Murky Paths

As winter casts its shadow over Nisalvini, so too does the shadow of its mysterious plague deepen. Dubbed the Ash Fever for its 'burning out' of victims, it takes more and more Nisalvas and Nisalvers into its grip - and now it has also begun to take fatalities.

The first deaths were a couple of the elderly, one child and one brave local healer, all of them light elf natives. In their wake, the island grimly braces itself for more. Those attempting to control the disease work feverishly. They have tentatively confirmed that the black thorns appear to be a cause or factor and consolidated its symptoms - described as a progression from fever through heavy fatigue to coma and now, possibly death. Help from the Circle of the Wreath has been sought. They continue to toil doggedly towards a still murky solution.

The mood among the functioning part of Nisalvini is tense. Locals try to keep their hopes strong, but all the same those with relatives or willing friends elsewhere make plans to leave. As if to compound the atmosphere, news has surfaced of Adjudicator Sofia's taking ill with a fever. Despite her office's denial, whispers and worry fly.

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Features: Grimness at the news, family/friends/neighbours preparing to leave, rise of folk remedies in the absence of clear prevention advice, healers working feverishly