Psilygs

Psilygs are monstrous creatures that slither and crawl across any surface and through spaces narrow and twisted. The are constantly wreathed in dark smoke-like shadows which bring with them the smell of sweet rot.
Their bodies are a writhing mass of semi-translucent slug-like muscle within which can be seen a chaotic internal bone structure. These bones extend and morph outwards from the central mass like an unnatural cross between tentacles and spider-legs. The Psilygs clack and squelch as they move, and leave behind trails of rapidly congealing mucous.

Psilyg Infection

The Psilygs infect those they touch with their mucous, impregnating their victims through the skin and slowly turning their bodies into new Psilygs.
While their victim's bodies degenerate over time, the Psilyg feeds on the energy of their host in order to grow. Their victims slowly lose control of their minds until nothing remains of the original.

Infection progression

Infection usually takes a few days to become symptomatic, but will progress quickly through a number of stages.

A few days after infection the victimg will begin to experience minor fever and will feel a sweaty and itchy rash that begins spreading from the point of contact.
Within two weeks of infection, the rash will have spread across the victim's entire body. Their fever will have worsened into experiencing dreamlike hallucinations and interrmittently losing bodily control. Clumsiness, stumbling and unexplained falls are common.
Within four weeks, the victim's skin will begin to transform into a translucent gelatinous substance, and they will become a controlled thrall of the Psilygs, unable to control their own actions. At this stage they will still retain a semblance of their form and identity.
Within two months, the victim's flesh and bones will have completely disintegrated and they will have transformed into a new Psilyg. No trace of their original identity or form will remain.

Infection treatment and cure

The infection can be slowed through magical means of purifying and cleaning the affected body parts, or surgical means, where infected flesh and limbs are physically removed. neither of these will completely cure the victim, and eventually the infection will still progress through the four stages. Effective treatment can slow progression by up to 6 months.
There is only one known cure, and that is made from a rare plant that is known to the Spiritseers of Wala. The Atukana Lily is unique in that it thrives within wetlands where the corruption that creates psyligs has spread.

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

Psyligs are formed from animals that have been corrupted by the presence of Elder God Avatars in the environment. Once the corruption enters the food chain, it can spread quickly as infected waters and plants are consumed by animals, who then become transformed into Psyligs following the usual progression of the infection.

Geographic Distribution