Heartfire Plague

A strange plague, localized to Quillkeep. Spreading quickly among the poor in the slums.

Transmission & Vectors

Unknown. Appears to require direct contact from a victim. There may be other vectors. Victims exhibiting aggression seem more likely to spread the disease.

Causes

Unknown

Symptoms

Initial symptoms include fatigue and rising body temperature.
Worsening symptoms include heat radiating from the chest, patches of burned skin, heat exhaustion.
Unconfirmed, but fiendish activity has been reported surrounding the plague victims.
Unconfirmed: final stages believed to include immolation(? Needs source - University has received no such reports. Rumors, along with other fantastical accounts)

Treatment

Unknown. Highly resistant to divine healing. Does not seem to respond to most alchemical options.
The Fire Cult is said to have some idea of how to treat it - this is not yet confirmed, but their rising popularity hints that there may be something to it.

Prognosis

Unknown. Perhaps fatal. Perhaps some variety of undead transformation. Uncomfirmed reports associate Heartfire with strange fire-based undead, but has also been linked to fiend sightings.

Affected Groups

The poor in the slums in Quillkeep.

Hosts & Carriers

Currently, only confirmed in humans.

Prevention

Avoid the slums. Avoid contact with violent infected. Bathe regularly.

Epidemiology

Heartfire appears to transfer from direct contact to an infected host.

History

This plague has only recently appeared - nothing like it has been seen in this area.

Cultural Reception

The poor in Quillkeep are becoming more and more resentful of the upper class. The upper class seems dismissive of the plague - as long as it stays in the poor district, it's not their problem.

Type

Supernatural

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Unique