Lumin Sickness

Lumin Sickness is a disease that affects Celestials exclusively. It is a viral condition known to attack the Celestial Magic Network, with particular damage to the halo rings that serve as both magical regulators and sensory organs. As the illness progresses, it weakens a Celestial’s magic, dulls their unique perception of mana and emotions, and gradually destabilizes their connection to their own power.
Among Celestials, the illness is often referred to as “the Veiled Halo,” a term describing the gradual dimming and fading of the halo’s light. Before a cure was discovered, many believed afflicted Celestials were being covered, muted, or diminished as though a veil had been drawn between them and the world.

Transmission & Vectors

Lumin Sickness is a mana-borne viral entity that thrives in corrupted, altered, or unnaturally crossed mana fields.

• When a Celestial draws in contaminated mana, the virus enters through the halo’s absorption process
• Once inside, it embeds itself within the halo and spreads through the Celestial Magic Network
• The disease can also be transmitted between Celestials if an infected individual uses magic directly on another

Symptoms

Lumin Sickness progresses in four distinct stages, each worsening the effects on magic, perception, and emotional responsiveness.
Stage One – Initial Dimming

• The earliest signs appear as a slight dimming of the halo, usually only noticeable when magic is being actively used.
• Magic requires slightly more effort and fades sooner than expected
• Mana and emotional perception are dulled but still functional
• Large crowds or mana-dense areas may feel less overwhelming, which some find briefly pleasant
• Symptoms typically last about one month, unless excessive magic use accelerates progression

Stage Two – Halo Mottling

• The halo begins to show duller coloration and uneven patches.
• Magic requires focused concentration and is roughly 25% weaker
• Mana and emotional sensing feels obstructed, similar to smelling through a clogged nose
• Persistent fatigue and physical weakness develop
• Increased need for rest
• Duration is several weeks, but heavy magic use may shorten this stage

Stage Three – Severe Attenuation

• The halo fades to a muted, washed-out glow.
• Magic use becomes physically painful and highly straining
• Output is reduced to roughly half of normal strength
• Mana and emotional perception is extremely faint and requires intense concentration
• Chronic exhaustion sets in
• Emotional responses begin to dull noticeably
• This stage lasts two to four weeks

Stage Four – Total Graying

• The halo loses all vibrancy, becoming flat gray.
• The Celestial can no longer feel or access their magic
• Mana and emotional perception are effectively gone
• Emotional numbness becomes total; motivation is severely diminished
• The afflicted becomes apathetic and often neglects basic self-care
• External intervention is required to keep the individual functioning

Stage Four is considered irreversible. Treatment at this point focuses only on stabilization and quality of life.

Treatment

Treatment for Lumin Sickness is extremely demanding and physically draining.

• The afflicted is placed under the care of a specialized healer
• All mana is forcibly drained from the Celestial’s system
• While mana-depleted, the patient is administered medication that slowly destroys the virus
• The process requires repeated mana purging and strict isolation in low-mana environments

Recovery Times by Stage:

• Stage One: ~3 days
• Stage Two: ~1 week
• Stage Three: 2 weeks to 1 month
• Stage Four: Incurable; only supportive care is possible

Patients undergoing treatment report extreme exhaustion, weakness, and emotional distress throughout the process.

Prevention

Preventative measures focus on environmental awareness and halo regulation:

• Avoid regions with unstable, corrupted, or unfamiliar mana signatures
• Immediately evacuate areas where mana feels distorted or “wrong”
• In high-risk zones, wear protective equipment designed to shield or cover the halo
• Celestials trained in sensory control may deliberately reduce mana intake, similar to taking shallow breaths to avoid inhaling toxic air

Type

Viral

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Congenital

Rarity

Uncommon

Affected Species

• Celestial