Stoneplague

The disease was first introduced into Aeverbridge's farm animals through animal feed, then made its way into the Sapient population through raw foods such as fruit. Speculation suggests that this was not considered transmissible enough for the perpetrators of the creation of the disease, as it was likely destroyed too quickly during cooking or died off too fast once the initial animal hosts passed. It then became transmissible via water supply, as well as through contact with contaminated food.

The disease is not thought to be transmissible from person to person.

The disease was engineered and released as a terrorist weapon, and currently has no natural causes.

Symptoms begin with a cough, followed by stone-like lesions and blisters that appear across the skin. Breathing becomes difficult, heart rates slow, and eating becomes intolerable as the internal organs slowly develop these stone-like lesions too. As they spread, they ultimately result in death.

Two members of the Elite Unit developed a potion which breaks down the magical effects of the Stoneplague. At present, little is known about the specifics of this potion as it is still under investigation for potential improvement.

If caught and treated quickly, a full recovery is possible for the Stoneplague. However, as the treatment is new and relatively experimental, access to it is severely limited, and with no way to know if there will be any repeat of these attacks, distribution is unlikely at this stage.

Lingering coughs and itchy skin have been reported amongst the Aeverbridge community, though these tend to allay after a tenday. It is currently not known if there are any long-term complications.

The Stoneplague can affect both beasts and Sapient species. There are no known limitations at this point.

Purification of food and water before consumption can prevent the disease from being contracted.

Stoneplague was first reported in the rural community of Aeverbridge on the 7th of Greenrise, 1488. The Sempervirentis Regional Watch responded to the incident, with the order issued by Lord Protector Melchior Angevin and under the command of Lord-Captain Dalkyn Mallos.

However, the Watch specialists were unable to control or fight the spread of the disease, and an Elite Contingent (an Alchemist and a Priest) were brought in support a little over a month later. These Elites were later captured by cultists, and the Watch did little to attempt to find them as Lord-Captain Mallos ordered them to focus on the Stoneplague.

With progress stalled by the loss of the two Elites, a further unit of Elite Soldiers and hired adventurers was sent by the unknown benefactor to find the missing Elites and assist in the efforts to find the cure. Within 11 days of the adventurers arriving at the Central Camp (four days after the Elite Soldiers), they and the Elite Unit managed to find the two original Elites and disperse all Cultist encampments in the area, contending with enslaved Ogres as well as the usual dangers.

While the assumed leader of the Cult was confronted in the sewers beneath Sempervirentis, he escaped capture, though his attempt to release the Stoneplague into the city was foiled.

The Stoneplague is feared due to its engineered nature and its use as a biological weapon by a terrorist group. The thought of a potential re-emergence of the disease makes many smaller communities very nervous, particularly those in isolated areas.