The Withering Blight
The sickness known worldwide as "The Withering Blight" has caused massive unrest due to it's devistating effects and mysterious origins.
Transmission & Vectors
This disease has been found to be spread both by touch and contaminated water sources.
It can sometimes linger on objects and in the environments exposed to it, making it difficult to contain safely.
Causes
Some believe this disease was put upon them as a curse from an angry god. Angered by some disturbed hidden tombs or ancient ruins, or just by their actions.
Others rumored that this disease was created by a dark being wanting to hurt them, or an ancient curse used by a dark being.
Symptoms
This disease goes through a multitude of stages.
Initially those infected become fatigued, get a high fever, and get chills throughout their body.
As the infection progresses, they will feel severe joint pain and muscle weakness.
Soon after their skin begins to dry out, crack, and wither to near skin and bones.
Infected individuals tend to also experience hallucinations and bouts of madness causing them to lash out.
Treatment
Alchemists and clerics throughout the land are desperately searching for a cure, but without being able to work upclose with the infected, it has yet to lead to any success.
Protective charms or potions provided temporary relief and sanity but not a permanent solution.
Prognosis
It is currently unknown whether this disease itself is fatal, or if it is just the diseases affect on the body that makes death come quickly, or the lack of supplies due to disbanded trade routes.
Prevention
The town, infamous for this diseases presense, has been fully isolated from the rest of the Universe. Massive walls tower around the towns buildings. Signs of warning are spread for miles outside of the massive walls throughout the land surrounding it, pleading for those adventuring to stay far away.
History
At the first signs of this plague like disease the Mayor of the town ordered the mages to build the towering walls to surround the town. The citizens feared for their safety when the were forbidden from leaving the city walls and executed on the spot if they did not obey. With no clear explanation from their leader, the citizens panicked and revolted.
Word was quickly sent to neighboring villages, kingdoms, and cities via magical means. Guards were posted and tasks with the frightfully upsetting task of executing any traveler or trader who came from the roads or woods leading from the infected town until there was no possible carriers left. For fear of the infection spreading via traders or travelers goods, their things were left where the stood for years to come.
As the disease spread quickly it became more and more clear within the town of their impending doom and the reasoning for their isolation. The distrust within the communities grew as they tried to stay healthy for as long as possible. But with their supplies dwindling the fear rose amongst them.
Cultural Reception
The warning signs posted keep most anyone away. The disease is used as a fear tactic by some distant neighboring villages and towns. Most just try to pretend like they don't exist to save them from stress and worry. Travel towards that part of the world is taboo and forbidden in some cases.
Within the town the scarcity of recourses as trade routes are disrupted and farmland is abandoned, caused panic and distrust amongst the population, leading to social unrest and conflicts.
False cults and factions claiming to have a cure or divine protection were on the rise just to try to take all remaining resources and money the town had, but to no avail due to the mayors strong will to at the very least protect the rest of the universe from experiencing or dying by this disease.
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