Mivernitis

Mivernitis is an affliction born of the Iron Root. Those suffering from it are called Mivernites.
While the plant itself is harmless, if it pierces the skin of a living being, it is known to begin to feed off the iron found it its bloodstream. From here it can develop into three separate severities. The worst form, called Iron Heart can eventually grow into the organs and brain of the victim. Most die of the pain or trauma, but some survive and are turned into Mivernites, named so after the first person known to suffer the affliction: Miverna Bloodeyes.
Mivernitis, much like Vampirism, are part of the Sanguine Hunger family of afflictions and Mivernites will have an insatiable hunger for blood.
Scholars are unsure whether this hunger stems from the iron depletion of the victim, or whether the Iron Root influences the mental state of the victim directly.
Mivernites come in two forms; the Subtle Mivernitis and Agressive Mivernitis.
=== Subtle Mivernitis ===
In the subtle form, Mivernites look much like other victims of less severe Iron Root infection. They may have perpetual flowers blooming from their skin or thin roots carving intricate and visible patterns just under their skin. Victims of this kind may even remain undetected, able to temporarily suppress or conceal their hunger for blood, only to strike when no witnesses are there to see the murder.
In this way, subtle mivernites most closely resemble Vampires in their behaviour.
=== Agressive Mivernitis ===
In the aggressive form, Mivernitis grows violently out of the victim. Roots cover skin, organs get replaced, bones are broken and rearranged. This process takes place over many years and never truly stops. The victim is turned into a mindless and aggressive monster.
Early forms may appear vaguely humanoid with various growths sprouting from them, giving them physical abilities above their healthy counterparts. 
Later forms may be completely monstrous. Huge towering amalgamations of root, wood, flesh, and thorns.
In either case, aggressive mivernites attack almost anything, from animals to people on site. This way they are often discovered and killed early on. However, a scratch or a bite of an aggressive mivernite can deposit Iron Root fragments in the body of their victim, potentially spreading the affliction furter.
Category:Sanguine Hunger
Category:Diseases