Shifter Sickness
In general, shifters tend to be immune to most diseases and illnesses. However, there is one affliction that affects shifters specifically. Among shifters it is known only as The Sickness. It is relatively unknown outside the shifter community.
The Sickness traps a shifter in a sort of in-between form. It is as if they were frozen in the shift from human to beast, or vice versa. In this in-between form, they have all the weaknesses of both forms and none of the strengths. They cannot speak. They cannot use most of their beast-form senses. They tend to have the weakest general form they once could use. But they are strangely misshapen. The do not look like beast, nor do they look human. They are almost always shunned by humans, who seem them as frightening monsters. They are shunned by those shifters who believe in the superiority of shifters, as they are seen as week.
The Sickness is rare, and has no known cause. Some have theorized that it is a genetic problem. Others think it is some sort of magical disease. Fortunately, the shifters have developed a partial antidote for the Sickness. It is partial in that it returns the shifter to one of their original forms. But which form is not predictable and they can no longer shift. On rare occasions, the cure is complete. It is not known if this is because of the shifter, the brewing of the antidote, or the strength of the Sickness in the victim.
The components for the antidote are rare and not easily collected. However, some factions keep a few doses on hand so they may be dispensed as needed. Often, the price for receiving the antidote is a quest to secure components so more doses can be made.
Transmission & Vectors
Unknown. The Sickness does not appear to be contagious (despite the insistence of some of the more strict factions). However, the means for contracting it are not apparent.
Symptoms
During a shift, the shifter loses the ability to complete the transformation. They remain stuck in an in-between form. They can no longer communicate verbally and are weakened.
Perhaps the most devastating result of this disease is that the shifter loses most memories and becomes a shadow of their former self. Strong memories and emotions can remain, and familiar sights, sounds, and smells can help bring back said memories.
Treatment
The only known treatment is a partial antidote made of a variety of components. Upon administration, the victim will shift to one of their original forms. In most cases, this form is permanent. In rare cases the shifter regains all of their abilities. In cases where the shifter reverts to human form (or regains all their abilities), they usually also recover their memories. If they remain stuck in a bestial form, they tend to lose all intelligence and memories over time.
The longer between first symptoms and the administration of the antidote, the more likely the shifter will be stuck in beast form, as it appears the strength of their memories has some bearing on how well they recover.
Prognosis
In general, those afflicted with the Sickness can live a complete life. However, they are stuck in a form they are unfamiliar with. They cannot communicate as they once did. They initially do not understand their body. Upon becoming "stuck", the victim often is confused and frustrated. They may lash out. At this time, their strongest form can manifest itself in unpredictable ways, especially if they grow angry. This is the most dangerous time for those around the afflicted shifter, as they cannot control their body.
After an initial period of one to two weeks, the uncontrolled nature of the Sickness subsides and the shifter becomes permanently stuck in their in-between form. It is possible form them to learn to work with this form,
Rarity
Extremely Rare
Affected Species
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