The Curse of Iron.

The Priests of Iron, wrought with shame, have been defiled, brought low before those they once looked down upon. It is unknown whether their own transgressions or their desire for control had brought this upon them. Perhaps it is the sins of another that they suffer for.

Causes

Although the original cause of this disease remains a mystery, it spreads due to improper wound treatment. Unbandaged cuts allow carriers to infect the bloodstreams of those they come in contact with, causing the sickness to spread faster.

Symptoms

The skin becomes flaky and pale, almost like dirt. It is irritable to the touch and itches painfully. If scratched, the skin comes off effortlessly. As the next layer gets exposed to air, it becomes just as painful and infected.

Treatment

There is no cure for this disease, however, there are many local treatments that can help relieve the pain.

Soothing ointments with aloe can be spread over the victim's body. If applied consistently, recommended once every hour, the condition will be barely noticeable. However, this solution is inconvenient for most. Few have the time needed to wash and reapply more ointment every hour. It, unfortunately, is not feasible. Tight bandages, soaked overnight in these ointments, allow the skin to remain mostly intact.

Although cold weather is best for this condition, many who bear this affliction desire intense heat. Unfortunate children, born with this curse, are raised in a sauna, and many exiles are easily distinguished by how close they stand to their fires. Some of the tools used by the Iron Priests utilize flames for this purpose.

Prognosis

The sickness slowly corrupts the body, which at one time caused many to believe that it would dissipate after a little while. As the rain that comes slowly lasts longer, so too does this corruption. It is inevitable. The flesh deteriorates over three weeks, while the hair falls out in a matter of days.

Affected Groups

This sickness first affected the Priests of Iron. However, due to a controversial mandate that forced them to remain quarantined, it has only affected a few others.

When first discovered among the clergy, they kept it hidden within the layers of secrecy they maintained. They believed it exclusively affected men twenty years old and above. However, when it grew out of proportion, anyone who made prolonged contact with these priests was susceptible of getting it. Even newborns, though the effects were minute, bore signs of this incurable disease. This disease would shed light on the priesthood, revealing the debauchery that they kept hidden under oaths of celibacy.

Hosts & Carriers

Humans are the only known carriers of this disease, though it remains unknown if it is transmissible to other creatures. Those who are unfortunate enough to get this sickness give away any pets and self-isolate.

History

The origins of this desease remains a mystery.

Cultural Reception

The people did not see the carriers as victims. They assumed the sickness was the judgment of the gods. The priests became outcasts, shunned by the common folk. Those who bore the sickness were looked down upon with fear and disgust by their peers. The hostility and the feelings of betrayal that they felt towards the priests could never be shown. Instead, they channeled their fears and confusion towards those not protected by the role of spiritual leaders.

Mothers and their children were exiled and driven out by the mobs to wander in foreign lands. Many others were put to death, stoned outside the gates, or beaten for expressing concerns or support for those who clung to the old ways.

Type

Supernatural

Origin

Mutated

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired & Congenital

Rarity

Extremely Rare