Drunkards’ Rot is caused by a macroscopic amoeba that lies dormant in improperly stored foods that become too wet and then dry out once more.

Once consumed, the organism makes a home for itself in the throat and begins its work. It subsists purely on the flesh of the throat and, even more so, the tongue, which appears to rot in the owner’s very mouth. The process is gradual, painful, and all too conspicuous. Halitosis and slurred and lisped speech (as though drunk) are common outward effects, but in time the entire tongue will be consumed if left untreated.

The only effective mundane cure is potent disinfectant, applied generously and frequently to fully cleanse the hardy organism from the body. While numerous substances might do the job, the most readily available and least immediately deadly to the host is strong liquor, consumed generously. Gargling will not ensure the amoebas are exposed. Due to the effects of the disease and the necessary steps to suppress it, this Rot has a strong, if not completely accurate, association with drunkards and alcoholics.

Indeed, the misery of this disease and the nature of its treatment do seem to create a fair share of drunkards out of folk who had nary a problem prior.

Exposure occurs through the consumption of contaminated food, as described above. On exposure, a an animal must make a DC 6 Constitution save or be infected. While infected, the creature struggles to vocalize and when it does it is strained and obviously unusual, potentially granting Disadvantage on any vocalization related skill checks.

Further, the infected creature’s tongue and throat are gradually consumed – if 1d10 weeks without treatment pass, they lose their ability to vocalize entirely. Daily consumption of a liter of antiseptic of strength not less than common spirits (whether alcoholic or not) is enough to suppress the disease for a day. If consumed daily for 1d4 weeks, the infection is purged.