Sporebearing

This condition is caused by a fungus called Pupillum Boletum that relies upon hosts to survive and reproduce. Its main symptom is an array of fungal growths on various places of the host organism, ranging in size depending on the stage of development. These growths are photosynthetic, and supply the host with a considerable amount of energy, effectively allowing the host to exert itself without risk of exhaustion.

Transmission & Vectors

The fungus reproduces by gradually introducing dormant spores into the host's body, typically in the bloodstream or similar. These spores lie dormant until they detect viable conditions to become active, and have been recorded to stay in this dormant state for over a decade without issue. Viable conditions entail a suitable host that is not already hosting a fungus, along with exposure through host contact with infected fluids. Sporebearing is hereditary, and usually infects the mating partner, with very rare exceptions. It becomes infectious somewhere between 5-10 weeks after initial transmission.

Causes

Pupillum Boletum mutated from a parastitic fungus that preyed on metallic dragons, strangely enough. When the dragons realized the benefits that the mutated parasites inadvertently bestowed, they allowed them to flourish, even consciously helping them to spread. After falling into the niche, the fungi quickly developed a unique ability to survive with nearly any animal host. Scientists theorize that this is either due to long exposure to elder specimens of metallic dragons, known for their shapechanging abilities, or meddling of the Fey.

Symptoms

Symptoms manifest slowly, beginning with discoloration of the skin or scales, due to interdermal lichen growths. This represents Stage 1. Once the growths protrude from the dermis, which usually takes about 4 weeks, the condition has progressed to Stage 2. In addition to the mushroom caps, this stage is marked by a nagging sense of wanderlust that brings mild nausea if resisted. Stage 3 is reached when the discoloration is visible on at least 40% of the host's surface area. At this point, the photosynthesis begins to have an appreciable impact. The host can go without food for far longer than they would normally be able to, and notice an increase in stamina. They tend to be irritable when not exposed to a light source they can photosynthesize with. Additionally, their body accepts the growths as part of itself, responding with pain when one is damaged. The final stage is Stage 4, when the discoloration is visible on the entire body, is when the benefits really make a difference. A host's entire body is functionally overclocked, with all systems gradually adapting to the increased energy and working at a more efficient rate. The two organisms have become so entertwined that the host gains a level of rudimentary telepathy that allows them to communicate with plants and fungi. When deprived of light, hosts at this stage become aggressive, desparate for photosynthesis. After the aggressive period, they become sluggish in an attempt to conserve energy, and this can be fatal if untreated. Sporebearers have a deep-set fear of fires.

Treatment

Treatment becomes more difficult as the condition progresses. At stages 0 or 1, any healer worth their salt can eradicate the fungus. Stage 2 requires more learned procedures, but it is still treatable. The process requires at least one Lesser Restoration, or other magical equivalent, or a mild surgical procedure. Surgery entails the removal of infected skin tissue, one layer at a time. Since the fungus has not yet become subdermal, this is usually sufficient treatment. Past stage 3, effects like Greater Restoration are necessary to make an impact, or a slew of medical procedures including transfusions and occasionally amputation.

Prognosis

Once infected, a host has a 33% chance to be rejected by the fungus and thus not affected. After each stage of progression, this probability decreases exponentially. By stage 3, it is impossible to happen naturally.  Luckily, the condition does not have many unavoidable detrimental effects. It actually extends expected lifespan by up to 25% in some cases. The increased stamina and overall physical health of Stage 4 is a compelling offer, even if it comes with some awkward transition period. Stage 3-4 hosts are susceptible to meteorological mood swings and potentially aggressive behavior. Hosts in the final stage can even become "sunstarved" and die, but this is incredibly uncommon.

Sequela

As it progresses, the host becomes increasingly susceptible to blights, or plant diseases. However, the severity of the condition is greatly reduced when compared to an actual plant's experience. Later stages actually display a bolstered immune system that can handle any mundane disease, and even most magical ones. Sporebearers are, in short, more resillient in nearly every way than the unaltered host. Their Achille's heels are the susceptibility to fire and plant-related magic, which can be problematic.

Affected Groups

If it moves and isn't a plant, it's here.

Hosts & Carriers

The fungus can adapt to use almost anything as a host, with the exception of sessile beings or ones that already photosynthesize.

Prevention

Magical disease/poison repellents tend not to work on Pupillum Boletum, but effects that repel plants or even life in general will keep the spores at bay. Or, more simply, avoid the mushroom people; they're either easily spotted or noncontaigous.

Epidemiology

Sporebearing epidemics are rare and not usually thought of as epidemics. The chances rise when sanitation isn't maintained, when people casually engage in recreational canoodling, or when the gene pool is small and limited. One massive exception to this rule is the city-kingdom of O-Kami. It is built within a mountain and is completely void of natural light, making sunstarvation a foregone conclusion. The possibility of a Sporebearing outbreak is one of the worst things that could possibly happen to the city, so they zealously eradicate every trace of the fungus that comes within smiting distance of the mountain.

History

Around 300 CE, according to the records. Researchers estimate an infected to compose no more than 5% of Bleak's population, as the condition is considered off-putting to most.

Cultural Reception

Outside of O-Kami, it tends to be tolerated. Individuals have their own opinions, but the general consensus seems to be that they're just people too.

Type

Fungal

Origin

Mutated

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired & Congenital

Rarity

Uncommon