at her strings and control her legacy.
The Bloodchill Plague is a creeping death that can never be cured and serves as an ever-present reminder of what remains after one has succumbed to it.

Affected Groups

The Bloodchill Plague strikes men, women, and children of all ages, regardless of body type; however, the very youngest or oldest are most at risk. The risk is higher for people with pre-existing health conditions, those who are poor and those who live in crowded, unsanitary surroundings. Those professions with higher infection rates are healers and merchants.

— Nestor's diary, Year 1674 PD

Commentary by Hilaron

Nestor is right on these points, but what he fails to factor in is the spiritual dimension. The plague affects morally malnourished sites where dark arts and heresy are rife. If children and elderly are least physically powerful people, then the problem is not here-we have gone collectively weak spiritually. The rampant spread of infections among healers and merchants was indicative that one needs to be spiritually alert.

Hosts & Carriers

Rats are the main carriers of the Bloodchill Plague, which they spread not only by biting but also through their excrement. They are known to carry the disease, but they seem largely unaffected by its symptoms - which means they can unknowingly spread it.

— Nestor's diary, Year 1667 PD

Commentary by Hilaron

Nestor identifies the rats as carrier of and primary vector for Bloodchill Plague. Yet, what he does not recognize is that the presence of these vermin is a manifestation - an indication even-of our spiritual and moral degeneracy.

Prevention

Stopping the Bloodchill Plague requires both practical and magical means. Wearing protective amulets can ward off the dark essence of the plague. Garlic and sage help to strengthen our organs of defense on account of the high proportion they contain. Regular washing and maintaining strict hygiene, including avoiding dirty environments, are crucial. Furthermore, isolating sick people and cutting down contact with large groups is imperative to prevent an outbreak.

— Nestor's diary, year 1674 PD

Commentary by Hilaron

Nestor's reliance on amulets and magical means is misguided and heretical. Only faith and prayer will offer true protection from the Bloodchill Plague. The soul who repents and submits to the divine will be far safer than anyone with a charm they believe keeps them secure. The plague is the result of our wickedness, a punishment from God. To prevent its return in an even worse form, we must reject magic and embrace purity. Nestor's advice is a stultifying caution against the bloody, corrupt history we must move beyond.

History

It happened in 1665 of Proklatá Doba (PD), during the era when Yngvarr was on his throne, an outbreak known today as The Bloodchill Plague. The first known incident occurred in the port town of Morkgrad. It roared through the packed streets within weeks, killing people who walked and coughed knee-deep in a growing tide of corpses.
In 1666 PD, the plague had reached to neighboring towns: Velegrad and Jarholm. The body count racked up and society began to disintegrate under the fear and burden of death.
In 1675 PD, the Plague finally caught King Yngvarr. His own council turned his dark magic against him, and Yngvarr was betrayed by those he trusted. His death signaled the end of the Proklatá Doba and, with it, ushered in an age known as 1 Morová Doba—a new epoch we hoped would help mend this shattered kingdom.
In the years subsequent to that peak of contagion, there were many lesser epidemics, like in 3 MD. In the town of Strömvik, an outbreak of plague resulted in massive casualties yet again Thus, the plague did not disappear from the kingdom entirely; it lingered on for a long time to rear its ugly head every now and then so that people had to be in constant fear.
Notable individuals to have been affected by the Bloodchill Plague include King Yngvarr himself, and the sons of King Soren. In 5 MD, his eldest son Dragomir fell to plague and his brother Jorvik shortly after.

— Nestor's Chronicle, written in Year 16 MD

Commentary by Hilaron

Nestor gives a detailed account of the beginning and most critical periods during that first few outbreaks of the Bloodchill Plague, skipping forward to many years later. These are the in-between years, where we can see how deeply the plague has changed ordinary life, how its fear lingers on, and how it further defines who we are. All the little flashes and whispered speculations of sickness only reinforced our understanding that danger was forever lurking nearby. It is easy to forget that the plague did not let up quickly on our kingdom but clung, a pall over its past and one more inescapable fact requiring eternal rooting out.

Cultural Reception

The reaction to the Bloodchill Plague was one that instilled intense fear and paranoia in our culture. Victims are frequently separated from their own societies, often shunned or feared. This is very sad, as what these people need is care and love, but rather they are distrusted by society. The plague has pitted neighbor against neighbor, breeding fear and malice.

— Nestor's diary, Year 2 MD

Commentary by Hilaron

Nestor is sad because of the way plague victims are treated, but what matters most gets right over his head. Fear and social distancing will keep the healthy safe from this divine justice. The diseased are a curse brought into the world by heretics. They rightly deserve to be kept at arm's length so that they do not affect us anymore, and it is a way in which we get the message loud and clear on what happens if one goes astray.

Note to the steward

Find me another chronicler.

— signed by Queen-Regent Dragana

Table of contents

Type

Bacterial

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Uncommon

A victim of Bloodchill Plague by Midjourney