Redshade Affliction

Transmitted primarily through blood, the Redshade Affliction is a disease that can infect an individual from both humanoid and animal blood. Capable of lasting for a relatively lengthy period of time before the immune system eventually destroys it, it can infect even in the short periods leading up to visible symptoms. However, it is most commonly acquired during the frenzy exhibited by those who are infected, often causing minor wounds in those around them, and drops of blood from their red sores.

Most often acquired through the consumption of undercooked meat, this disease can exist in a variety of different animal species as an invisible carrier until it reaches a sentient host. Once in a suitable host, it begins the process of separating the sentient creature's mind into two or, rarely, more pieces as the infection grows. It should be noted that the Redshade Affliction appears to prefer cold climates and has been the cause of many an isolated cabin or snowbound community falling victim to madness as the infection spreads.

Those infected by the Redshade Affliction will generally experience two primary ways in which their symptoms will manifest. The first is shown through their behavior. As the Redshade bacteria reach the brain, they will cause the two halves of the brain to lose communication with each other by turning off the essential neurological paths that allow both to talk. As both sides of the brain begin to separate, a personality schism will occur as each half claims to be the original.   This separation of self will then manifest as a separation of limbs, voice, and facial control as both sides war with each other for complete control of the body. This will then further manifest into more physical symptoms, where each side of the body will begin to take on a different, sickly appearance. On one side, there will be red leaking sores while the other side will manifest blue bruises.   The reasoning for these two different physical symptoms is that the immune system is attacking both sides of the body in somewhat different ways while also working to eraditcate l the rampaging disease. This is because the separation of self is so fierce that each brain considers the other side to be infected with the disease and will work to erase the other.   This combination of symptoms can often cause the disease's victims to go into a frenzy as both sides of their body try to win the fight with the expected mixed results.

Treatment can vary, but tends to be most successful by treating both sides of the disease. Medications or remedies that can ease dysphoria and clear the mind have been shown to be relatively effective, provided the victim has been reasonably calmed down. Having conversations with experienced professionals has also been shown to be effective as both sides of the mind reintegrate over time, therefore reducing the victim's overall duration of symptoms and reducing any future trauma.   Should neither be feasible, or the victim is too aggressive with themselves, then strapping them down onto a comfortable bed has been considered an appropriate last option, as it prevents bodily harm as the disease progresses and is eventually eradicated from their body.

Considered a short, if traumatic, illness, most individuals are expected to recover from the Redshade Affliction with only minor issues. The most common one being complaints of stiff joints and muscles. However, some extreme cases have been known to create a permanent separation of the victim's mind, who are then forced to work together to their mutual chagrin.

Consequences for the Redshade Affliction include a possible sense of body dysphoria and depression due to the loss of one personality in favor of the other. While there are only minor physical issues, these mental health issues can grow over time if they are not handled appropriately.

Prevention of the Redshade Affliction is primarily performed during the initial cooking of meat. By cooking meat thoroughly, the disease can be completely killed off and no infection occurs. After infection, however, the only way to stay safe is to utilize appropriate long-sleeved clothes and gloves when handling the infection to prevent injury and blood entering into wounds.

Because many communities may be surprised by the sudden appearance of the disease and its ability to cause disorder, precautions against infection may not occur, in favor of managing the chaos, which can result in the disease racing through a single settlement with great speed. Urban cities, however, may be more aware of the infection, due to the disease's unique features, and can take more appropriate measures when dealing with it.

Unknown and terrifying, the Redshade Affliction can leave a lot of confusion and terror in its wake, with recovered victims rarely being trusted again after they are cured due to fear that they may burst into a frenzy once more. This is especially true for those who maintain their split personalities.