Desert Rot

Desert Rot is a condition found exclusively in the Murgoth Desert. It is a deadly disease that has been known to wipe out entire villages within a matter of weeks. Its link to the drug known as ice vein has caused the drug to be outlawed throughout the Murgothi Confederacy.

Cause

Consuming pelinig root or over-imbibing in ice vein results in being afflicted with Desert Rot. The condition seems to feed on the water content that comes from the roots of the pelinig root, from which ice vein is made. In rare cases, people who come into close contact with those who die from Desert Rot also come down with the same symptoms even without consuming pelinig root or ice vein.

Symptoms

It seems to eat people from the inside out. Keeping the victim well-hydrated seems to accelerate the process. Symptoms being appearing as early as the morning after infection. On the first day, victims feel unusually thirsty and complain of light-headedness. Within a couple days, nosebleeds are a common occurance. After a week, massive internal bleeding is all but guaranteed. It is almost always fatal to those who aren't given the cure.

Cure

Desert rot can be cured magically by casting either Greater Restoration once, or by casting Lesser Restoration on three consecutive days. After the first cast of Lesser Restoration, the subject gains a +2 bonus to Constitution saving throws to stave off the effects. This bonus increases to +4 after the second cast. Additionally, using any method to induce a high fever for 48 hours is enough to sweat out the symptoms.

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Uncommon

Mechanics

On the first morning after infection, the afflicted must make a DC 8 Constitution saving throw or take 1d3 points of Constitution damage. The DC increases by 1 each morning thereafter until cured.