Slate Fever

Transmission & Vectors

Slate Fever propagates through contact with mosses and fungi contaminated with the disease, as well as through contact with the affected skin of those with the sickness.

Causes

Originating from a fungal strain from the Underdark, Slate Fever propagates through contact with mosses and fungi contaminated with the disease, as well as through contact with the affected skin of those with the sickness.

Symptoms

Early symptoms include a slight grey discoloration of skin tone, uncomfortable stiffness, and unusual amounts of neck and back cracking when moving. The symptoms eventually progress to the point where the diseased becomes noticeably grey and stiff, causing them to move in small, jerk-like motions and have their speed reduced by half. In addition, the diseased develops exceptionally brittle skin that cracks easily and painfully.

Treatment

The disease itself usually passes by itself over the course of one week resting and recuperating, but can be cured within 2 days if the diseased is properly treated with a combination of various tree saps.

Prognosis

Early symptoms include a slight grey discoloration of skin tone, uncomfortable stiffness, and unusual amounts of neck and back cracking when moving. During the second phase of the fever symptoms eventually progress to the point where the diseased becomes noticeably grey and stiff, causing them to move in small, jerk-like motions and have their speed reduced by half. In addition, the diseased develops exceptionally brittle skin that cracks easily and painfully. This gives them vulnerability to bludgeoning damage and causes them to frequently make Constitution saving throws to avoid taking 1d4 damage from shattering parts of their skin with excessive contact. The condition is not fatal however and normally passes within a standard week.

Sequela

There aren't any known lasting conditions once the disease has passed, however catching this disease once results in the diseased being more vulnerable to it in the future.

Prevention

Proper hygiene and layers of cloth protection typically reduce chance of infection. A simple cleric visit will normally wave off any chance of infection if symptoms begin to occur.

Epidemiology

Originating from the underdark and eventually making its way to the surface, Slate Fever is typically found on forest floors. As such forested cities such as the Tregeronian city of Wolfpine or the Elvish Kamas are ripe with the illness. Typically Slate Fever is contracted by prolonged exposure to mushrooms and other cave fauna that grows on the beds of certain forests.

History

Slate Fever originates from the Underdark, and made it's way to the surface when the Fist of the First Emperor Kian Ballor freed a group of Drow slaves and brought them to the surface. Some of the human slaves were infected with Slate Fever and as a result the illness spread. It is suspected that food rations brought from the Underdark contaminated several of the indigenous surface plants continuing the spread of the fever.

Cultural Reception

Given that the fever is contagious most victims are shunned and kept at a distance. Although having the disease doesn't normally impact social status.

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Type

Fungal

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Common