The Death-Speakers Curse

Causes

Death-Speakers take the severed heads of their enemies, engraving runes deep into their skulls. These runes are often identical to those used by the creators of this spell. However, the verbal component is frequently lacking. Orcs are known to perform rituals in the wrong order, speak the wrong words, or mistake archaic language etched in for seemingly random designs.

With Runes, it is vital to keep the head away from what they're creating. Due to improper practice, such as being hunched over, or breathing in too much, the sickness becomes far more of a threat.

Symptoms

Engraving skulls can allow the magic from within to be inhaled, causing the would-be wizard to begin experiencing hallucinations as the fragmented memories of the dead and the spirits mix. These constant hallucinations are visual and audible.

Several Orc Death-Speakers have met an early grave because of this, and have led many others down that path. Convinced they have wings, the Orc leaps off a cliff without a second thought, or believing themselves to be stronger as they challenge the leader of a rival horde. Others lead those under them in circles or to dangerous locations, sparking rebellion.

Sequela

The longer the carrier is infected, the more the disease eats away at the mind. Claims by the Death-Speakers become increasingly deranged. Claims of immortality, divinity, and otherworldly powers are common signs among the cursed.

Some force those beneath them to march to a certain doom, drawn to the frigid cold of the north or left to rot in southern swamps on a whim. Others become violent towards their devotees, having some beheaded by suspicions and whispers upon the wind, while others are experimented upon, forced to go through strange rituals while still alive. More runes are carved, nonetheless.

Affected Groups

Orc Death-Speakers, alongside their apprentices and assistants, are the most affected by this disease. However, they are not the only ones who risk it, for anyone who performs necromancy runs the risk of similar curses.

Orcs follow the Death-Speakers, blindly believing them to be infallible. Hundreds of Orcs willingly follow these Death-Speakers to their deaths, never realizing the futility of their loyalty.

Hosts & Carriers

Orcs are the only known carriers of this disease.

Type

Magical

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Extremely Rare

Affected Species

• Orcs: Founders of a New Religion.