Human-specific Decay

The doctors of the elves and orcs have long been interested and somewhat troubled by the rampant incidence of Human-specific Decay (or HSD). Symptoms include:

• rapid ageing
• early onset decrepitude
• death

The condition is only known in humans, and seems to take a grip at about the age of 40, after which there is no hope of prolonging life. HSD, and secondary conditions related to it, is the leading cause of death in humans, with many of them dying at the age of only 70 or 80 years old.

Transmission & Vectors

As the condition appears only to affect humans once they are in their prime, it is conjectured that it is a disease particular to humanfolk's genetic code or specific lifestyle choices.

Symptoms

While only humans seem to be affected by this condition that shortens their useful lives, it is naturally of interest to other folk, should the condition evolve to be transferable. Some conjecture that Halflings are somewhat susceptible to the condition.
According to the finest elven doctors Beyond the Mountain, the condition is a kind of accelerated ageing of the biological cells, which in turn hastens the breakdown of normal functions. Grey hair may be an early sign of the human body 'giving up', which is essentially what happens.
An under-discussed aspect of HSD is the psychological problems that may manifest. A group of orcish psychologists publishing in the journal Gnrarr-urrag-gftwen of Modern Medicine postulate that the hastiness and short-sighted nature of human decision-making may be entirely due to the prevalence of the condition.

Treatment

All treatments for HSD are considered experimental at this stage, and include ointments, special liquids and denial.
One treatment with anecdotal support comes from the clergy of Dendrah. Apparently, a recently rediscovered ritual - the details of which are currently a religious secret - has been shown in limited trials to extend life indefinitely, even after the onset of HSD symptoms. One human male, Tan Peart, has apparently now lived for over two hundred years, almost three times the lifespan of an average human. Similarly, the former head of the Dendrah religion, Pater Ty Holan, died of causes unrelated to HSD after living around double the average human lifespan.
If this recent development becomes public knowledge in the future, it is estimated that humans will be able to look forward to longer and healthier lives, which will have disastrous consequences for everyone else.

Prognosis

HSD, when developed in humans, leads inevitably to death.

Type

Genetic

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired & Congenital

Rarity

Common

Affected Species

• Human