04 - Immobilis Sickness
A SICKNESS THAT CAUSED SOCIETAL UPHEAVAL
Even though it had rained all morning the air was still thick with the scent of vomit and sick. The grey sky did nothing to lighten the mood of those suffering from the new sickness that was spreading throughout the Etude slum now recognized as the Oakwagon district. Most of the buildings were converted wagons from their nomadic past and with the rising anger towards their presence in the city, some were considering leaving again. Some humans were blaming the heblin for their new sickness, saying it was their fault people started getting sick.
When it began, the sickness was only affecting humans who lived near or within the district. Most locals dismissed it as a bad reaction to heblin cuisine or something benign and tried to laugh it off. When the ill didn't recover and each week the number of sick kept growing, the atmosphere in the district became tense.
A couple years past, during the first few months after the Oakwagon caravan had settled inside the city walls there were some cultural conflicts that arose. Many of them were natural, small interpersonal issues that would be resolved eventually with undertanding and comprimise, if not always kindness. Unfortunately the tension added by this mysterious illness reignited smouldering animosities, mainly unemployed and lower-class men with nothing better to do than take their fears out on the less fortunate heblin. Many of these conflicts were worsened by poor weather, aggressive wildlife forcing the city doors to remain shut for weeks at a time, and the lack of infrastructure to support the booming population, their needs and their waste.
The Dannamore had already identified this as a future issue that the city leadership may not have anticipated. However the Dannamore did not predict thousands of heblin refugees seeking shelter in the city and the sudden demand for food, water, and shelter had kept them from taking action sooner. With their own resources stretched thinner than they let on at the time, the Dannamore sent agents to make an agreement with the government to help take some of the burden while also furthering their own internal goals, confusing as they were.
The Dannamore paid criers to announce that the government was working with the Dannamore to resolve the sickness.
Pooling their influence and manpower they began the repairs and modifications that had been approved by the Mansa.
Causes
The Dannamore Hospital was able to identify and diagnose the symptoms as being from exposure to filth, likely their own. Since so many people were staying in their homes, or within close communities, they weren't cleaning themselves as often. The bacteria was causing infections that presented as diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue, and fever.
Treatment
The immobilis sickness was caused from the spread of bacteria in an enclosed environment. It is best treated with rest and plenty of clean drinking water. During the 4055NC endemic the Dannamore had every student capable of casting the most basic cleansing arcana.
Prognosis
Nearly all who suffered from the immobilis sickness made a full recovery. Those few who died had other health complications or weaknesses that made them more vulnerable.
Prevention
Within hours of the ratification of the Etude Infrastructure & Building Restoration Project agreement the Dannamore had their apprentices on the streets, paired with criers, casting basic cleansing spells on the ill and helping direct them to the best source of nearby water. Once sanitation was established in the districts surrounding the main gate new instances of the sickness dropped off within days.
Comments