Crimson Scourge

Another of the spells that can be found in the necromantic spellbook Cryptichronos causes the red death.

Masque of Red Death by Greg Hildebrandt

Crimson Scourge

5th level necromancy

Casting Time: 1 action

Range: Touch

Components: V, S, M (scarlet robe and a faceless red mask, both made from the finest silk, worth at least a 1,000 gp each)

Duration: Special

This terrible spell can affect one humanoid being.  Upon pronouncing the curse, you touch the victim, who gets a Constitution saving throw.  Failure results in the victim bleeding profusely through the pores of the skin, taking 1-2 hp damage per round until dead. Regular first aid cannot prevent this damage, and most magical curatives have no effect upon the affliction. Such spells as remove curse, and cure wounds can staunch the hemorrhaging, but hit points may be re-gained fully only through time and rest. A heal spell, on the other hand, can dispel the results of this evil magic entirely.

The most horrible property of the crimson scourge, however, lies in the contagiousness of its effects, for whenever an afflicted victim comes into physical contact with someone else, the touched person has to make a Constitution saving throw or become likewise afflicted.  Fortunately, you can never suffer the effects of your own crimson scourge.  Certain plagues throughout history have, in fact, been attributed to this spell (that often goes by the name of the red death).  However, the spell does not really  cause a biological illness and is, therefore, unaffected by any spells that cure disease.

The working of this curse requires that the wizard wear a scarlet robe and a faceless red mask, both made from the finest silk, worth at least a 1,000 gp each.  These components are not lost in the casting and may be used as many times as desired.

The Red Death by Marmotic