Sarcoxie (Sarr-kawks-ee)

A wasting disease causing severe brain inflammation in half-ogres. Sarcoxie is an uncommon, somewhat minor disease in full Ogres but deadly for for their Half-Ogre kin. Out of fear that half-ogres may transmit the disease to other species, half-ogres are often shunned or exiled from major societies.

Transmission & Vectors

Ogres and Half-Ogres are capable of spreading the disease to others of their species by direct and indirect contact through the transfer of bodily fluids such as kissing, open wounds, and sharing of food and water.

Causes

The original, natural source for the Sarcoxie virus remains unknown. It is believed the virus developed within a contaminated water supply connecting to the underdark.

Symptoms

Sarcoxie in Ogres causes inflammation of the nervous system centered on the spinal column. The inflammation causes some pain and discomfort and reduces flexibility during the course of the infection, but is ultimately survivable and the symptoms will pass after the infection runs its course.
However, in Half-Ogres the symptoms are much more severe. In addition to the spinal inflammation, sarcoxie will cluster around the patient's brain stem and cause extreme brain infection often resulting in death. The infection causes intense pain and fevers that will cause the patient to become delirious. At the peak of the infection, the Half-Ogre will no longer be able to move or speak and eventually total body shut-down.

Treatment

Those who require treatment may receive it at Castle Spitaal. There patients will be treated with the only known cure for sarcoxie, Pindall's Balm .

Prognosis

For both Ogres and Half-Ogres, sarcoxie usually takes one month to reach its peak infection. For ogres the disease will quickly wane in the weeks following peak infection. Half-Ogres will most likely die at the one month mark if left untreated.

Cultural Reception

Unsure of how the disease can spread to the non-Ogre parent species of Half-Ogres, many societies are cautious of Half-Ogre denizens and view them as a potential vectors for dangerous diseases. When a Half-Ogre is discovered to be sick with any disease, not just sarcoxie, they may find themselves expelled from their community to fend for themselves in the wild.

Type

Viral

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Uncommon

Affected Species

• Ogres
• Half-Ogres