“ Pick up a pathology/microbiology book, and add the diseases/syndroms to your game. Your players will freak out.
Coughed at? Diphteria. or tuberculosis?
Drunk from a muddy stream? Or just walked through? Well, let us introduce you to schistosomiasis...
Hit by a stream of energy? Too moch mana is ust like too much radioactivity - perhaps all mages could develop cancer early if too powerful...”
“ Village has a nearby natural substance that comes from the ground and burns well when lit. They use it only locally and try not to let the secret get out.”
“ One of the PCs comes across a magical ring that grants some power but has odd aura as if cursed. Yet this curse is different than the standard curse. When the PC puts on the ring he/she suddenly feels married. There is now an illusionary woman, who he/she cares deeply for but who is also always very critical of the PC. The wife is demanding of attention and constantly giving the PC directions. The PC wearing the ring is the only one that can see and hear the bride. The curse can never completely be lifted. Even if the PC takes off the ring and somebody else puts the ring on; the PC will still be visited by the ex-wife at least once a month. During this visit she will demand money and apologies.”