The cleric cures most diseases — including those of a parasitic, bacterial, or viral nature — by placing his or her hand upon the diseased creature. The affliction rapidly disappears thereafter, making the cured creature whole and well in from 1 turn to 1 week, depending on the kind of disease and the state of its advancement when the cure took place. The reverse of the cure disease spell is cause disease. To be effective, the cleric must touch the intended victim, and the victim must fail the saving throw. The disease caused will begin to affect the victim in 1-6 turns, causing the afflicted creature to lose 1 hit point per turn, and 1 point of strength per hour, until the creature is at 10% of original hit points and strength, at which time the afflicted is weak and virtually helpless.