Feriori (Fear-ee-OR-ee)

Causes

There are three ways a Feriori is created:

1. Circumstances of one's birth - most are simply born this way as a result of radiation and malfunctioning Chosen gene expression.
2. Destruction of Chosen power - if a Chosenborn decides to rid themselves of their power by either not using it, actively suppressing it, or transferring their power to a crystal, they become Feriori.
3. Cursing - Only the High Priestesses of the magical courts have the ability to curse enemies of the state to become Feriori, or have their blessing spells backfire during ceremony. This is the most rare occurrence of Feriori creation and has only happened on two occasions, one of which was by accident.

Symptoms

Common mutilations include blindness, deafness, loss of limbs, learning disorders, insanity, speech impediments or loss of speech, and paralysis. Common mutations include bastardizations of Chosen power, weak Chosen power, shorter lifespan, mental disabilities, physical disabilities, and malfunctioning gene expression.

Treatment

The only known "cure" for Feriori has only ever been conducted on the previously Chosenborn, in which a High Priestess may attempt to "call back" one's power that they have previously expressed.
Most treatments are for managing symptoms. Many Feriori lead normal lives despite their conditions, although the mentally unstable or dangerously crippled Feriori are sent to care facilities to specially cater to their needs.

Affected Groups

The Feriori are often mutated or mutilated in some way by their interaction or overexposure to magic crystals' power and their incapacity for Chosen gene expression. The Chosen are often the most likely to become Feriori under certain conditions.

History

The Feriori are a special class of people who came in contact with crystals, but suffered unforeseen consequences. Many were created in the early days, before the crystals' power was fully understood and regular people exposed to the crystal's power suffered mutations to their genes. 
Some legends speak of Feriori having their own abilities, though most are monstrous by design - a bastardization of the original natural power. This could include blinding or weak light, all-encompassing shadow, infertile earth and killing life, dangerous floods, and rogue or weak fire. 
Despite the limitations of their birth and status, a few Feriori managed to rise in ranks within the royal courts, primarily as priestesses or royal advisors. However, there is a checkered and shadowed history of the royal armies using Feriori as "target practice" for training Chosen soldiers, a practice which has since fallen out of fashion but is still utilized in certain training circles.

Cultural Reception

They are historically stereotyped as monstrous, selfish, and devious, and are essentially social pariahs. Many people opt to house their Feriori relatives in special homes far away from the rest of civilization, where they may receive special care for their conditions and not burden the populace with their odd and sometimes grotesque presence.
Activists who seek justice for the Feriori are present in each queendom, and often lead to anarchist rebellions and join sides with those who are prejudiced against the Chosen (who most often represent the ruling class).

Parent

Chosen

Origin

Mutated

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired & Congenital

Rarity

Rare