PATHOLOGY
From observing the progression of several dragons’ assimilation into the Hollow, Nuishe has described Blight infection as progressing in stages. If a dragon has recently been in the vicinity of Sporefall Hollow, the appearance of Stage 2 symptoms should be treated as potential Blight infection.
WARNING: once a dragon reaches Stage 3 and beyond, they will not be aware that anything is wrong with them. Late-stage dragons do not know they are sick, and will not believe anyone who tells them so.
Stage 1
Initial Infection
Some time after a dragon inhales airborne Blight spores in or around Sporefall Hollow, the spores will begin to germinate in their lungs. The hyphae are small enough to grow between the dragon’s cells, and they burrow through the lungs, growing toward the dragon’s dorsal side.*Initial Infection
A wet cough will develop as the dragon’s lungs react to the presence of solid particles. The coughing does not ordinarily produce blood.
* Dragons can also be infected by contacting Blight material with an open wound, or, rarely, by ingestion of Blight material. Inhalation is, however, the most common route of infection.
Stage 2
Rapid Growth
The hyphae reach the dragon’s spinal column and begin to travel up the dragon’s central nervous system. The fungus draws extra nutrients from the dragon’s tissues to accelerate its own growth.Rapid Growth
The dragon will become lethargic, and often dizzy. They will be easily dehydrated, and may eventually appear malnourished even with a normal diet. They will experience loss of fine motor skills, may twitch or tremble uncontrollably, and may not be able to stand up straight.
Stage 3
Total Control
The fungus reaches the dragon’s brain. It is not known exactly how the Blight can communicate with and control the brain, especially without the dragon becoming aware that something is wrong.Total Control
At the beginning of Stage 3, the dragon will report an unusually painful headache and a low-grade fever. As time passes, they may experience delirium and/or hallucinations, and will likely lapse into a coma. Unconscious dragons will appear “dormant,” exhibiting bradycardia and appearing to stop breathing.
Stage 4
Contagious
The fungus has completely colonized the dragon’s body, and its own fruiting bodies begin to appear on the dragon. At this point, the dragon is a vector for the disease, as it is now producing spores. Growth of fruiting bodies will likely begin while the dragon is still unconscious from Stage 3. Once Stage 4 has been reached, the dragon will remain contagious.Contagious
Mushrooms, puffballs, brackets, mildew, etc., will grow from the dragon. They may sprout from gaps in scales, coat the undersides of the wings, appear in mucous membranes, and even form in cavities inside the dragon’s body. A dry cough may be reported occasionally, which will now produce infectious spores.
Stage 5
Blighted
The fungus is in complete control of the dragon’s entire nervous system. They wake from their coma with all adverse symptoms gone. Their personality is essentially the same as before they were infected, with some subtle differences.Blighted
At this point, the dragon will now take on a new name, if they had a different one before. They may not remember where they came from, and may assume they have lived their whole life in Sporefall Hollow. They may be used as “puppets,” but will not remember these episodes.
When a dragon who does not remember their previous life is pressed about their loved ones, they may speak about a “protector” or “parent” whom they love dearly, but whose name, location, and identity is unclear or vague. See the BEHAVIOR section below for further information concerning Blighted dragon behavior, as well as the phenomenon of “Blight puppets.”