An unknown plague with no identifiable cause or name was spreading rapidly through Bestia.

Those infected suffered from severe fevers, and their skin turned a blackish hue.

The disease spread quickly, and its mortality rate was high—some people died within just a day of showing symptoms.

Crow doctors—beastfolk with masks—could be seen frequently entering and leaving houses, but to no avail.

It was impossible to cure a disease when the cause was unknown.

The only silver lining was that magical healing and priestly blessings could suppress the disease, though even that merely delayed the inevitable. Full recovery was impossible, and …