Drakos Sepsis (Drákos Sepsis)

Written by KorakiSaros

Dragon Rot: Drakos Sepsis 

A rare parasitic condition that mostly infests dragons but can infect other divines and even Gaians. Research into its causes and spread have led most to believe it to be a parasitic infestation by a single celled organism which on Gaia (Earth) would be much like a Protozoa. Upon it's discovery the Researcher and former King of Drastonia, Natas Kanosis, named the parasite SkoteHemaKatkos, for those infected had their blood turn murky black.

Transmission & Vectors

This disease can be transmitted by touch as the parasite seeps through open wounds. It is considered blood borne and those who have it must be careful their blood not touch others who have open wounds. On rare occasions it is passed congenitally if the mother is the one infected. It is not transmitted sexually. Some suspect this condition is not a natural condition but in fact a magical malady. Though they still argue that its transmission is through touch and blood.

Causes

The parasite, SkoteHemaKatkos, is thought to of evolved from single celled organisms that dwelled in the swamp waters of Reika Myr. Why it turned parasitic is unknown. It was believed the first infestations of dragons occurred when a dragon was bitten by blood sucking insects and transmitted via saliva. After further research this is now seen as unlikely and that a dragon must have waded the swamp with open wounds and sustained an infection. Over time this population evolved from it's water borne relatives and preferred living in blood.
It transforms the infected both in mundane and magical ways which make some argue the parasite is actually a symptom not the cause of Drakos Sepsis just as the maggots and other maladies that come with Rot are symptoms not the source cause.

Symptoms

Early Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Greying of the skin
• Thirst

Mid-Stage

• Flesh Decay
• Larval Infestation
• Alcohol intolerance
• Black Blood
• Intolerance to Life Potions
• unable to properly cast life magic
Advanced Stage

• Skeletal Face
• Reduced Larval Infestations
Final Stage PreMortem

• Wraith State Skeletal (Gaians and Celestials)
• Can still infect others
• Skeletal (Dragon)

Treatment

The general treatment of Drakos Sepsis is a medication if you are Gaian. Elves seem immune to Drakos Sepsis and research is ongoing to discover why this might be. The hope is to create a cure that can stop and even reverse the rotting affect of the parasite. In the meantime for dragons and celestials alike the best treatment is a combination of death potions, a foul smelling black liquid, and healing potions. Life and healing potions do have draw backs as those with Drakos Sepsis have a physiology similar to the Undead and therefore are weak to life magic.

Prognosis

Without treatment the end stage is death if you are a dragon. For a Gaian the infection usually stops at the face in a stage known as the Death Knight State. It is not yet understood why Gaian's rarely turn to the Wraith State. Gaians experience a lengthened life where Celestials and Dragons find their lives shortened by hundreds if not thousands of Gaian years.

Sequela

The initial infection often weakens a dragon's immune system to the point where they gain a host of other infections. The rotting flesh leaves the host susceptible to insect eggs being laid in the wounds. Then you have chronic fatigue for many of the infected.

Affected Groups

Mostly male dragons, celestials and Gaian soldiers. Those who frequent swamps or graveyards and wet places. Those who work with and around soldiers and came in contact with wounds without using proper sanitary procedures.

Prevention

Prevention is best done by avoiding blood contact with infected. Those Infected must maintain wound care and hygiene. Avoiding swamp and bog waters while injured is always advised as the parasite does still live in the waters.

Epidemiology

The parasitic infection spreads most during wars. Many soldiers do not take the care they should of their injuries. The Dragon War also had a number of Generals who were specifically promoted due to their condition of Dragon Rot furthering the spread of Drakos Sepsis. With it's rarity it has never reached epidemic status or pandemic status like Dragon Pox (Drakos Pustilis).

History

The First known case of the condition was reported when a dark green dragon was spotted flying over Reika Myr with patches of his face scales missing exposing his skull. Records show that the Dra-Kin people complained the dragon was "menacing us with rains of dragon flesh infested with worms and black blood". The most recorded number of infected was after the official end of the dragon war when 1 in every 100 divines (celestial, dragons and elves) was said to have the condition. It is believed 2 percent of the population of Lysandus suffer from Drakos Sepsis.

Cultural Reception

Most of those in the Wraith and Death Knight State are feared. Death Knights often wear elaborate masks to cover their rotting and/or full skeletal faces. Wraiths remain in hiding driven to the various swamps and marshes the infection was born from where eventually they succumb to the disease and the parasite returns to the water awaiting a new victim.  
Skeletal and "undead" Dragons are also feared but received much more respect. That said during the dragon wars even these dragons were targeted by Gori and his dragon hunters.

Type

Parasitic

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired & Congenital

Rarity

Rare