Describe any condition or disease for which a cure has recently been developed.Stinkfoot Syndrome, also known as Philotetes' Disease, is something of a misnomer, as it can actually afflict any body part, but the condition named for the experience of its most famous victim, Philoctetes, Son of Poeas.
The Case of Philoctetes
Philoctetes, a friend of Heracles, inherited the strongman's bow and arrows when the Theban-born adventurer died and ascended to godhood, as heroes sometimes do. Phil took the bow to Sparta, where he had some good stories to tell about it as he unsuccessfully courted Princess Helen. At some point, his past association with Heracles earned Phil a deadly snakebite. Perhaps Hera sent the snake to Phil to punish Heracles by association, or perhaps Phil was bitten by the guardian serpent who was protecting the secret location of Heracles's mortal remains, as serpents sometimes do. Either way, this snakebite had some unusual properties that point to a spiritual source. The black, oozing wound in Phil's foot caused him unbearable pain. The condition weakened his body and limited his mobility. Over the next nine years, it spread across the skin, into the leg muscles, and even into his bones. But worst of all was the smell, which made it impossible for even his close friends and allies to tolerate being near him, and so they abandoned him, seemingly, to die alone on the abandoned island of Lemnos. But by force of will alone, Phil fought back the spiritual infection, and was able to sustain himself by hunting with the magical bow. Eventually, his former allies realized that Phil was essential in the war effort, and rescued him from exile. A cure, recently developed, completely abated his symptoms. However, the damage to the leg could not be repaired.Transmission & Vectors
Venom from a serpent of unknown species, possibly of divine agency, transferred into a wound by the animal's bite or from a weapon coated either by the venom itself or by the byproduct created in the wound of a sufferer.
Causes
The venom eats away living tissue, not as a necrosis, but by transforming the affected tissue into venom glands that grow in size over time as the effect spreads to adjacent tissue. The rate of spread is dependent upon a number of factors, but as this is a spiritual venom, the patient's will to fight off the infection and survive has an overwhelming effect.
Symptoms
A festering wound that does not heal, a black ooze that flows out of the wound if it's not regularly leeched, and a distinctive smell that drives people to murder.
Treatment
When Phil got bit, there was no treatment or cure. But during the course of the Trojan War, one of the sons of Asclepius stumbled onto a treatment that was ultimately applied, curing the condition permanently.
Prevention
Do not get bit by the serpent who carries this venom, or allow the venom to come into contact with your body from any other source. More generally, make your sacrifices on a regular schedule and do not piss off Hera or any of the other gods.
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Type
Chemical Compound
Origin
Divine
Cycle
Chronic, Acquired
Rarity
Rare
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