Plague of the 6th Century

The Plague of the 6th Century is a deadly pandemic that was recorded in Arlecian history. Despite it not affecting the South-East region as much as others, it was still devastating to the population in many ways. It lasted a total of 3 years in the region from **611PR** to **613PR**.

## Previous Plague Epidemic

*See: Plague of the 5th Century*

The Plague of the 5th Century began in **501PR**, spreading the Hilan Plague throughout the region, beginning in Ilaka. It is unknown how the initial outbreak occurred, but after Ilaka it spread to Gonarundu, the Nirvan Republic, Uhek, Hashin, Tamwull and Trosstin. Unlike the 6th century plague, it was kept mostly within the South-Eastern region.

The plague itself killed around 5-6 million people, with Hashin being hit the worst, some settlements losing up to 50% of their population. The economic disaster that came after was turned around by the help of capable leaders, ensuring that their nations remained somewhat stable.

## Pandemic

### Causes

The cause of the outbreak spreading to South-East Arlec is relatively unknown, but the cause in Arlec itself was when scholars discovered an old relic underground. Oblivious when they opened it an old disease similar to the Hilan Plague infected the individuals, who proceeded to spread it when they returned to civilization. By **610PR** most of the region was infected, spreading to South-East Arlec in **611PR**, likely from traders.

When an individual infected with the modern Hilan Plague contracted the new virus, it evolved into something worse, taking on more magical properties than before.

### Transmission

Transmission of the plague was rapid, spreading through the growing trade routes of all nations. Trosstin and Aren were able to block off their borders like last time and Vosqis remained unaffected due to their self-isolation.

Transmission through individuals was caused by touch, or close proximity lasting only a few moments. Thankfully, due to their experience with the last plague, directions were easy to order, enforcing them often through force. This kept transmission relatively low, except in places with high populations, such as a dock or an inn.

### Signs and Symptoms

The most well-known and visible symptom of the Hilan Plague are the black veins of the individuals, the new mutated version was still the same. Other symptoms however included:

* Avascular necrosis
* Black Iris’
* Chills
* Coughing
* High Fever
* Necrosis of the fingers and limbs
* Seizures
* Vomiting Blood

The necrosis infects and spreads quickly, causing an excruciating death for the victim, as their bones and limbs lose their blood supply and begin to die. It was common for infected to commit suicide before they eventually sucumbed to the virus itself.

### Prevention

Taking notes from the previous pandemics, most nations and areas called for a total lockdown of their citizens, monitoring the movement of the people that were still out. Deaths outside of the virus can be attributed to the guard enforcement of the directions, quelling some protests that arose during the time.

Production of skin-covering clothes jumped up 400% and eventually became the fashion of almost every nation for the next two decades. For hotter regions a loose material was used in order to allow the clothing to breath.

## Consequences

### Deaths

While the transmission rate was a lot lower than the previous pandemic, the percentage of death was much higher. In total around 3 million people died, spread across different nations and areas.

Unlike before, no single nation was affected by the virus more heavily than others. Some cities and towns were hit bad however, with some single settlements losing a total of 70% of their people.

### Economic

Trade during the plague stopped almost completely. Only merchants who could prove they could keep with the directions were allowed through, while others were too vital in order to block. As a result, some merchants sometimes increased their prices, but regulatory bodies made sure to block this. Still, the price gouging persisted in more lawless areas.

Following before, places like Gonarundu, the Nirvan Republic and Tamwull were able to bounce back immediately, boosting their prosperity with targeted legislation. No nations were thankfully struggling during this time, slowly returning to their economic status that they held before.

### Social

For individuals that survived the new plague, they were often scarred for life. Many were losing fingers and bone deformation. Seizing the opportunity, a lot of different religions decided to spread their faith, gaining a large number of members and influence.

In other factors, the plague didn’t affect social life that much, with people returning to their normal lives the first chance they got. Even the Asseron Games were able to return in **614PR**.