The Year of the Great Mortality

The year 1750 AN was noted for the great number of deaths amongst aged members of the Order of the Holy Lakes, particularly amongst those who had been affiliated with the Coalition for Democratic Humanism, or else who had a degree of kinship with the House of Osman, the Line of Einhorn, and other notable families such as the Merricks. Verionist families, such as the line of Lewis, were also affected.

Whilst death was no stranger to those advanced in years, that so many would drop dead within the same year began to cause eyebrows to be raised in certain quarters. Swiftly the governments of the Benacian Union, Constancia, and Nouvelle Alexandrie agreed to pool their resources and begin a comprehensive investigation. Of particular consequence in prompting this investigation was the near-death experience of Zacharias Avon-El, who exhibited symptoms of blood poisoning so acute that, at one point, head had been formally pronounced dead. His unexpected recovery provided value evidence for the investigating medical authorities.

Based on the examination of Zacharias, the suspicion quickly that a tainted batch of Longevity Serum had been distributed to those members of the Holy Order who had been long-term recipients.