The Dementis

Seeming to only effect arcane spellcasters, the origin of The Dementis or how it arises is utterly unknown. The stories say that this condition was the counter stroke of the Chained One after he was put back into his prison at the beginning of the last age, but that is only speculation. The only way to stop the progression of the disease is to cut that person off from their spellcasting capabilities. The condition was once thought to be rare, but more cases are on the rise, particularly in Orialis, near the Chained One's supposed prison.

Transmission & Vectors

Most that suffer from this condition contract it seemingly at random, yet there is one certain way to transmit the disease that we have witnessed. Joris attempted to read the mind of Patient K-6, formerly known as Huran, to gain insight and within an hour Joris began to show symptoms of this disease. Sadly Joris will hereto be referred to as Patient K-7.

Kiralin Farrunner, Lead Researcher studying The Dementis within the Light Lord's Infirmary.

Symptoms

The Dementis begins to manifest in the afflicted arcane spell casters, first through minor hallucinations. The spell caster may speak to those that are not really there, or see flashes of color. It effects each spell caster's mood differently, but there is a noticeable change. Those they may have been trusting suddenly become suspicious and wary of all those around them. Those that were suspicious may seclude themselves entirely, or openly threaten any random passersby. The condition may also cause the individual to become overly jovial or arrogant, flaunting their magic in grand displays of power to any in their path, even if they are rodents on the street. The mood change and hallucinations become exponentially worse as the condition progresses.
For those that are particularly strong in the arcane magic, the body will also begin to rot and decompose the longer the individual is alive. First starting with sunken eyes and hair falling out, it will eventually progress to sores and even loss of fingers and other small appendages.

Treatment

The only known treatment is to cut the person off from their source of magic. Their mind will eventually recover but any damage to the body seems to be permanent no matter the holy magic that may be used to try to heal the individual.

History

According to legend this condition first showed up thousands of years ago when the Chained One was put into his prison, and there was a massive outbreak. This caused arcane magic users to be few and far between while the divine magic users where unaffected. Over time the arcane magic users became less affected and where able to use their power once again. Throughout the next several thousand years there was only a case of this every few hundred years, causing some to believe that it was a myth. However, it has become a very real threat in the world again as The Chained One rails against his prison, and his influence is seeping into the world once again.

Cultural Reception

The general populace is already afraid of most magic users, whether arcane or divine. The fact that there is a disease that cause some of this people to go insane is beginning to terrify every day people, and there are rumors of revolting against all magic users or at least placing some restrictions upon them.

Type

Magical

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Congenital

Rarity

Extremely Rare