Keratinosis
Keratinosis is a disease that affects children from all races, from halflings to half-elves, but most notably seems to target humans. Encountered around age 9-10, it can be noted by a distinct malformations upon the upper portion of the skull and along the lower portions of the spine. This is where the disease gets its name - these malformations have been found to be buildups of keratin along unusual recesses in the bone. You might also notice a reddening of the skin - particularly around the face and hands - and tougher, sharper fingernails. If left untreated, this disease is 100% fatal.
When a child has the warning signs of keratinosis, do not panic. A trained professional is already on their way. Mourners - a medical group notable by their distinct black and silver robes - will arrive at your doorstep at noon on the day after the new moon. If your child is not home, they will instead arrive wherever the child can be found. They will have a legal writ of adoption for the affected child, officially signed by your local official and properly sealed. They will whisk your child away to a treatment facility, where the child will be cared for, treated, and taught how to control the disease, all at no cost to you. If the child survives the ravages of keratinosis and masters their control over the disease, they will be immediately returned to you.
The treatment of this disease may take up to a few years, but have no concern over the lost time - the Mourners will also see to the education and development of the child. You might notice that, upon returning, your child is notably more confident and knowledgable about the world. They may have established new hobbies and skills, such as base-level magical abilities or swordplay. They might even have mastered one or more skilled crafts and artistry. Your child will be significantly more independent and well-spoken, with an interest in seeking adventure in the world. Do not be surprised if they wish to strike off to find their own place in the world earlier than their friends or your other children.
* Scholar's note:
These posters are regularly seen in notice boards in town squares and other public areas, often in the script of the local lord or their official scribe. It is unknown who posts them, as they've never been observed. An independent investigation of interviews with affected households noted that the amount of children actually returned to families after "treatment" was close to 30%. Parents and siblings describe the children who do return as much different from the children who left - in addition to the "increased confidence" described above, the children will often have a notably different eye color and voice, and will invariably leave home within 1-3 years of being returned. The children almost never return or keep in correspondence with their former family.
A distinct feature of keratinosis should be observed: Of those affected, most are children of single-parent families, or those whose parents are nonmonogamous. In each case, the birth parent of the child indicated that they were acquainted with the absent birth parent for less than a year. Their memory of that period is invariably unreliable, unable to describe specifics of their partner or significant moments in that period.
Transmission & Vectors
Unknown
Causes
Unknown
Symptoms
Malformations upon the upper portion of the skull and lower portions of the spine, caused by buildup of keratin along unusual recesses the bone
Reddening of the skin - particularly around the face and hands
Tougher, sharper fingernails.
Treatment
Unknown. Mourners claim it is intensive and requires a combination of medication, magical healing, and mental control on the part of the affected child.
Prognosis
Though commonly "known" to be 100% fatal if left untreated, there have been no documented cases of a child with late-stage keratinosis. They are invaribly taken by the Mourners, no matter where or when it is discovered.
Sequela
Unknown. Children returned after having been cured are stronger, more confident, quicker - even eager - to pick up crafts, weapons training, and languages. They will invariably leave after only a few years, and the family will lose track of them, making an investigation into survivors later in life impossible.
Affected Groups
Of those affected, most are children of single-parent families, or those whose parents are nonmonogamous. In each case, the birth parent of the child indicated that they were acquainted with the absent birth parent for less than a year. Their memory of that period is invariably unreliable, unable to describe specifics of their partner or significant moments in that period.
Hosts & Carriers
Unknown.
Prevention
Unknown.
Epidemiology
Unknown.
Cultural Reception
Due to keratinosis being specifically a children's disease which manifests in children of 9-10 years of age - regardless of the actual period of biological pubescence in each race - it is often considered to be a magical disease which occurs at birth and simply takes that time to propagate in the essence of the child. Therefore many midwives and birthing doctors will use talismans, magical wards, or "good luck" trinkets to ward off the disease while the baby is birthed. In fact, in many cities, a small but robust market has popped up around this industry. Most of our sources claim that the objects and scrolls peddled by these merchants contain "no hint of magical essence or deific influence," but still, they are often sold in the open to any who take an interest in their shops or carts.
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