Sky-Bleeding

Sky-Bleeding is a rare and horrifying affliction known to occur during exposure to extreme magical storms or unnatural atmospheric events, particularly in regions where arcane instability bleeds into the sky—such as the Everstorm, rifts to other realms, or arcane fallout zones. It is characterized by bleeding from the eyes, ears, nose, or even the skin, and is most common in those who are magically attuned, carry enchanted items, or possess innate sorcerous talent.

Causes

• Magical Storms: The primary trigger is intense atmospheric phenomena where raw magic bleeds into the sky, disrupting natural aetheric flow.
• Arcane Overload: Being overcharged with spells, especially during stormcasting, can provoke the condition.
• Proximity to Relics: Being near unbound artifacts, leyline fractures, or cursed sky relics can catalyze symptoms.
• Plane-Warp Exposure: Areas where realms bleed into one another—such as the edge of the Everstorm or shattered skies over old battlefields—are hotspots.

Symptoms

• Early Signs:
• Sudden migraines or pulsing headaches
• Auditory hallucinations (e.g., whispers, crackling voices)
• Feeling of internal pressure, especially behind the eyes
• Flickering vision, usually with blue or violet tints
• Physical Manifestations:
• Bleeding from the eyes, ears, nose, and occasionally open pores
• Tingling or burning sensation across skin
• Loss of balance and arcane surges from the body (in mages)
• Magical items may overcharge or fracture violently
• Advanced Stages:
• Temporary loss of magical control
• Collapse of arcane wards or barriers
• In rare cases, seizures, coma, or arcane combustion

Treatment

• Anti-Magic Sheltering: Shelters lined with lead-infused glyphs or nullstone can block the atmospheric interference.
• Dampening Talismans: Artifacts that ground aetheric charge can reduce symptoms.
• Bloodroot Tinctures, Voidvine Smoke, and Stormvein Moss Poultices are used by traditional apothecaries.
• Clerical Intervention: Healing by divine or nature-based casters can slow or reverse early stages.

Affected Groups

Who is Most at Risk

• Sorcerers, Stormcallers, and Arcanists
• Bearers of enchanted items, runes, or magic-forged weapons
• Those who are fey-touched, plane-touched, or magically mutated
• Individuals with arcane tattoos, sigils, or binding contracts

Cultural Reception

• In Stormcloak myth, Sky-Bleeding is seen as a test of will and worth, or a stormborn awakening—a sign the storm itself recognizes the sufferer.
• In Noctavian superstition, it is believed to mark someone as doomed, cursed to explode in aetheric flame or be claimed by sky-spirits.
• Some Windcloak shamans claim Sky-Bleeding is caused by the sky rejecting “those who take from it without respect.”

Type

Magical

Origin

Magical

Rarity

Rare