Rusted Blight

Not many have any experience with the physiology or medicine used for treating or caring for the Blossoms of Ildonia. Their skin feels like bark but softer. They grow leaves like hair and style it as such. Their veins carry sap-like blood throughout their bodies. They have no stomach or organs in the same way other humanoids do but they can still drink and eat things. They take much longer to digest food but much less time to process water. Food doesn't seem to be a requirement for all of them but many still enjoy partaking.
As such there are very few documented diseases for the Blossoms which do not overlap with plants. Most of their care is given by druids or elves who know about nature magic if not shared knowledge through Blossom social circles. But The Rusted Blight is a harrowing and slow disease. It does not appear to be contagious in the traditional sense. It seems to appear among those Blossoms who work with metals or in places of heavy mineral content. Mines, forges, etc. Some subspecies seem less affected than others but for those who contract the disease they will eventually die from it.
It appears as a stiffening of joints and leaves with a telltale orange patina which spreads and binds to the surface and subsurface of the Blossoms. Those who have it describe it as a slowing or aching pain similar to fatigue and arthritis. No one has found an effective treatment or cure so most among the blossoms choose prevention by avoiding highly exposing lines of work. Those who already have it tend to lean into metallurgy works in hopes of proving something or perhaps finding some learning at least for the next generation. Though none in those cases would urge anyone to follow their footsteps.

Type

Physiological