Cryptococcus Metaformans

Source book: Bullets & Bandages

Vector: Contact (Astral) Speed: 1 month (6) Penetration: 0 Power: 3 Nature: Fungal (Awakened) Effects: Aural wasting (see description), Nausea

Cryptococcus metaformans is a rare Awakened fungus that contaminates Astral environments and has been known to cause opportunistic infections in astrally active beings. The resultant disease is characterized by malaise, failure to thrive, and chronic astral wasting, which weakens the victim’s aura over the course of months and can lead to death if left untreated. Any character that uses Astral Projection or Perception in a contaminated area is at risk. If infected the character’s Essence is temporarily reduced by the power of the disease (with accompanying reduction in Magic as appropriate). If properly treated (usually through the use of a Cure spell) the victim recovers 1 point of Essence every 24 hours until they return to their baseline. However, if at any time the character’s Essence is reduced to zero, the patient is incapacitated by the illness. If they do not receive some form of healing or stabilization within twelve hours of falling unconscious, they die.