Pyropathrobia

A common illness usually occurring in children due to a problem when practicing Thermomancy. Short term and can be treated easily. Rare in practiced adults but can be deadly if it occurs.

Causes

When one first begins to learn magic it is easy to make mistakes. The concepts and theories surrounding the field can be quite confusing and while it may be able to sense particles after a bit of time, manipulating requires a lot of time, concentration, and effort. As such, there are many points at which things can go wrong.
While mistakes at the basic level of magic are common and usually pose no risk, there are times when overreaction to loss of control can have serious negative effects. Strong emotions will sometimes result in better manipulation than logical thinking can, but control greatly diminishes.
When young children are testing out Thermomancy, they may get startled by the effects of temperature change and lose control. In the worst case scenario, in that short time right before they lose control they will unknowingly manipulate the particles in their own body. When they speed up the movement of the particles, it generates an uncontrollable heat.
While side effects may fade away shortly, they may instead become pyropathrobic, with conditions lasting longer.

Symptoms

The usual symptom of this illness is an intense burning sensation when breathing. Other symptoms may include a high fever, loss of moisture, or in cases with those with high magic abilities, their body may catch fire or their blood may start to boil.

Treatment

The short-term effects of Pyropathrobia fade over time but can be easily cured by someone with knowledge and practice of Thermomancy. Thus, with proper supervision, most children do not develop lasting mental trauma.

Sequela

Pyropathrobia has been known to cause long-lasting physical damage including burn scars, internal injuries, or problems maintaining internal body temperature. It may also result in emotional damage and a development of fear towards Thermomancy or magic in general. This may affect future development in the field of magic and result in a handicap though magic items can supplement user casting.

Affected Groups

People learning how to control magic, usually children or those learning by trial and error.

Type

Magical

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Common