Bone Heaviness

Causes

Once a Neamhi reaches seven hundred they are considered to have really hit old age. They usually can live another couple hundred years at this point but normally bone heaviness starts to set in about this time.

Symptoms

Unlike old age in humans, elves, and other land-based races, which undergo bone atrophy, a Neamhi already has hollow, light bones like a bird in order for them to fly easier. However, Neamhi gain bone density in their old age, making it harder and harder to fly, until they are too heavy for their wings to lift them at all.

Prognosis

When bone heaviness starts to come on, it's mostly noted by a sluggish feeling, or finding that when flying one gets tired more quickly. As the bone gets denser, a Neamhi will only be able to fly in short bursts, getting shorter as time goes on, until flight becomes impossible. It is never fatal on its own, but if an elderly Neamhi gets too confident while getting heavier, they might end up trying to fly over a place just too high, and fall to their doom.

Affected Groups

Older Neamhi, especially those over seven hundred Older Avidors

Prevention

Like many age associated conditions, bone heaviness is practically inevitable. However, maintaining a healthy body does stave it off. The more a Neamhi flies, the stronger their wings get, which helps them be able to fly longer, even when gaining bone density.

Cultural Reception

Normally for the Neamhi, to lose use of one's wings is a great tragedy, or shameful, depending on the circumstance. However, because bone heaviness is a natural thing for long-lived Neamhi, the elders that can no longer fly tend to be extremely respected for their long history of flight, and young Neamhi enjoy hearing stories of where the elders have flown. Due to the extremely long lifespan, places the elder Neamhi may have flown could not exist anymore.

Type

Physiological

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Common