Mumhire

Dreaded Among Kings

For a millenium, most of the dwarven kings have succumbed to a disease only found within the line of Faen. The disease, now called Mumhire, is frequent but not always prevalent in the kings. However, the majority of dwarven kings have died from it and all kings know that with the throne, comes a burden.
Mumhire has always come to a king after he inherits the throne. The first symptoms are aches and pains, often thought of as signs of one growing old. Eventually, the pains spread to the head and hands. The kings become unable to move very well and are plagued with wracking headaches. As time passes, the king decays, bit by bit until he is merely a living corpse, waiting to die. Usually, Mumhire lasts for two years.

The Prolonged Process

During the first year of Mumhire, the king can enjoy his final years. As a tradition, the kings regularly visit the Hollowsand enjoy time with their children. In the second year (or sometimes the third), the king's body quickly takes a turn as it starts to physically and mentally decay. A few months before death, while the king is still able to form words, goodbyes are made. Then he is put in a separate room where he will stay in a bed. The king has no need to eat or have anyone attend on him. He stays on the brink of death for a few months and then passes away.

Faen and the Reasoning Behind Mumhire

It has been said that Faen himself instituted the disease. Scholars have studied many manuscripts on why Faen would do this but have not found an answer. Many speculate that he did it to keep the line of kings humble while others believe that Faen's brother rose from the dead and as an act of revenge created the disease in kings.

"Talnor is starting to feel aches in his knees. Hopefully he'll be able to come to the party tomorrow."
-a letter from Talnor's wife to a  relative