Amorphous crystallization is a degenerative disease that affects plasmoids and slimefolk, and can occur in other non-sapient ooze species. Most commonly, amorphous crystallization only impacts certain parts of the body, though in rare cases can impact the full body. The condition is most common amongst those in the last third of their typical lifespan (~60+ for plasmoids, ~200+ for slimefolk) as it has the capacity to develop naturally in those over a certain age, though the disease is capable of being spread through contact with infected areas and can spread to any member of an ooze species regardless of age.
Symptoms and Signs
Most cases of amorphous crystallization begin with slight crystallization occurring at the edges of their form in areas that see frequent contact with other objects. For oozes in humanoid form, this occurs most commonly on the bottoms of feet and in the palms of hands or ends of fingers. For other oozes, it is most common in the parts of the form that are in contact with the ground, such as the bottoms of gelatinous cubes. The crystallization is often difficult to notice in the early stages, though can be noticed as part of more thorough examinations. During this stage, the crystallization appears similar to a thin reflective coating, similar to a varnish on paintings or a stain on wood.
In later stages, amorphous crystallization becomes significantly easier to notice, as large crystalline structures will begin forming within the body. As these crystals spread, the infected will lose the ability to use the crystallized sections of their body. The crystals formed from this condition are very brittle and dull, and can spread the disease to other oozes for months after being removed from the infected body.
Treatment
Treatment of amorphous crystallization is simple: removal of the infected areas. If caught early, minor procedures can be performed to remove the infection while preserving most of the nearby gel, and are often supplemented with injections to help the body replenish lost material. For more serious infections, the infected gel is removed, as well as a substantial amount of surrouding gel to avoid potentially missing any early-stage crystallization in those areas.
