Forgotten Realms Wiki
Advertisement
Forgotten Realms Wiki

Sewer plague was a colloquial term for common diseases frequently encountered in sewers, swamps, dumps, stagnant waters, and other filthy or fetid places.[1] This included magical variants that arose from alchemical waste or spoiled potions which had been dumped into such foul locations.[2]

Acquisition[]

Because "sewer plague" was a general term, it did not necessarily refer to diseases with a single vector of infection. Some sewer plagues were spread by bites from sewer-dwelling creatures such as rats, otyughs, or the undead.[1][3] In other cases, mere exposure to contaminated offal, open sewage, or other waste for at least one minute was sufficient to risk infection.[1][4] Individuals who were injured had a much greater risk of contracting sewer plagues while in contaminated environments.[5]

An individual exposed to and infected with a sewer plague would begin showing symptoms within four days.[1][5]

Effects[]

Humanoid sufferers of sewer plagues generally experienced cramping and fatigue, which could progress into extreme exhaustion, interference with the body's natural rest and recovery processes, and ultimately even death.[1][2][5]

Treatment[]

Healthy individuals could fight off the disease naturally,[1][5] with a few days' rest and recuperation being useful.[2]

History[]

As of the late 15th century DR, sewer plagues were notable in the sewers of Waterdeep[4] and the sewers of Mulmaster.[5]

Appendix[]

See Also[]

Appearances[]

References[]

Advertisement