Outbreaks: Oð 629-631 HK.

With very few exceptions, the Shedding Plague is one of the most lethal diseases found in the Old Empire. Reports of the plague reach back into antiquity. The disease is a fungal infection. Airborne fungus spores bury themselves into soft tissue and form small fungal masses. The fungi then send out subcutaneous cirrhi throughout the layer, which produce “heavy spores”. The spores are parasitic, stealing nutrients from their surroundings and leaving hideous black splotches of necrotic flesh. When the area dies the fungal masses release thousands of “light spores”. When enough skin or muscle has died it grows weak, tears, and begins sloughing-off. This shedding action is where the disease gets its name. Separated flesh is covered in boluses of “light spores” which are released into the air.

The most famous victims of a Shedding Plague were King Ædrā II of Oð and his family in 629 HK.