Crimson Fever

Crimson Fever was a catastrophic plague that struck the Golynn people of Lothian, now known as Ummania, nearly a century after the arrival of the Ummanians. The plague, characterized by severe neurological and physical symptoms, decimated the Golynn population, altering the region's demographic and cultural landscape permanently.   Historical Context
The Golynn were a resilient, semi-nomadic people who thrived in the harsh desert region of Lothian. Their unique ability to carve out burrows and construct impressive storm-forged glass structures allowed them to create a thriving trade center amidst the crimson sands and constant lightning storms. The arrival of the Ummanians brought a drastic environmental transformation, turning the desert into a lush, magically enhanced jungle. This period saw unprecedented prosperity and cultural exchange between the Golynn and Ummanians.   Outbreak and Spread
Initial Outbreak: The first signs of Crimson Fever appeared around a century after the Ummanians' arrival. Initial symptoms included fatigue, fever, and the shedding of scales among the Golynn. These early cases were mistaken for common illnesses exacerbated by the new environment.
  Rapid Spread: The disease spread quickly among the Golynn, facilitated by their close-knit communities and extensive trade networks. Attempts at quarantine proved ineffective as the majority of the population had already been exposed by the time the severity of the outbreak was recognized.
  Symptoms and Effects
  Early Symptoms
  • Fatigue and malaise

  • Fever

  • Shedding of scales or skin

  •   Advanced Symptoms
  • Severe neurological damage leading to cognitive decline

  • Fever dreams and intense hallucinations

  • Aggressive behavior and violent outbursts

  •   The neurological impact of Crimson Fever was particularly devastating, causing infected individuals to lose their mental faculties and often lash out violently. This led to tragic incidents where afflicted Golynn harmed their loved ones during hallucinatory episodes.
      Mortality and Demographic Impact
    Crimson Fever had a devastating mortality rate, wiping out over 90% of the Golynn population. The rapid and widespread nature of the disease left few survivors, leading to the near extinction of the Golynn. The once-thriving Golynn communities and their magnificent storm glass structures fell into disrepair, overtaken by the encroaching jungle.
      Origins and Theories
    Despite extensive research, the exact origins and cause of Crimson Fever remain unknown. The prevailing theory is that the Ummanians unintentionally introduced an extraplanar disease to which they possessed ancestral immunity. The Golynn, however, became ideal hosts, facilitating the rapid spread and lethal impact of the plague. Whatever the cause, those few Golynn who survived have primarily remained within the locked walls of Old Town, the last vestiges of the once sprawling Golynn civilization of Lothian.
      Cultural and Social Impact
    The Lamentations: An annual ceremony known as the Lamentations commemorates the Golynn who perished in the plague. During this solemn event, the Chief Ummania reads and presents letters written by Golynn victims, expressing their final thoughts and emotions. The ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the tragedy and fosters a sense of unity and remembrance among the inhabitants of Ummania.
      Legacy: The Golynn’s contributions to architecture, trade, and culture are preserved and respected in modern Ummania. Their storm glass structures remain as a testament to their resilience and craftsmanship. The memory of the Crimson Fever continues to shape the cultural and social dynamics of the region.
    Type
    Supernatural

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