Post by dmsam on Feb 21, 2016 12:43:41 GMT
Hey guys, here's another thought on diseases in D&D.
I've always found it strange that diseases in D&D are healed just like injuries, especially when the disease involves a pathogenic creature (red salaad tadpole, fungi). Somehow when a creature is healed, the pathogen inside them magically gets "healed to death" and the disease goes away.
It might add a layer of realism if instead of being cured of the disease, spells such as lesser restoration has a chance of putting the disease into an asymptomatic stage, or latent stage. The creature will feel fine, no longer has the "diseased" condition, until something stresses their body (exhaustion, injury, emotional stress), at which point the pathogen reactivates.
To be cured, the infected creature can either develop the appropriate antibodies to kill the pathogen (a con save), or it can ingest (or be infused) the appropriate antimicrobial therapy, both of which kills the pathogen.
Better yet, why not have a character who is proficient in medicine give surgery a go? Cut the tadpole right out.
Of course, this would mean the DM would have to know some medical knowledge to make things fly. What do you guys think?
I've always found it strange that diseases in D&D are healed just like injuries, especially when the disease involves a pathogenic creature (red salaad tadpole, fungi). Somehow when a creature is healed, the pathogen inside them magically gets "healed to death" and the disease goes away.
It might add a layer of realism if instead of being cured of the disease, spells such as lesser restoration has a chance of putting the disease into an asymptomatic stage, or latent stage. The creature will feel fine, no longer has the "diseased" condition, until something stresses their body (exhaustion, injury, emotional stress), at which point the pathogen reactivates.
To be cured, the infected creature can either develop the appropriate antibodies to kill the pathogen (a con save), or it can ingest (or be infused) the appropriate antimicrobial therapy, both of which kills the pathogen.
Better yet, why not have a character who is proficient in medicine give surgery a go? Cut the tadpole right out.
Of course, this would mean the DM would have to know some medical knowledge to make things fly. What do you guys think?
