Time Madness
Time Madness renders a Sidhe aware of the passage of time (Chronos)
Transmission & Vectors
Despite debunked rumors to the contrary, Time Madness is neither contagious or transmitted, but is specific to the individual affected by it. However, there is some evidence that genetics make increase the likelihood of its appearance.
Causes
The intial cause of Time-Madness is not known, but the condition first began to appear in the Sidhe after The Tearing of the Great Veil and the creation of Alvez. It has been surmised, that, like the milliget (Bediz altered via exposure to Faerie ), Time-Madness is a mirror result of creatures of Faerie being exposed to the influence of Bedouar. This environmental influence theory is supported by increased numbers of time-maddened individuals living in Bedouar or in the Bleed
Manifestation of Time-Madness is usually sudden and dramatic, sometimes in relation to an intense traumatic experience.
Symptoms
Most Sidhe live a blissful, lotus-eater like existence, dancing and feasting in luxury. Time has little meaning in Faerie and as such, most are happy to while away in luxurious apathy.
Time Madness renders a Sidhe intensely aware of the passage of time and their own self-existence. This sudden existential awareness often leads to a Fae falling into a severe panic attack, followed by a state of near catatonic shock. Often, this passes and things return to normal. If not, it is a permanent condition.
Time-Maddened Sidhe are noteworthy for their inquisitiveness and obsessive behaviour. This can exhibit itself in constant activity or a permanent catatonic state, depending on the individual. Those who remain active exhibit high levels of neuroticism and emotional stress. This can also lead Sidhe to possess more empathy and awareness of causality.
Prognosis
For many Sidhe, the first episode of Time Madness is also the last, and they return to their normal state of blissful apathy. For others, it is permanent.
Sequela
The sudden mental shock and existential dread of Time Madness often drive an afflicted Sidhe into despair, further madness or in extreme cases, suicide.
Affected Groups
Most creatures of Fae can be affected, but the condition is more typically associated with the Sidhe than the Re Vihan.
Others, like the The Marie-Morgane and Nathair, are considered to be time-maddened, although they have never as species not presented the symptoms, as they are the base conditions.
History
Time Madness is believed to have first occurred during the Tearing of the Great Veil. However, due to the same symptoms that are associated with the condition not being present in the Sidhe population, few if any records of these early cases were kept. In fact, most records of the Fae, in general, are kept by afflicted Sidhe, as the culture did not have an understanding of causality or history prior to the emergence of the Time-Maddened. Generally, the condition began with the first tear, and is more common in times and locations of Bleed. The cases of time madness continue to increase in the population, as the Sidhe retain their immortality despite the condition.
Cultural Reception
Time Madness is viewed as a serious and debilitating condition by the immortal Sidhe, although when among humans the condition is barely noticed. Sidhe derisively refer to time-madness as the "human condition."
Afflicted Sidhe are often looked upon with suspicion and disdain, their constant introspection and obsessive inquiries grating the apathetic Fae. Time-Maddened Sidhe are often ostracized or exiled.
Among the Korrigan peoples, where the condition is more common, there is less of a stigma attached to the condition and many lead active lives within society.
Bediz are completely unable to recognize time-madness in Sidhe and don't see what the big deal is.
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