The Man-Fever

The Man-Fever is the most feared disease among humans  and halflings  alike. This cursed state eventually transforms a human into an orc or half-orc  and a halfling into a goblin .

Transmission & Vectors

There are a number of beliefs and superstitions about the origin and spread of The Man-Fever.

Ancient Curse

Many claim that there is a link between entering Old Imperial ruins or possessing Old Imperial artifacts. Many claim that these sites and artifacts are cursed and that reckless adventures and scavengers are bringing the curse with them out with their plunder.

The Wages of Sin

In the catechism of The Holy Universal Church of Chantrel disease and sickness is a punishment for one's sins. As one walks away from the love of Chantrel, one invites in the evil of dæmons and the adversary. And this corruption is made manifest in the spirit and in the flesh.

Symptoms

Humans

The first steps of the transformation can take weeks to months. First the victim has sudden bursts of temper towards one's family and friends. The victim then runs an extreme fever. This is followed by a yellowing of the eyes and greying and toughening of the skin. As the victim's temperament worsens, he is subject to increasing levels of irrational rage, lashing out at those around him. He builds muscle and his teeth thicken and jut from the skull.

Halflings 

The disease starts similarly in halflings, but the victim’s skin gains a green hue and his hair falls out. Also, the victim does not build the extra muscle, but grows somewhat leaner.

Treatment

No cure has ever been found, but some physicians claim to have found tinctures that slow or stop the transformation process.
The Church has a number of prayers and rites to petition The Holy Lady to remove the victim's sin.

Prognosis

Human

In the worst cases, the victim loses all ability to recognize his family or clan, and is reduced to a mindless, killing beast: a feral orc .
However, the last stages of the transformation can take days, months, years, or never manifest. Some victims can live for decades in this half-transformed state, as half-orcs. Others will fully physically transform, becoming orcs, but mostly retain their minds and relationships with those around them. Others progress in their transformation both physically and mentally, becoming feral orcs. Why some only become half-orcs and why some "go feral" is unknown. A half-orc  lives his life under the constant threat that any day he could "go feral".

Halfling

The progression of the disease is slightly different for halflings. Halflings do not "go-feral" and fall to mindless rage. Instead, as they transform into green skinned goblins, their temperament changes to that of a goblins; self-interested, tricky, and vindictive. However, the victim retains the bulk of their mind, personality, and memories.

Affected Groups

The Man-Fever affects humans and halflings. Humans are transformed in orcs and halflings into goblins.

Hosts & Carriers

The disease is believed to be a curse that follows artifacts taken from ruins of The Imperium of Man.

Prevention

Humans and halflings use a variety of charms and rites to guard against The Man-Fever. Their effectiveness is debatable.

Epidemiology

While humans hold a number of beliefs about the disease's cause and its means of spread (demons, spirits, an ancient curse), scholars are unsure. The cause of the disease and its means of spread has never been agreed upon.

History

The first records mentions of the disease were made during The Age of Sorrows. However, there is evidence that it was involved in the fall of The Imperium of Man.

Cultural Reception

Human clans react to The Man-Fever in a variety of ways. Some kill anyone who displays signs of the curse. Others will banish the victims. The resultant orcs will often form clans of their own. And some clans, seeing the usefulness of half-orcs and orcs on the battlefield, will keep them in the clan but keep watch on them for signs of going feral.
Halflings are usually more caring. Some will send the victim to isolated “goblin colonies” to live out the rest of their lives. Others will keep them in the community and try to care for them as best they can, but try to keep them out of the sight of outsiders.

A human victim of The Man-Fever.

A halfling victim of The Man-Fever.

Victims: Humans & Halflings
Results in Orcs, feral Orcs, Half-Orcs, and goblins.
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Type

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Uncommon