Necrocaulis

(NEEDS UPDATE)

Necrocaulis (Corpse Stalk), AKA Petunia Fever

Necrocaulis is a sinister hive-mind organism characterized by large, brittle black stems that grow and spread like lichen, occasionally blooming with small, five-petaled black flowers. It creeps silently through the ground and via contact with the lower body, entwining its victims into the collective will of the Swarm. Necrocaulis is attracted to dead trunks or rotting plant-life, and has a mutually beneficial relationship with Chirruks and other scavengers, who aid in its spread while feeding on decaying material. Some Fels believe Necrocaulis was a punishment from Ephron itself - retribution for their existence.

Necrocaulis infection - known by the common folk as Petunia Fever - is a chronic, often fatal condition with no known cure. It incites aggression and violence among infected creatures, and spreads most commonly through bites, claw marks, or repeated physical contact with infected paws or the plant itself. Symptoms include elevated body temperature, hallucinations, psychosis, uncontrollable rage, loss of empathy, chronic joint pain, inflammation, light sensitivity, and seizures. Infected creatures often develop a bloodlust and a weakened sense of moral judgment. The condition can lie dormant or accelerate rapidly depending on the host’s resistance, environment, and exposure. This sinister hive-mind organism is most active and spreads aggressively in the warmth of Solstice and Susurrous.

There did develop some slang from this illness: Someone "blooming black" typically refers to when their temper flashes into irrational, violent rage or when a friendly argument suddenly turns dangerous.