Arcane Ailments: A Field Guide to Magical Maladies
Publisher: Dungeon Masters Guild
Something is wrong with the body.
Not broken. Not failing.
Changing.
Arcane Ailments is a collection of strange, dangerous, and darkly creative magical diseases for 5e, designed to introduce tension, horror, and meaningful mechanical impact to your table.
Inside, you’ll find over 20 original afflictions, each with:
- Clear transmission methods
- Stage-based progression
- Mechanical effects for play
- Unique cures that create narrative opportunities
- Optional DM guidance
From minor inconveniences to catastrophic transformations:
- A cold that mocks your every failure
- A perception-altering enchantment that makes danger feel safe
- A fungal curse that forces its host to run until death
- A necromantic misfire where the skeleton tries to escape the body
- A memetic disease that turns reality into a story
These are not just status effects.
They are story engines.
Each condition is designed to:
- Pressure player decisions without removing agency
- Create memorable moments at the table
- Turn “being sick” into a problem that must be solved
Some can be cured.
Some can be survived.
Some will finish what they started.
Price: $4.95