The rats in Ashtan have become infected with an unkown illness. Even the
baby rats are diseased. As they grow older, they develop tumours, a
third leg, and gangrene.

The disease is transferable to humans and other races. In these races,
the first symptoms are a case of the sniffles and periodic sneezing.
Thus far, there is no known cure and no way to ease the symptoms. From
what we have seen, the disease seems to be transfered when you kill or
touch the diseased rats. Certain people may be more resistant than
others, but again, too little is known right now to make any guesses.

Please urge all novices to stay out of Ashtan, and I strongly advise
everyone else to stay as far from the diseased rats as possible.
Although it is unknown if the disease can be transfered from any races
other than rats. If you are diseased, please try to avoid all dense
areas and stay mostly to yourself or with other infected individuals.

I will attempt to organise efforts to study the disease and find a cure,
if one exists. If you are infected or interested in aiding, please let
me know.

Lord Azudim Taryn

Penned by my hand on the 19th of Haernos, in the year 147 MA.