Journal of Dr. Mahruk Ssyla, Golynn Scholar of Natural Sciences and Healing Arts

Today marks the first entry in our records regarding a peculiar illness affecting several members of our community. The initial symptoms present as generalized fatigue, mild fever, and an unusual shedding of scales. Given our people's natural resilience, these symptoms are concerning, albeit not yet alarming. We suspect environmental changes as a possible cause, though further investigation is required.

Observations:

• Patients exhibit fatigue and lethargy.
• Fever persists at moderate levels.
• Scale shedding is irregular but not yet severe.

Speculations:

• Could the transformation of Lothian's environment by the Ummanians' magic be introducing new pathogens?
• Is there a possibility that our immune systems are not fully acclimated to the verdant jungle now surrounding us?

Potential Treatments:

• Increased hydration and rest.
• Herbal remedies known to boost immunity and reduce fever.
• Observational isolation to prevent potential spread.

Entry 2:

Today, we administered our first comprehensive treatment regimen to a patient showing early signs of this plague. Patient 23, known henceforth here as Aryn, is a skilled glassworker, presented with moderate fever and early scale shedding. We have decided to combine our best herbal remedies with a newly developed alchemical solution designed to boost immunity and reduce inflammation.

Treatment Protocol:

• Herbal Infusion: A mixture of feverfew, goldenroot, and starflower, known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
• Alchemical Solution: A potion crafted from distilled storm-glass essence, believed to have regenerative qualities.

Observations:

• Day 1: Aryn's fever reduced significantly, and the rate of scale shedding appeared to slow. The patient reported feeling more comfortable and less fatigued.
• Day 2: Continued improvement in fever reduction. Aryn's appetite returned, and there was noticeable regrowth of healthy scales. Spirits were high, and we felt cautiously optimistic.

Entry 3:

Our optimism was short-lived. On the third day of treatment, Aryn began to exhibit new and alarming symptoms. Initially reporting vivid dreams, the patient soon transitioned into full-blown hallucinations, describing shadowy figures in hues of emerald and violet. This development was unforeseen and deeply troubling.

Observations:

• Day 3: Aryn's fever returned with increased intensity. Hallucinations began, featuring figures described as "haunting" and "malevolent."
• Day 4: The patient became paranoid, expressing fear of being watched and followed. Notably, Aryn began to scratch at their scales, attempting to remove them despite causing severe damage.

Entry 4:

The illness, now referred to as the Crimson Fever due to the reddish hue it imparts on the skin, has shown worrying signs of escalation. Several more individuals have presented with advanced symptoms, including severe fevers and hallucinations. The rapid progression of the disease suggests a highly virulent pathogen.

Observations:

• Hallucinations and fever dreams have been reported by patients.
• Increased instances of aggressive behavior during episodes.
• Rapid deterioration in overall health within a week of initial symptoms.

Speculations:

• The Ummanian transformation may have unearthed dormant pathogens in the sands.
• A possible extraplanar origin of the disease is being considered, given the nature of the environmental shift.

Potential Treatments:

• Stronger isolation protocols to contain the spread.
• Experimentation with various herbal and alchemical concoctions to alleviate symptoms.
• Consultation with Ummanian healers for potential magical interventions.

Personal Note

It is with a heavy heart that I record my own symptoms today. I find myself growing more fatigued with each passing day. The familiar fever has set in, and my scales have begun to shed. Despite my best efforts to remain optimistic, I cannot ignore the signs. The work must continue.

Entry 5:

Patient Aryn’s condition has rapidly deteriorated. The initial signs of improvement have been completely overturned. The hallucinations and paranoia intensified, leading to violent outbursts and self-harm. The fever remains unabated, and the scale shedding has accelerated. This alarming turn of events suggests that the Crimson Fever can mutate and adapt to counteract our treatments.

Observations:

• Day 11: Hallucinations became more vivid, with Aryn frequently speaking to unseen entities. The patient refused food and water, fearing they were poisoned.
• Day 12: Self-inflicted wounds from scratching and scale removal have become severe. Aryn's physical and mental state is rapidly declining.
• Day 13: Complete breakdown in cognitive functions. The patient exhibits uncontrollable aggression and profound delirium.

Speculations:

• The rapid mutation and evolution of the disease suggest an adaptive mechanism beyond natural pathogens.
• The hallucinations and paranoia may indicate a neurological attack vector, possibly influenced by the disease's intelligence or a malevolent force.

Conclusion and Recommendations:

• This case highlights the insidious nature of Crimson Fever and its ability to thwart medical interventions.
• Future treatments must account for the disease's rapid adaptability and potential for severe neurological impact.
• Compassionate euthanasia recommended for patient Aryn
• Corpse to be burned, condolences to be sent to patient’s family.

Entry 6:

Crimson Fever continues its relentless advance. The death toll is rising, and the disease exhibits a disturbing adaptability. Treatments that showed initial promise have quickly lost efficacy, as if the illness itself were evolving. Fear and despair are spreading among our people faster than we can combat the affliction.

Observations:

• Increased mortality rate; 30% of those infected succumb within days.
• Symptoms now include severe internal hemorrhaging and loss of cognitive function.
• Disease appears to adapt rapidly to treatments, nullifying their effects.

Entry 7:

Our situation has grown dire. Over half of our population now shows signs of infection. The disease's rapid evolution and the breakdown of our social structure have made coordinated efforts nearly impossible. Panic is widespread, and our hope diminishes with each passing day.

Observations:

• Widespread infection; over 50% of the Golynn show symptoms.
• Cognitive decline and aggressive outbursts have led to social unrest.
• Rapid mutation of the pathogen continues unabated, thwarting all medical and magical interventions.

Speculations:

• The intelligence of the disease cannot be overlooked; it adapts too swiftly for a simple pathogen.
• Could there be an unseen force or entity driving this plague? The thought is terrifying, perhaps merely a fever dream brought on by the progression of my own illness. Nevertheless, I can’t help consider.

Potential Treatments:

• All known remedies have failed. We are now resorting to palliative care to ease suffering.
• Exploration of forbidden magics as a last resort.
• Preparation for the worst-case scenario: the possible extinction of our people.

Personal Note:

The fever dreams have started. In my restless sleep, I see visions of figures in emerald and violet, lurking in the shadows of my mind. They whisper unintelligible things, and I wake with a sense of dread. My cognitive functions are beginning to wane; I struggle to focus on my research.

Entry 8:

The Crimson Fever has ravaged our community beyond repair. Survivors are few, and we have retreated deep into our ancient burrows, hoping to outlast the plague. The Ummanians remain untouched, which only heightens our suspicion of an extra-planar origin. Still, the Ummanians have stood beside us, and despite the ravings of my sick kin we must not blame them for this. How could we or they have known. The true nature of this plague may never be known, but I do not believe it is not a mere consequence of Ummanian arrival. If this is indeed an intelligent entity or creation, our plight may serve as a grim warning for the future.

Final Thoughts:

The figures in my dreams have become more vivid. They no longer haunt just my sleep but appear in the shadows during my waking hours. Their presence is terrifying, and I can feel my sanity slipping away. But I am not alone, I have reviewed the notes of my colleagues and some of them too saw the loathsome emerald and violet beings that taunt our minds in our final days. I have come to believe that the disease is not merely a pathogen but something far more sinister, perhaps intelligent in its cruelty.

I leave behind these records in hopes that future generations may learn from our suffering. May the memory of the Lothian and our struggle endure, and may those who come after us find the answers we could not.

Dr. Mahruk Ssyla