The Nifir

Overview

The Nifir was an unknown disease that plagued the Asgarthan population for nearly three-quarters of a century. It spread across the Peninsula in relentless epidemic waves before being eradicated through the discovery of Mushs’ unique properties.

Origin

The Nifir was brought back from the salt mines of the island of Suspira. The disease spread like an ink stain across the rest of the Peninsula.

Impact on Asgartha

Arkaster

Arkaster, due to its high population density, was hit particularly hard by the Nifir. This led to frequent quarantines in an effort to contain its spread.

Epidemic Waves

Unfortunately, despite all precautions, the plague came and went in relentless epidemic waves:

• First Outbreak (148-149 AC): The initial epidemic devastated the population. Terrified survivors ordered quarantines to cope with the scourge. The dead numbered in the tens of thousands, with corpses littering the streets for days.
• Second Outbreak (186-189 AC): A second major outbreak struck, with an equally heavy toll.

Discovery of the Cure

Themba Hekekia

Themba Hekekia was a botanist specializing in the study of rare plants. He followed in the footsteps of his father, who was also a naturalist. When his father died from the Nifir, Hekekia vowed to find a cure for this affliction.

The Mushs

Hekekia stumbled upon the cure almost by accident when he began studying the Mushs, a family of mushrooms that have the unique characteristic of being sentient. Over time, these conscious mushrooms accepted Hekekia into their forest or underground colonies, allowing him to study their ecosystems and various “customs.”

The Breakthrough

He was astonished to discover that Mushs had the ability to filter Mana from the environment and living beings, transforming unstable Mana into appeased Mana by passing it through their bodies. This discovery was crucial in curing the Nifir.

Eradication

Distribution

Numerous mush spores were sent to all corners of the Peninsula, and over time, they grew into adult Mushs. These, using their mycelium, could extract unstable Mana and offer purified Mana in return.

Success

Within a few years, thanks to this fortuitous discovery, the Nifir was eradicated from Asgartha.