About Afflictions

by

Finley Vorden

What follows is my modest attempt to catalogue the various afflictions that transform ordinary folk into extraordinary monsters. For travelers concerned about these afflictions (which should be everyone with a functioning sense of self-preservation), I offer these practical measures:

1. Carry silver coins, jewelry, or small weapons. Even if you lack combat training, presenting silver often gives afflicted beings pause.
2. A mixture of wolfsbane, garlic, and mountain ash creates an effective deterrent against multiple afflictions when applied to doorways and windows. The smell isn't pleasant, but neither is being eaten.
3. Carry religious symbols corresponding to your actual beliefs. Empty gestures provide no protection whatsoever.
4. When entering unfamiliar territory, consult local authorities about regional threats.
5. Avoid traveling alone after dark, investigating strange sounds in abandoned structures, or accepting invitations from aristocrats who seem oddly youthful for their reported age.