Kara'Vhul

Kara'Vhul, the silver skull, is the name given to the horrific effects of Karam abuse. This unfortunate condition is becoming more common near colonial Aranel thanks to the introduction of Karam by Vellan and Axian colonists. Karam trade is illegal in Axia, though it is unofficially sanctioned in the Dominion as the trade is extremely profitable. As more and more unscrupulous individuals enter the colonies they spread deeper into the continent seeking land to grow Veras crops which are refined into Karam and spread throughout Derathain and south Raiven. Some of these druglords have managed to entice several groups of Aranellans into addiction, forcing them to work in the fields to support their dependency and using them to spread the drug deeper into the wild. While the Axian colonial governors have cracked down on any illegal treatment of the local population, the Dominion continues to view Aranellan natives as little better than animals. Aranellan Veras seems to be even more potent that that grown in south Raiven as the drug has become vastly more dangerous in recent years. This has led to Kara'Vhul, a slow and horrifying destruction of the mortal body by long-term Karam use.

Causes

Kara'Vhul is so named becuase it is directly caused by Karam abuse. In years past it would take extensive and long-term abuse to suffer this fate, but with Aranellan Veras resulting in far more potent Karam, the timeline is shortening frighteningly.

Symptoms

The condition is known as the silver skull becuase it combines the drug Karas (silver dust) and the horrible effects it has on the body. First the user begins to pale over time, suffering reduced blood flow throughout the body. They then lose weight rapidly until the underlying bone structure becomes visible. This continues as the victim loses appetite and by extension even more weight. The victim can go on in this state for many years, especially if they cease use of Karam, but by this point that's unlikely. At it's worst state the user can no longer digest solid food, begins vomiting bile and blood, and becomes bedridden. Organ failure and death are swift to follow.

Treatment

Kara'Vhul degeneration in its early stages can be slowed by ceasing use of Karam entirely, or even stopped with application of approriate medicines. As the damage worsens these actions will provide less benefit. In the later states there's almost nothing that can be done. There is no known mundane method for reversing damage from Kara'Vhul. Magical healing can help to reverse damage to a degree, but such gifts are rare and it still takes ongoing care to fully recover.

Affected Groups

The spread of Kara'Vhul across Aranel has been the worst affected individual region due to the rapid onset, but it has been known to occur across south Riven, Derathain, and even rarely up into Forven. It seems to affect most peoples including Humans, various Feykith, and Goblinkin. There are no known cases affecting Dwarves or Beastfolk, but it is thought this is because of cultural resistance to Karam and the fact that the drug has not traveled across the Reman islands to any great degree.

Type

Chemical Compound

Origin

Engineered

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Rare