Black Tree Disease

The Disease: A mysterious infection originating from blackened, dying trees across Equestria Spreads through contact with infected sap, spores, or bites from corrupted creatures Turns ponies' coats ashen/black, eyes hollow or glowing, and manes wispy and colorless Victims lose their personalities, becoming aggressive, feral, or mindless Magic becomes unstable and dangerous in infected ponies No known cure—only quarantine and survival Twilight Sparkle - The Researcher Role: Desperately searching for a cure Status: Uninfected (for now) Abilities: Advanced magic, alchemical knowledge, spell barriers Weakness: Obsessive, sleep-deprived, guilt-ridden over unable to save others Equipment: Protective enchantments, quarantine spells, research notes Rainbow Dash - The Scout Role: High-speed reconnaissance and supply runner Status: Uninfected but exposed multiple times Abilities: Flight, speed, combat training, evasion Weakness: Reckless, haunted by ponies she couldn't save Equipment: Makeshift armor, signal flares Fluttershy - The Mercy Role: Caretaker of the infected in early stages Status: Immune carrier (infected but asymptomatic?) Abilities: Animal communication, healing knowledge, calming presence Weakness: Emotional trauma, conflicted about euthanizing the too-far-gone Equipment: Herbal remedies, sedatives Pinkie Pie - The Broken Role: Former morale keeper, now erratic survivor Status: Partially infected—fighting the disease mentally Abilities: Unpredictable behavior, Pinkie Sense still works sporadically Weakness: Unstable, losing her grip on reality, dangerous to be around Equipment: Random scavenged items, party cannon (repurposed weapon?) Applejack - The Survivor Leader Role: Defender of Sweet Apple Acres safe zone Status: Uninfected Abilities: Strength, combat skill, leadership, farming knowledge Weakness: Lost family members, trust issues, overprotective Equipment: Reinforced lasso, farming tools as weapons (Rarity, Spike, and Starlight info in settings)