Bristlecap Disease

The Bristlecap Disease is undeniably terrible and destructive. There is currently no known cure other than casting magical spells. When societies have dealt with this in the past they have had to burn the afflicted to try and save the rest.

Contraction

The Bristlecap Disease can be contracted by consuming a raw Bristlecap Mushroom. Upon ingestion the creature must make a DC15 Constitution save to prevent the onset of the disease. If the creature is physically handling the Bristlecap Mushroom they must make a DC10 Constitution save to prevent the onset of the disease. Additionally the disease can be contracted by coming in contact with a creature who is carrying the disease, DC18 Constitution save if bitten and DC8 save if touched.

Effects

Incubation Period

During the incubation period the host creature's skin will begin to blister, their vision will drift to favor the red spectrum, and their veins will start to become very varicose. The incubation period happens for three weeks marking completion of the illness when the host loses sanity.

Period of Illness

When the disease has fully developed the host continually battles the fungi for control of its thoughts. The fungi wants to consume everything possible and the longer the disease remains present the less influence the host has on its body.

Period of Decline

After about 90 days the hosts brain function is mostly dead and it eventually collapses. When the host dies the Bristlecap Disease uses the remaining nutrients in the body to sprout more Bristlecap Mushrooms.

Uses

The fungal creatures of the Underdark are immune to the disease and use the Bristlecap Mushrooms as a poison coating to cause chaos among their enemies. When laying siege to other settlements in the Underdark the effect is undeniably potent.

Type

Fungal