Fleshstone

Fleshstones are a type of rock that can be found in damp areas with traces of iron and bio organic matter. As such they can usually be found in the soil beneath graveyards that have existed for more than 50 years.
=== Appearance ===
Fleshstones get their namesake from their flesh-like appearance which shows itself once a geode of the stuff has been cracked open. Morticians describe the goo inside as "a human-like sludge of organs and gore". It is currently unknown what gives the fleshstone this property. 
=== Infection ===
The only major threat fleshstones pose is the significant chance of infection which individuals in close proximity to the stones may encounter. It is generally believed that the larger the cluster or gathering of fleshstones are the more potent are the effects of the stone.
Recorded side effects of infection include but are not limited to;
* Smelling iron in the air
* Bloodshot eyes
* Hallucinations
* Insanity
* Death (Persumed self inflicted)
==== Early infection ====
The early stages of fleshstone infestation in creatures are described as mild at best- Individuals usually record that they often smell iron or a strong potent rustic odor in the air almost as if; "[...] it smells like heavy rain is about to roll in, even inside or almost as if the blacksmith wetted a cold rusted tool (farmer) brought over to get fixed up. As if he held it right under my nose and asked me to take a whiff of the pungent odor that it emits". 
It is also at this stage where individuals under the affliction start to develop bloodshot eyes. These will be a reoccurring symptom which grows in strength in the later stages of infection.
==== Infected ====
Individuals begin to develop hallucinations that even under the affects of anti-hallucinogenics persist. Individuals report being able to see their ancestors; "[...] they're covered in bloodsoaked rags, one of the men, the one standing right behind you, is holding his arm stretched out in a manner so his palm is face up- his hands are currently balled into fists. He's otherwise dressed in ordinary street clothes but does bear a half-cloak across his shoulder. It does however look like it isn't properly attached to his clothes"
==== Late infection ====
During the late stages of infection individuals may grow aggressive and unreasonable, in some cases, at this stage a fungi-like substance may begin to ooze from the pores of individuals suffering from the affliction. While most individuals at this stage differ greatly in how they react it is fairly common to hear individuals muttering about certain gestures, this is believed to be in relation to the hallucinations described in earlier stages of the affliction. "[...] i no longer see their faces doctor... the man once behind you now sits in your chair, his palms... oh gods his palm, his palm is pointing down and outstretched. I am a meager failure compare to them..." The interviewee begins to sob "... is there not a greater shame? his palm... there isn't anything i can do... let me remedy it..." The interviewee leaves the room and does not return
The body recovered in this particular case had gnawing around the arteries closest to the hand. While this is appears in several cases it is also known that individuals may gnaw at their ankles, thighs and biceps. For areas that afflicted individuals may want to cause harm to that they cannot reach they may use implements such as knives, spears and in some rarer cases shortswords.
There is currently no known individuals that have recovered from the late stages of infection
Category:Diseases
Category:Flora
Category:Item