Hagblight

A byproduct of the dark, primal ritual magic of the Hag Covens practice imprints the very magic of nature with a malicious will. This malign presence can infect most users of nature magic, and prolonged exposure typically manifests in paranoia, irrational aggression, or simply hopeless despondency. Those affected may also hear echoes of hag voices chanting or cursing during rituals.   Hagblight is a pollution of the flow of magic; its strength can vary and pool in sites of particularly gruesome or powerful hag rites. In areas where Hagblight is particularly strong, it can manifest even in those who are not attuned to nature magic; for example, local wildlife can become aggressive or violent, plants grow crooked or leak foul substances. Magical beasts and plants are more likely to be affected.   Hagblight affects different races to different degrees. Humans are normally not even aware of the phenomenon, but those who work with nature magic, such as druids often find themselves with no defense against it. It's thought that many of the strange magical beasts that prowl the jungle are actually human druids twisted by the Hagblight. Elves are also affected, but can often withstand it for decades or centuries. Pithlings and Hagspawn can sense strong sources of Hagblight but are incredibly resistant to its effects on their minds. Lizardfolk's minds work differently enough that they are not able to detect the phenomenon at all unless it is strong enough to manifest physically and they are completely immune to its mind-altering effects. The effects of the Hagblight can also me stronger in the Umbral Mists.   Hagblight can be used as merely a background roleplaying element, or certain events (like casting spells or attempting to rest in areas saturated with Hagblight) may cause the DM to make use of the Madness tables in the Dungeon Master's Guide.