The Innocent Death

The innocent Death is a bacterial infection which causes stomach pain, numbness, and fragile bones. It is so called because those who contract it do not usually die from the condition himself, but from resulting complications, often related to broken bones, especially as, without a means of killing the bacteria, the condition steadily worsens. In many severe cases, people opt for assisted suicide to prevent a more painful death that is likely to follow. The Innocent Death is usually contracted by consuming a food which has been infected by the bacteria. Though found all over the world, the bacteria is most common on the Major Continent, especially in the area around the Northern Desert. Because the bacteria must be ingested, it is not highly contagious, but it is more common in certain areas, particularly where food is improperly handled. For this reason it is significantly less common in areas where food is a ritualistic part of culture, such as southern Snickerry and some Pelan communities.

Identification and Progression

by Creators Colle

The Innocent Death first presents similar to food poisoning. Those who contract it have severe stomach pain, though it does not usually induce vomiting or diarrhea, as is common with food poisoning. Nevertheless, at this stage, it is very difficult to differentiate the two. As the stomach pain lessens, it is replaces with sporadic numbness. It is as this point that doctors are first able to identify the Innocent Death. Bones start to become more brittle shortly after the numbness begins, though this process is slow, and it can be several months before bone breakages are seen. Most doctors believe there is a correlation between the experience of numbness and where the bones first deteriorate. If caught early, this slow progression can allow patients to begin treatment which may further slow the progression of the disease. If not discovered early, the progression of the disease will speed up, eventually crippling the person, and often resulting in their death.

Treatment and Cure

by Anastasia

Before a cure was developed, the progression of the disease could not be stopped, but could be slowed through a combination of careful diet, physical therapy, and medication to help strengthen bones and counteract the effects of the condition. Nevertheless, the condition would, over time, progress to a point which would likely cause death to bone breakages that left other vital organs in danger. Thus, even with regular treatment, contraction of the condition was an eventual death sentence. With the recent development of antibioctics, however, a cure for the Innocent Death has been found, which kills the bacteria causing the condition and stops the progression of bone deterioration. The cure does not, however, strengthen bones that have been weakened, and patients must rely on other treatments for this. Therefore, even with the cure, diagnosing the condition early on remains vital. Those who have their condition diagnosed early on are able to return to normal lives after the proper doses of antibiotics. Those who are diagnosed later still benefit from the cure, which will stop the progression of bone deterioration, but may still need assistive magi-tech to lead their lives, due to bone fragility.