Star Plague

Star-Shaped Sight

Written by Endrise

I do not condone the Sirens for their mistake, for they are but people of a lesser land. Let them return to their lands and cut down ties, so that my empire may heal. Right now my eyes are fixated on those that left us to rot like vermin...

— Velda Sangfroid

The Star Plague was a historical disease that spread across Sichelan, carried by Sirens and Myopsians alike. A danger that brought death wherever it went, and being the catalyst leading up to the events of the Blazing War itself.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms and its namesake came from the star-like distortion of one's pupil, causing blindness in the eye. Some other known effects were:

• deafness
• loss of balance
• Raspy voice

• high fever
• vomitting
• audio and visual hallucinations

Treatment

While the deafness and blindness are impossible to cure, the fever symptoms can be treated like any major cold. Lots of rest and sleep to let the body fight it off, while getting the proper medicine to help. Most recovered in a few weeks if they do not die beforehand.

History

Inselreich Epidemic

During their arrival on Inselreich, the Myopsians took the disease with them to Fabulae. None of them are aware of it because of their bodies having long grown immune to its more severe effects. Though it did not stop it from spreading around the islands.

Following first contact, the disease could spread onto the native Siren population, and soon grew out as an epidemic. Islands became isolated from one another as many suffered went blind and deaf over the course of months. At least two-thirds showed symptoms of the Star Plague, according to what records got written down about the event.

The Myopsians made continuous efforts to slow or halt the spread. Ultimately, they made a vaccine using their own immune system as a basis.

Any surviving Sirens received the treatment, stopping the further spread of the disease.

Sichelan Epidemic

After trade routes got established between Inselreich and the rest of Sichelan, Sirens began exploring the wider continent. Their popularity amongst the people drove many towards them, either to meet one in person or hear their fabled songs. However, it also made them the perfect carriers for a dormant Star Plague to spread with ease.

Soon the continent became overrun by the plague, mutating with local diseases. At its peak, almost a third of the population had it, while a quarter of them died because of it.

Finding a cure became harder with the rapid mutations, driving the Great Sangfroid Empire and the Elven Kingdoms into isolation. It reached as far as empress Velda Sangfroid, leaving her partly blind. The only reason it even stopped was because there were no more victims to claim. By the end, the plague died down, leaving many crippled for the rest of their life.

Present Day

It's weird to consider diseases becoming resistant against magic, but not surprising. If people can do it, why can't other living things?

— Myopsian Apothecary

Any future outbreaks only happened within small remote towns across Sichelan. As more people developed an immunity, the public grew less concerned about the plague.

While medicine improved over time, the symptoms were still as dangerous as before. Those afflicted with the Star Plague remain blind and deaf, with nothing less than strong magic able to cure them. Some even believe that its mutations made it more resilient against magic.

Cultural Reception

The Star Plague became Sichelan’s deadliest epidemic ever known. With its death toll in the thousands and long-term disabilities caused, it left a visible mark on the population.

Its connections with Myopsians and Sirens drove the two races back to Inselreich. The latter took most of the blame, ridiculed and seen as carriers for long after. Only in recent years did their reputation get fixed, mending bonds between them and the rest of the continent.

Type

Bacterial

Origin

Alien

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Extremely Rare