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Health conditions on the Continent of Catalania have developed a great deal over the centuries. Continuous study in the areas of medicine, herbalism, sanitation, mental health, and clerical assistance have paved the way for an era of remarkably healthy people. Still, lack of information and the practice of primitive, outdated procedures have left many regions in a dark age.

Particularly in the far southwest, the plains (Central and Northern), and in remote mountain locations, medicine is not common or trusted. Usually, illness is believed to be brought on by evil spirits. The various treatments can include special rituals from the Ancient Texts, or religious gatherings to pray for the spirit's departure.

When the subject manifests signs of mental disorder, the presence of an evil spirit is believed to be confirmed, and Conveyance is sometimes performed. This entails cutting a circular incision in the skull of the subject, and is aimed at making a straightforward exit for the evil spirit. Very few survive this procedure.

Still, much of modern Catalanian medicine is not believed to be foolproof, and even in the present a few scholars are strongly opposed to specific techniques.

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Physicians

A school of Physical Science is present in virtually every major city on the continent. Although these schools small and not well known, a Physician is always respected for his useful knowledge. They are the true "scientists" of Three Suns.

All schools of Physical Science have similar curricula, which includes alchemy, philosophy, mathematics, studies of intellect, sanitation, medical science, and herbalism. Herbalism, in particular, has been taught by the clergy who support the Physicians. Dissections are common in learning about the functions of the major organs.

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Sickness and Disease

Over the centuries, a variety of plagues have developed. Among them, the deadliest has been the Dereltius Plague, which first appeared in 310 PO, killing over 250,000 people, mostly between Felineo and Pallassi. After it reappeared in 400 PO, scholars began to notice that it developed different symptoms over time. They established that, if the Dereltius Plague was still existent after every seventy years, it would be considered to be in a new generation. It is now in it's fourth generation.

The Dereltius Plague kills nearly 80% of it's victims. Black swelling afflicts certain areas of the body, spreading and causing death within two days, at the most. Vomiting and blindness are early symptoms. The Dereltius Plague is believed to have originated in the street sewers of southeastern villages, where it may have developed from rat fleas. It is highly contagious, via direct contact with a victim, or any contaminated item.

Currently, the Dereltius Plague has disappeared from most heavily populated regions. Still, it appears from time to time to the southeast of Orgoss and south of Pallassi.

Teraesitic Plague is another deadly disease, with many strains around the continent. It is less common than Dereltius, mainly because it will only spread from direct contact with contaminated, living victims.

Bahram's Affliction is a well known strain of the Teraesitic Plague, with it's origins in Port Bengal. It kills about 50% of it's victims (in up to a week), causing profuse bleeding from the eyes and ears, and the vomiting of blood. Those who survive are seriously, and permanently, incapacitated.

Another strain of Teraesitic Plague is Iltnan's Misfortune. It is fatal to 90% of those afflicted, but can take up to twenty days to cause death.

But plagues are not the only illnesses that affect the people of the Continent of Catalania. The common cold has various variants of it's own, with some stronger ones that can, without treatment, be fatal. The strongest colds are called Indispositions.

In the north, febrile disease has been a worry for centuries. Among them, the Salarrud Fever, transmitted by the Salarrud Mosquito is perhaps the most vicious, killing the victim in but a few hours. Also, Desert Curse has been known to kill many, and afflicts the secluded villages of the far north in epidemics every year.

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Where the Ill Find Help

Any School of Physical Science will help those who require assistance with illness. Still, the great majority of the populace prefers to go to the temples, and are suspicious of the new concepts devised by Physicians.

Certain temples welcome the ill more than others. Temples of Torla and Parda usually have various chambers for the sick and wounded, although just about any faith will aid the ill in some way. An exception, however, is the faith of the Guardian, where those in need of healing are turned away.

Due mainly to the Physicians, mental disorders have been recognized as true illness in many regions. Still, virtually all nations consider a crime committed by the mentally ill as punishable as any other.

Lione is well known for it's Wind Homes, which are beautiful estates where the mentally ill are given all the assistance available. Jaguari has treated these individuals with honor for many centuries. Ixeirich Keep is a lofty castle that once belonged to the Emperor of Catalania. Long ago, the Lord High Commander of the Snarrian Militia received it as a reward for his services to the Empire, and he in turn dedicated it to those suffering from mental ailments.

In Catalania, the mentally ill are allowed to remain with family s long as they can be appropriately cared for. Outside the city (but within the walls), Thorns Manor is a large estate with many gardens and constant assistance for those with mental disorders.

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Sanitation

Most major cities have underground sewage systems, and maintain better-than-adequate sanitation standards based on experience and the principles of the Physicians. It is important to note that the larger cities also have elaborate water distribution systems, separated from the sewage channels.

Catalania City has a vast complex, and incredible tales have been told based on the mysteries surrounding the more ancient parts of these sewers. While workers toiled underground to complete the sewage system, they built habitable chambers as well. It is said this was done mainly to be able to reside in the work area.

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Cemeteries

Traditionally, cemeteries are built behind temples, or, when lack of space is a problem, just outside the main walls of a city. Noble's are usually laid to rest in special catacombs or cemeteries. Certain temple's also build vaults for eventual use by heroes and protectors of their faith. Family members are usually placed in the same plots as their ancestors.

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Healing

Physicians and clerics alike learn how to set fractured bones, and recognize some of the functions of the lungs, heart, abdominal organs, and brain.

A well known professor from Pallassi named Brethus Ziurat is credited with the theory that the humanoid body is kept healthy as a result of the proper balance of the Elements. Now, many physicians make sure their patients drink plenty of water, are properly fed, are kept in a location of constant air flow, and be kept at proper temperatures.

Aedrus Feres is well known for his surgical methods, and is the author of The Physicians Manual, a complete, eight volume treatise of Human and Feline anatomy. It features countless case histories and instructions for treatment. One of his own recent treatments for hemorrhage consists of tying blood vessels, as an alternative to the widely practiced cauterization with a hot iron or hot oil.

Kelleem Araala, a respected healer who lived in Port Myasicar over five hundred years ago, introduced bloodletting as a means for weakening the hold of disease on patient. Although not all Physicians support this practice, mixed reports of it's efficiency have ensured it's acceptance in various cities.

Of incredible benefit to the health of the populace are the temples, most of which can perform acts of healing based entirely on the faith of the cleric and the ill individual.

The hastening of the healing process is remarkable. External wounds are the simplest to treat, and are sometimes healed in half the usual time. The ongoing effects of disease and other illnesses are usually only delayed, and require extended attention from the cleric. Either way, it is essential that both the cleric and the patient have strong faith in the powers of the deity.

It is widely believed that most of this healing occurs as a result of the patients own willpower, but in some instances, such as the mending of open wounds and the complete cure of illness, divine magic is obviously at work. Unfortunately, only the most experienced and faithful clerics can accomplish such impressive feats.

Most commonly, a cleric will join the wounded individual in prayer, and, with the blessings of his deity, declare the individual healed. Cleric's or Torla, in particular, can cause extended, dramatic healing effects, but usually only to those who have strong, exclusive faith in their goddess.