Diseases of Helerin

In the Helerin Archipelago, disease is an unavoidable part of life, often exacerbated by the challenges of dense settlements, limited hygiene, and the natural environment.
Many communities rely on a combination of traditional remedies, divine intercession, and magic to combat illnesses. The gods Mavani, goddess of healing, and Tirax, god of disease, play prominent roles in the cultural understanding of health and sickness, with their blessings or curses shaping the fortunes of individuals and settlements alike.

Known diseases

Bloodrot

Bloodrot is a bacterial infection that affects open wounds, leading to fever, delirium, and, in severe cases, necrosis of the tissue. Lorin are especially susceptible to its effects. Treatment involves antiseptic pastes from Whitewhisp and poultices made from Arraxosa petals, with magical intervention sometimes necessary in advanced cases.

Crimsonstain

A mildly contagious disease spread through skin contact, Crimsonstain causes a blotchy red rash and fatigue. Shanda and Dharo are immune to its effects. Cold water immersion and herbal washes infused with Hagleaf can ease symptoms, which usually subside within weeks.

Feeblemind

This mysterious, non-contagious affliction causes catatonia, leaving sufferers unresponsive to their surroundings. Magical intervention by Enchanters is the only effective treatment. Without help, the condition is invariably fatal due to neglect of basic needs.

Glutton's Due

Unique to the Boma, this illness manifests as pale, waxy skin and intense nausea. Although non-fatal, it is culturally viewed as divine punishment for overindulgence. Rest and hydration are the only remedies, with recovery typically occurring within two weeks.

Hemachan

This contagious skin disease results in flaking, itchy patches of skin. Shanda and Bulgiss are immune. Relief comes from applying Larionda seed paste, with full recovery expected in four to six weeks.

Krozir’s Fever

Named after the warlord Krozir, this highly contagious disease induces fever, delirium, and coma. Blackhelm liquor is the most effective remedy, and magical healing can cure it entirely. While most recover within days, untreated cases often lead to death.

Lammarkan

A fever afflicting young infants, Lammarkan is non-contagious but deadly without treatment. Shanda infants are immune. Blackhelm liquor helps lower the fever, but lingering weakness often affects survivors.

Mageblight

Linked to excessive magic use, Mageblight heightens magical powers while causing photosensitivity and difficulty controlling magic. Avoiding magic and resting are crucial for recovery, though the condition may lead to fatal outbursts if unmanaged.

Orbont Sickness

Associated with poor sanitation, Orbont Sickness causes stomach pains and vomiting. Shanda and Bulgiss are immune. Hagleaf infusions provide relief, and most sufferers recover within days.

Redmoult

Caused by a parasitic louse specific to the Kazlaa, this condition results in hair loss and a red rash. Treatment involves Crommis sap washes, and full recovery occurs once the lice are eliminated.

Ridanshama

Triggered by emotional shock, Ridanshama causes uncontrollable fits and spasms. An elixir made from Beyrian leaves can reduce the frequency of episodes, though the condition often persists for life.

Sand Madness

A condition linked to arid environments, Sand Madness causes hallucinations and delusions. An elixir made from Beyrian flowers provides temporary relief, but recovery is often spontaneous and unpredictable.

Seddar’s Rage

This illness causes sudden, violent outbursts of rage. The Bluewort root can calm sufferers, though no cure exists. The condition is chronic, with episodes varying in severity.

Stonesickness

An occupational disease affecting miners and stonemasons, Stonesickness causes progressive lung damage from inhaled dust. Sirathin bark elixirs provide relief, but advanced cases often lead to death within years.

Swamp Fever

Contracted from fetid water, Swamp Fever induces fever, sweating, and fatigue. Blackhelm liquor is effective in treatment, with most sufferers recovering fully within days.

Tersintessal

This illness affects Shanda during puberty, causing weakness and temporary blindness. Rest and minimal light exposure aid recovery, with most sufferers regaining full health within 10 to 12 days.

Tirax’s Kiss

A devastating, highly contagious disease, Tirax’s Kiss causes fever and pus-filled lesions. Crommis sap and Sirathin elixirs can reduce scarring, but the illness has a high fatality rate without magical intervention.
Whipburn This recurring condition causes narrow, red rashes resembling whip marks. It exclusively affects Humans, Lorin, Vistrar, and Keeva. Larionda paste soothes the rash, though recurrence is common.

Whitefever

A deadly and contagious illness, Whitefever causes extreme fatigue and pallor, with a high fatality rate in untreated cases. Blackhelm liquor is the primary treatment, with recovery possible in three to four days.

Treating disease

The people of Helerin have adopted a number of approaches to the treatment of disease, often blending practical medicine, spiritual practices, and the power of magic to preserve life.

Medicinal Remedies

Helerin’s diverse flora provides numerous treatments for illness. Medicinal plants such as Blackhelm, Crommis, and Whitewhisp, yield poultices, elixirs, and pastes that soothe symptoms, fight infections, and promote healing. These remedies are especially vital in remote areas where magical healers are scarce.
See also: Medicinal herbs and plants

Magical Healing

The Talent of Guarding allows skilled practitioners to regenerate tissue, cure disease, and even reverse some conditions entirely. However, Guardians are rare and their services often costly, making magic an inaccessible option for many communities.

Divine Intercession

Mavani, goddess of healing, is central to the spiritual response to disease. Her priests perform purification rites and healing rituals, often combining them with traditional remedies.
Conversely, Tirax, god of disease, is placated through offerings and rituals aimed at mitigating his influence during outbreaks.