Palax

Palax is transmitted through a poisonous potion poured over the bodies of hunted prey. The beasts will consume this tainted prey for its nutrients. Poison enters their system and begins to spread. Kin salvages poisoned beasts’ meat without protection becomes infected. Any contact with blood, saliva, or partially digested meat from an afflicted beast is considered dangerous.

Palax is caused by a toxin from the poisonous kou siena herb. When it is eaten, the toxin first taints the victim’s blood. The blood becomes dangerous to touch or use in any way. As the poisoned blood spreads, it changes the body. The victim’s fur, feathers, or skin begin to show a clear red tint. This red color means Palax is active in their system.

Early and progressing symptoms of Palax include:

Nausea and frequent vomiting

Unsteady movements, especially on the paws or feet

A sudden, unnatural surge of energy

Increasing aggression and loss of restraint

Gradual enlargement of the body, including muscle swelling and thickening of the hide

As the disease advances, the afflicted become increasingly feral, attacking allies and strangers alike.

There are three methods to cure Palax in different ways:

Divine Intervention (Zíno Ritual):

All the Divines must be invoked to use their zíno cleanse out the poison. Kin or beasts will have to cry out for aid from the Divines. If the Divines answer the kin or beast's body will lightly glow. They will feel the poison slowy seep out of them making a bit sick.

Nímari Healing:

 Nímari healers could possibly heal the kin when they come together. The healers have to perform it with unified hearts and intent. Because bringing Nímari healers together is rare for they tend to stay with Nímari.

Herbal Antidote (Aijory Decoction):

A rarer cure uses the Aijory her which grows hidden among prickly grasses. The herb must be carefully gathered, then mixed with star leaves and boiled in water to create an antidote. Although this method seems easier in truth it is not: the Nímari must first locate the elusive Aijory plants and harvest them safely.

The treatments are most effective in the earlier stages of the disease. Once the afflicted are fully feral, recovery is unlikely.

Palax progresses through six distinct stages:

Stage One: Unsteadiness on paws; mild disorientation.

Stage Two: Severe nausea and frequent vomiting.

Stage Three: Sudden bursts of unnatural energy; restlessness.

Stage Four: Noticeable bodily growth and swelling; muscles and bones strain.

Stage Five: Intense, constant pain; the afflicted become fully feral and uncontrollable.

Stage Six: Death, often seen as a welcome release from relentless agony.

Without treatment, Palax is almost always fatal.

Rare survivors of Palax may suffer long‑term consequences:

A weakened or distorted sense of self

Ongoing difficulty controlling their natural instincts

Episodes of feral behavior triggered by pain, fear, or strong emotions

Even after the poison is purged, the mind and spirit may remain scarred.

Palax primarily affects:

Beasts for they are the ones being targeted by the kin. Hunters and any Kin who butchers the meat for Rásen or Nímari Kin. Whoever eats the tinted beasts will suffer the illness.

The primary natural carrier of the Palax toxin is the kou siena herb. A poisonous plant found deep in the mountains or the deep in the forests.

Foragers can safely collect it only if they:

Wear thick leather gloves

Avoid direct contact with sap or pollen

Must wash their hands and tools afterward

Improper handling can lead to accidental poisoning.

Known preventive measures include:

Avoid touching or consuming any beast suspected of being tainted.

Safely destroy all contaminated prey and carcasses using leather gloves.

Burn the remains and wash hands, tools, and clothing after handling.

Discourage the use of kou siena in hunting or warfare.

Enforce strict hunting and butchering rules to reduce the toxin.

Palax spreads most often through:

Packs or groups of beasts sharing poisoned prey

Bites, scratches, or blood contact from infected beasts

Bad kin who deliberately pour the poison over prey to target beasts

Outbreaks are usually localized to hunting grounds or territories have tainted prey introduced.

Long ago, a castle was besieged by a vengeful beast pack. Desperate, the liege ordered their forces to poison the pack by tainting their prey with kou siena. The beasts died slowly and in terrible agony. Their suffering served as a brutal warning to other packs in the wilds. It was marked as first recorded use of Palax as a toxin. Since then, stories of the poisoned pack have spread through Rásen and Nímari.

Reactions to Palax and its use vary across cultures:

The burgs and castles kin resent any tampering with the beasts, whether for war or experimentation. They see it as a violation of the natural order and a threat to their own safety.

Rásen and Nímari Kumori and Yaiza are divided: some are indifferent, seeing the disease as just another danger of the wilds; others are wary and mistrustful of anyone who uses such poisons.

These differing views often lead to tension whenever an outbreak occurs.