Magical Disease

Level: 8

Attack: +18

Fortitude DC: 24

Onset: 1 day

Symptoms: The victim’s skin begins to crack and dry out, turning ashen and flaky. The disease progresses until the afflicted resembles a statue made of cracked stone, their flesh crumbling away piece by piece.

• Stage 1: The afflicted’s skin becomes dry and itchy, with small cracks appearing. They suffer a -1 status penalty to Reflex saves and are more vulnerable to fire, gaining weakness 3 to fire damage. (1 day)

• Stage 2: The cracks worsen, and the afflicted’s skin becomes brittle. They take 1d6 slashing damage whenever they critically fail a Reflex save. Their Dexterity modifier is reduced by 2 as their joints stiffen. (1 day)

• Stage 3: The afflicted’s body turns almost entirely to stone. They gain resistance 5 to physical damage (except bludgeoning), but also suffer a -5-foot penalty to their Speed. They become clumsy 2 and have a 50% chance to lose any action that requires fine motor skills, such as picking a lock or using a delicate tool. (1 day)

Cure: 3 consecutive saves; a stone to flesh spell (7th-level) can also cure the disease, but the target must still succeed at a DC 24 Fortitude save to fully recover without lingering effects.

Special: Ashen Blight is said to have originated in volcanic regions or areas tainted by elemental earth. Some believe it was a punishment inflicted on those who defied the elemental lords.