Withering

Withering is a natural disease typically affecting the elderly. It is entirely fatal, as usually by the time symptoms arise it is too late to treat even magically. It is typically described as rapid aging and tends to be much more shocking to witness than to experience.

Transmission & Vectors

Food is the most common transmission source but it can be transmitted from person to person. For this reason many elderly will shift to a vegetarian diet to avoid being afflicted, however it is an imperfect solution.

Symptoms

• Loss of memory
• Lack of appetite
• Changes in personality
• Extreme fatigue
• Muscular weakness
• Bone fragility

Affected Groups

It has been noted that races that live longer and are generally less violent seem to be more severely afflicted by Withering.

Cultural Reception

Withering is a relatively mild way to die, some even going so far as to say it's a cure to the curses of age. So it is also treated mildly and used often in common tongue in place of death or mercy.

Origin

Natural

Rarity

Rare

Whether I die by light of day,
Or pass at night I should pray,
That death might not slowly creep,
But let me wither quick to sleep.