Daemonpox is an endemic disease caused by a particular protozoan parasite, distantly related to the infamous Toxoplasma gondii, found only within the Oceanykan bush. Its name, derived from the old-world term "daemon" meaning demon, reflects the malevolent nature of its impact. As the parasitic invader takes hold, its hosts experience a gradual transformation. Victims exhibit disturbing behavioural changes, particularly induced antisocial personality disorder and extreme manifestations of schizophrenia. However, these effects are normally welcomed by the infected, who typically describe their newfound mental state as "having found the truth", "opening a spiritual eye" or "tearing apart wordly lies", amongst others. Their sociability and empathy are utterly corroded until only a lone, ultraviolent husk remains, only willing to work together with others like them, forming pox cults. Transmission normally occurs through the spread of fluids, particularly saliva and genital secretions. Pox cults are normally more than eager to spread this disease far and wide to bolster their numbers, though they have always been mercilessly hunted down by the authorities. Precolonial Oceanykan folklore spoke of rituals to expel these demons, with attempts to ward off the invasive spirits through traditional ceremonies and mystic remedies akin to exorcisms, which would surprisingly work on some occasions. The enigma of Daemonpox continues to perplex modern medical researchers, mirroring the unchanging nature of Oceanyka's wilderness—brutal and untamed.
Pox cults commonly associate with, or are themselves part of, the Cult of Culhun. This mythical figure is intrinsically related to daemonpox throughout the entire continent.