The Scarlet Lament

The Scarlet Lament was a magical virus that overtook the continent of Vallach, the result of a magical ritual gone awry. The virus originated just outside the town of Dunnesburrow by the hand of Laret the Wizard, in an attempt to reverse the aging process. The ritual had been interrupted by an unexpected thunderstorm, and Laret was unable to complete the incantation, causing the ritual to backfire. Dunnesburrow soon lay in waste, and the nearby capital of Eladunne had quickly been quarantined. The harbor was in lockdown, in an effort to keep the epidemic from spreading even further. Unfortunately, by the time the harbor had been completely closed, the Scarlett Lament had already made landing across the Royal Bay in Bashersport, and was well on its way to other landmasses, catching a ride on ships that escaped the shut-down of the Vallachic continent.

The Scarlett Lament had been examined by the Grand Medical in Eladunne, was able to determine the nature of the virus. It spread on contact with the infected’s blood, and even the smallest drop was enough to pass on the disease. Further examination revealed the speed at which the virus took its course was dependent upon the age of the afflicted. The older a person was, the faster the virus worked its way through them. In the middle-aged, the virus would lie in wait, gestating for days, sometimes weeks before revealing itself. Young children were seemingly immune to the virus, not having lived long enough for the virus to take hold of their already youthful bodies.

The Scarlet Lament spread throughout the continent of Vallach, decimating the large population in the south. Eladunne’s sister-city of Bashersport had been warned of the nightmare that fell upon the land across the Royal Bay, but by the time the news reached their ears it was too late. Ships fleeing the Eladunne Harbor had landed in Bashersport, and the virus began rapidly working its way through the Basherfolk.

Healers and the Divine Ones worked small miracles during this time, delivering aid to those afflicted. There was a harsh learning curve, as none had ever experienced disease on this scale before. However, once the magical nature of the virus had been determined, those offering relief were better armed to fight the disease in the form of counter-curses and Radiant restoration.