Tirax’s Kiss

Causes

Tirax’s Kiss is a highly contagious disease believed to originate from polluted waters or the unhygienic conditions of overcrowded settlements. Its rapid transmission occurs through close proximity, particularly via physical contact or the exchange of bodily fluids. The disease’s name reflects its association with Tirax, the god of disease and despair, and many view outbreaks as his curse upon communities.
Tirax’s Kiss does not affect the Dharo, a fact that has led to speculation about their natural immunity. For others, however, the disease is a terrifying scourge that has decimated entire towns in the past. Historical accounts recount an infamous outbreak in 1992 in the towns of Mar Miskun, during which followers of Tirax were believed to be intentionally spreading the disease to expand their god’s influence.

Symptoms

The disease begins with a fever and intense fatigue, progressing within two days to the appearance of painful lesions across the body. These lesions ooze a foul-smelling pus and are often accompanied by delirium and severe weakness. The combination of physical and mental symptoms quickly incapacitates the affected, making care and quarantine difficult.

Treatment

Treatment for Tirax’s Kiss is challenging due to the severity of its symptoms. Applying Crommis sap to the lesions can reduce their size and help prevent infection, while an elixir brewed from Sirathin bark aids healing and minimises scarring. However, such remedies are often unavailable in afflicted areas, where medical supplies are scarce and fear of the disease keeps healers away.
Magical healing, particularly by skilled Guardians, has been known to cure the illness entirely, but practitioners of such Talents are rare and their services costly.

Prognosis

The prognosis for Tirax’s Kiss is grim. Without treatment, the disease has a high fatality rate, with most succumbing within a week of the lesions’ appearance. Survivors often endure significant scarring that serves as a lifelong reminder of their ordeal. Communities recovering from outbreaks often perform rituals to cleanse their settlements, invoking Mavani for healing and Tirax for appeasement.

Type

Bacterial