alternatehistory.com

Although The Black Death is the most famous disease of the Middle Ages, another was important for the World:

St. Anthony's Fire, or Ergot Poisoning.

It is a disease of Rye, and produces chemicals similar to LSD. It has been associated with Werewolves, the Salem Witch trials, 'possession', and the Beast of Gevaudan.

It also played a part in the Reformation: Catholics and Orthodox regions grew primarily Rye, and have decorated images of Jesus, Mary, and Angels. Protestant regions grew primarily wheat and barley, and have a mutilated, shorter version of the Bible.

How could you prevent Ergot from affecting the Reformation?
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