Crystal Overgrowth

Image by Mythiril of deviant art

Crystal Overgrowth is a disease that affects the Warforged of Vesuvula. It causes a large amount of crystals to grow in all crevasses and gaps of the Warforged , eventually leading to their deaths as their main internal organs grow crystals within them as well. They believed it was a sign that a warrior has filled their time on the battle field and now is the time for them to pass their knowledge down onto their grandchildren.
It first struck hundreds of years ago, we thought it was a curse sent on us by the filthy nords of Breace, but when we approached them, they showed obvious sighs of not lying. We recorded all details of it that we have up to this point.
One thing we do know is that the disease only becomes deadly with old age, it will sit dormant in the system until around age 95-100

Transmission & Vectors

This condition is passed down genetically as far as we know. There is a (roughly) 65% chance of a child getting the disease if their parents have the disease

Causes

It is unknown what causes these strange crystals to form, but it is believed to be in the system depending on the family and becomes "hostile" when the body begins to get weaker and can't fight the disease

Symptoms

It begins with small crystals forming on the edges of joints and such, it then begins to growing in between the joints, connecting them and causing difficultly in movement as the crystals must be broken in order to move freely, eventually, the crystals will grow inside the major internal structure of the warforged, causing beautiful blockages eventually leading to their deaths.

Treatment

There is no known cure for this disease, but the warforged see it as a sign, not of weakness, but of a great warrior who has reached their peak and must now pass down their knowledge to the others so they too can become powerful warriors

Prognosis

This fatal condition has different stages:

1. Transparent crystals will start growing on the outer shell of the warforged, most prominently on the elbows and knees
2. The crystals will grow longer and start to change color, these colors give a basic outline of how long the next stages will take to affect the warforged, here they are listed from weakest to strongest: White, blue, purple, red, black. The stronger the color the stronger the warrior is said to be
3. The crystals will start to grow in the warforged various joints (In between the elbow and the arm e.g.) and limit movement
4. The crystals will start to grow in all possible outside holes (Eyes, ears and mouth) This will limit communication skills
5. very slowly and painfully, the crystals will spread inside the warforged and kill them by creating blockages that can't have any food, water or blood pass through/past it
6. The warforged will die and, depending on who they are, they are broken open to reveal the stunning array of beautiful crystals now within them

Affected Groups

Affects all sexes
Is most commonly found in the elderly aged 95 - 100 years
On very rare occasions it is found in children or adults

Prevention

It is inevitable

Cultural Reception

The warforged of Vesuvula see this disease as a sign of strength and power. It is believed that only the most powerful of warriors are infected by this condition. They believe it is a sign that these warriors are finished on the battle field (As it mostly affects the elderly) and that they must pass down their knowledge onto their children and their grandchildren. When they reach the fourth stage of infection, they pass down their strongest weapons and armor as gifts

Type

Genetic

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Chronic, Congenital

Rarity

Uncommon