Withering

Withering is not technically a disease, but more of an affliction. It has the ability to damage victims on both physical and metaphysical levels. It can lead to death, but not always - if it persists after a respawn and no action is taken, death is almost guaranteed.

Basic Withering
Withering can only be spread by contact with a weapon or other item able to inflict the Withered status effect. Normally, this is only achievable by Wither Skeletons (and in some cases the Wither itself), by standing on a Wither Rose, or by consuming improperly prepared food or drink made with the flower. Special enchants, weapons, and items in the world of Sockscraft can have the same effect, however it is unknown if these special means can cause prolonged Withering.

Prolonged Withering
Withering can persist if the soul of the person affected is weak at the time of infliction. This can be due to things like elevated negative emotions, intoxication, or simply having a weaker soul in general; souls are essentially a kind of immune system for magic, status effects, and supernatural influence.

Basic Withering
Observed symptoms of Withering include:
 * Numbness
 * Pain
 * Weakness
 * Death

Prolonged Withering
Prolonged Withering can affect one's soul. Additional symptoms caused by prolonged Withering are as follows:
 * Injury site(s) turning black/grey
 * Weakness/tiredness which worsens over time
 * Similar symptoms to Soul Sickness or Soul Withdrawal

The severity of symptoms can vary based on several factors including the severity of the injury, whether there are multiple sites of injury, and the size or persistence of one's soul.

Known Infected

 * Biscotti
 * Blair Rattle
 * Buttercup
 * Casey Crowley (former)
 * Cyd
 * Lottie Moon

Basic Withering
In most cases, Withering fades naturally in under a minute unless the victim dies, in which case it is generally gone by the time they respawn. It can be cured sooner by drinking milk or a vanilla milkshake.

Prolonged Withering
There is currently only one known cure to prolonged Withering; a ritual known as Soul Stitching. The ritual involves removing the Withered part of both body and soul, then replacing the missing soul piece with the soul of a living sacrifice. A full overview written by bugju1ce, cappucceetle and mousesweater can be read here. Despite Soul Stitching alleviating most symptoms of Withering, it comes with its own set of symptoms. Things like numbness and/or chronic pain are also still seen in a majority of those previously afflicted with prolonged Withering.