Eltare’s Malaise

Eltare’s malaise can be contracted by breathing in spores or being bitten by a spore thrall. An infected creature is lethargic, prone to oversleeping, and rapidly loses cognitive function. Many recover fully, but the unfortunate die, becoming spore thralls themselves.

A creatures is afflicted for a number of days equal to 1d10 – its Constitution modifier (minimum 1 day). While afflicted, it has disadvantage on initiative rolls, and if it falls asleep it remains unconscious until it takes damage or another creature uses an action to shake or slap it awake. Additionally, at the end of each  long rest , its Intelligence decreases by 2 (1d4) as spores grow inside its brain. If the creature’s intelligence is ever reduced to 0, it dies. If a humanoid dies while suffering from this effect, it becomes a spore thrall in 1d4 hours. If a beast, dragon, giant, or monstrosity dies from this effect, it gains the spore thrall template (see spore thrall ). Spells like gentle repose prevent this reanimation.

Once the disease passes, at the end of each long rest a creature recovers 1d4 intelligence until back to their starting value.

Lesser restoration cures the disease and restores 1d4 Intelligence, with any remaining deficit returning as described above. Greater restoration ends the effect and immediately restores all lost Intelligence.