Creeping Hel

Many humans are descended from co-mingled bloodlines and slightly mixed origins. For some unknown reason, those with ancestors from other Spheres have a propensity to develop Planar Consumption . Whether it's a biological, physical anomaly or some kind of magic-related affliction is thus far unknown but nevertheless the science of medicine has developed some functional treatments. Unfortunately, while treating these illnesses is possible, discovering the ancestry of each patient is impossible and certain bloodlines respond to treatment better than others.

The tonic developed to treat Planar Consumption is also a litmus test to discover a patients' planar heritage. Those of Helish descent develop a condition called Creeping Hel. It was named after the similar visual appearance to the black, vine-like veins common to Helborn. Some believe this is somehow triggering latent genetic traits - indicating that patients who develop Creeping Hel have the blood of demons flowing through their veins.

Cause

Creeping Hel is caused as a result of exposure to a specific tonic developed across the human cities to counter a genetic propensity certain humans have towards Planar Consumption. Unfortunately, this tonic was not viable for most of those interested in it's use which caused the first outbreak.

Symptoms

Usually first manifesting as a dark discolouration to the veins on the inner joints of elbows and behind the knees. Over time these darkened veins begin to spread further down the extremities towards the fingers and toes. Eventually the discolouration also spreads to the surrounding flesh and causes the area to take on the rough texture of burnt wood. If left untreated within a few months the appendages will stiffen and lose mobility, eventually causing necrosis and the death of the afflicted limbs.

Treatment

Current medicine hasn't produced a way to reverse this condition, although it's spread has dropped significantly now that the cause has been identified. Powerful restorative arcana can be used to heal those afflicted, but this does not grant future immunity or resistance to Planar Consumption or Creeping Hel.

Type

Genetic