ON THE PLAGUED HAESENI
As reported to the Ducal Court, Doctor Daniel of the Danielson medical and mercenary company.
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In the first days of the past year, troubling news was reported to the Ducal throne of deadly sickness among fellow Highlanders. By Godric’s just command, the doctor Daniel and his assistant, Ralph were dispatched at the first snows, 1742 in an attempt to understand this epidemic. In deep cover, his loyal subjects discovered grave news on the subject; this understanding having been recounted the eve of 1743 to the Ducal court, and recorded for public enlightenment.
By the report of Dr. Daniel, the disease has been traced to have begun in the city of New Reza, Haense. Beginning first among local rye-farmers, it is noted to have quickly spread to the city center, from which outward trade spread it as far as the Ruberni crossroads within a fortnight. Its rapid spread in Haense is theorized to have been caused by a variety of factors, among them naturally inferior physique and a disturbing lack in both faith and willpower. Not only this, but the act of cramming every man, woman and child within the city’s square at the first mention of danger gave birth to its numerous hosts, and with the city under siege, who knows the lengths at which this sickness has developed? Among its victims, the most commonplace symptoms include a wracking cough, severe hallucinations, a sudden failure of the limbs, loss of actual speech and devolving to a grunting beast. Men who succumb to it are even open to consuming dirt, happily doing so once suggested. As such, it has been deemed by the nation’s foremost physicians as a plague of the utmost severity.
To combat this virus, known herein as the MARIAN PLAGUE, a national prescription has been issued by the Ducal Court; Ashwood and incense burnt twice daily before one’s doorstep to keep away Marian humours; three measures of lungwort weekly, to protect against the cough of Haeseni peasantry; one measure crushed rye seeds, combatting the illness’ origin; two measures macerated oak bark, fortifying the body against black biles; one measure animal fat to be taken with each meal, solidifying the body’s blood; and one cup Serpent’s Stalk tea fortnightly, cooling the body and reducing yellow bile. Under no circumstances should the infected areas be approached without proper preparation. At the least, one should cover their nose and mouth with a thick cloth, ideally dipped in a fragrant substance.
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Writ en Namen De
-Godric