Death Rot
Death Rot is the modern term for a series of diseases gained from handling dead bodies. It is common among crypts and graves. Variants known historically as Mummy rot and Ghoul death were names due to exposure to certain undead. It was historically believed to be caused by undeath itself instead of the undead just being a carrier for dangerous necrotizing bacteria.
Undead do a good job of spreading this deadly family of disease, while others catch it as grave robbers or when handling the dead. Grave Robbing tends to be a disliked profession, so most will go out of their way to concoct a story of encountering undead instead of admitting to their profession.
Undead do a good job of spreading this deadly family of disease, while others catch it as grave robbers or when handling the dead. Grave Robbing tends to be a disliked profession, so most will go out of their way to concoct a story of encountering undead instead of admitting to their profession.
Transmission & Vectors
Contact with aerosolized or contact forms of bacteria that work to break down flesh. While fleshy undead can do this quite well, the contact with any dead body infected is a potential vector for contamination. Contact with infected skin of a living host can also transmit the disease. It can last a day or so on lightly cured leathers or fabrics, which is a concern within a household. Most sentient species can be affected, as can many livestock animals.
Treatment
Prevention is preferred, so burning or interring the dead in crypts or mausoleums, these are then maintained with holy hallowing magic to prevent undeath. While technically this doesn't prevent Death Rot bacteria from forming, it can prevent it from spreading. Maintaining clean mausoleums also helps significantly.
Once contracted, isolation is first order of opertations. Secondarily clothing and bedding in contact with the infected is usually burned. Clerics are called to purify the infected skin and prevent further spread of infection.
Once contracted, isolation is first order of opertations. Secondarily clothing and bedding in contact with the infected is usually burned. Clerics are called to purify the infected skin and prevent further spread of infection.
Cultural Reception
Many stories exist around grave robbers or undead spreading magic disease. Death Rot is considered a form of death perpetuated intentionally by necromancers. This superstition prevails even though necromancers just find it a handy byproduct of some undead created with their craft. The story of Zombie Lord, The Red Eyed Death, is a common child tale. It has the benefit of explaining the symptoms of skin scarring and red-green lesions that can help people identify the tell-tale signs of the disease.
Type
Bacterial
Origin
Natural
Cycle
Chronic, Acquired
Rarity
Uncommon
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