Regression Disease
Regression Disease is an extremely rare fungus that finds itself most at home in the humanoid lungs and brain. Regression Disease spores can usually be found in damp, dark places, usually in the subterranean, but they do not grow quickly there compared to while they are in a body. Once inhaled, Regression Disease spores plant themselves in the lungs. Periodically, small amounts of the spores are released, both in the bloodstream until they end up in the brain, and in the carbon dioxide that is released when the host exhales. Anyone in close contact with the host, close enough to breathe moderate amounts of the air the host exhales, usually requiring close contact for at least four hours, can also be afflicted with Regression Disease.
Regression Disease has been shown to be extremely resilient to magic. “Remove Disease” or similar magic only gives the host a +2 on his next saving throw against the disease. A DC 20 heal check identifies the disease, and either a DC 25 heal check or a DC 20 herbalist check reveals that there is a rare mushroom that, when consumed, immediately cures the host of Regression Disease. This could make an excellent side quest for a group of adventurers, if a close friend was afflicted with the disease and the group needed to venture to a dangerous location to get the curative mushroom.
People are infected with Regression Disease through inhalation, either through the raw spores or through spores exhaled by an already infected person (see above.) The DC is 22 and in incubation period is one week. The damage is 1d4 wisdom and intelligence damage. In addition, whenever the host takes this damage, roll 2d10. The host forgets a percentage of his remaining memories equal to the result of the roll, with the most recent memories going first. If the host fights off Regression Disease, his memories do not return. However, if he receives a “Restoration” spell, his memories immediate return.
If either the host’s wisdom or intelligence score falls below zero, he becomes effectively brain dead. He no longer makes saving throws, and is assumed to fail all saves to fight off Regression Disease from then on. However, if he receives the curative mushroom, he can recover. If both his intelligence and wisdom reach zero, the host dies. The spores then begin to spread, and in 1d3 days the body has become completely overrun with spores, infecting anyone who breathes near the body. It is not wise to burn the body, as the spores can survive very high temperatures, and may simply be spread by the fire.