Myconosis

Myconosis, commonly known as murble blush, is an affliction exclusive to the western region of Xourn. It is a fungal infection specific to the murble morel, causing a rampant onset of symptoms and, eventually, death. Affected hosts are known to exhibit dizziness, muscle ache, and lack of appetite prior to showing the telltale plum sized blemishes and bulges that this disease is known for. As the disease advances these blemishes rupture and sprout mushroom-like layers of calloused skin and the host begins to exhibit unreasonable irritability and aggression. The calloused layers will sweat a mutated, contagious film that is to be avoided. Hosts tend to succumb to the affliction within a fortnight of blemishes appearing.

Since the murbel morel is so nutritious and easily reproduced they remain one of Xourn's largest products of agriculture. Steps in previous ages have been taken to ensure that a case remains contained if ever reported. Because there is no known natural treatment, preventative actions are the best measure against this affliction.

Prevention

Certain aquamancers of Dopralem are the only individuals extensively trained to handle morel crops within the city's unique crop towers. The civil servants within this agricultural sect are always seen wearing a specialized head-to-toe royal blue garb, including a stylized mesh mask made of fabric and brass. Most notably, the garb of these workers is thickly layered around the shoulders and greaves and they always carry palm baskets strapped to their backs.
Any reported cases of infection are to be referred to authorities for immediate quarantine.

Epidemiology

Murbel morels are known to produce a highly noxious film when preparing for a reproductive process. The odor of this film attracts endemic life such as worms or flies that ingest and carry it elsewhere. Several hours later these hosts become victim to a terminal dehydration, leaving a tough, indigestible murbel husk. Up to four days after a husk is formed it undergoes a period of rapid fungal growth, bursting into a newly formed bed of morel spores.
A larger creature might absorb this film through direct ingestion. Larger hosts are known to form dozens of murbel husks within their bloodstream as the film spreads to absorb whatever moisture it can. Since the husks form and stay within an active body the spores adapt to grow by leeching nutrients from the host once released. This, in turn, causes stage one Myconosis.
Film produced by stage two Myconisis is known to transfer by contact.

Type

Fungal

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Uncommon