Crimson Madness

"I feel so cold..."

Deep in the woods, caves, and other dark places of the Kingdom of Sorrano, one can find bats of various kinds. One such bat is the crimson bat, known for its instiable hunger for blood and the dark red coloring of its underwings. The crimson bat is larger than most other bats, and is capable of exceptionally silent flight. Under low light conditions, it is almost impossible to see or hear the approach of a crimson bat. Even worse, if a crimson bat successfully bites its target, it has a chance to latch on and begin to suck its victim's blood. If it does so, the victim becomes infected with Crimson Madness, a disease which causes progressively worse symptoms over the course of a few days. There is a cure for Crimson Madness, but it is expensive due to the rarity of the reagents involved in the recipe and the skill required of the Alchemist. Only a few Alchemists are believed to have the skill required to craft the potion that cures the disease.

Transmission & Vectors

The disease is transmitted via the saliva of crimson bats when they bite their victims.

Causes

The disease is present in the saliva of crimson bats and it becomes passed to victims when the bat bites and successfully latches on. Glancing bites typically do not result in disease transmission.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Crimson Madness progress over time, typically over the course of three days. The disease is not fatal, but it can become irreversible if not treated prior to the last stage setting in.
Stage 1: Chills. The victim will feel exceptionally cold. This symptom persists throughout the progression of the disease. Stage 2: Joint Stiffness. The victim's joints swell and stiffen, and though the victim is still able to move, such movements are painful and rigid. This symptom persists throughout the progression of the disease. Stage 3: Blindness. The victim loses the ability to see. This symptom persists throughout the progression of the disease. Stage 4: Deafness. The victim loses the ability to hear. This symptom persists throughout the progression of the disease. Stage 5: Paralysis. The victim loses the ability to move. Once this stage is reached, the disease is no longer treatable, and the victim's only relief is death.

Treatment

The disease can be treated by a special potion which must be imbibed. Only a few Alchemists are capable to crafting this potion.

Prognosis

Most victims progress through the stages of the disease in a matter of a few days, though heartier individuals have been known to hold out for over a week. Less hearty individuals may progress to the final stage in less than a day.

Sequela

Most victims who acquire and are then cured of Crimson Madness suffer some temporary, lingering effects. These lingering effects tend to last weeks or even months depending upon what stage was reached prior to treatment.

Affected Groups

Most living creatures have been shown to be prone to acquiring this disease.

Type

Physiological

Rarity

Uncommon