Source Leak

Source leak is the umbrella term for any condition that prevents a creature from maintaining Source well. A Source leak can develop in any Sourced or Sourceless species but is more common in the Sourceless. Unless the underlying issue is treated, a Source leak is fatal. Even if medical attention is sought and supplimental Source is provided, the "leak" will grow until the being does not hold enough Source to survive.
Notable individuals who suffer from a Source leak include Siobhan.

Causes

Source leaks have a variety of causes. The most common is the leak that occurs in gnomes, known as etiolation, which is seemingly caused by a gnome's unwillingness to continue on due to boredom or depression.
Another possible cause is the syphoning of Source by another party. A deal with a Devil or Fae may result in the patron indulging in the life-force of their ward.
The final common cause of a Source leak is a spiritual or magical disruption in the victim. Someone who is under the control of powerful enchantment spells for an extended peroid of time or who was raised from the dead is lifely to develop a Source leak.

Symptoms

Early symptoms are easily mistaken for more mundane ailments; lethargy, over-sleeping, and lack of appetite are common. Symptoms will progress until the victim is bed-ridden with high fevers, shortness of breath, and fainting spells.

Treatment

Treatment options are limited for someone with a Source leak. Short-term solutions include providing the patient with additional Source from an external donor. However, this is not a cure and will only temporarily supress more severe symptoms. The only true cure for a Source leak is to identify and solve the root cause.

Prognosis

A Source leak is almost always fatal. In the very rare cases that the leak is "fixed", recovery is fairly quick given that they recieve adequate Source.

History

In the past, Source leaks were theorized to be an illness caused by consuming tainted or cursed Source. While Source cannot be contaminated in such a way, the theory is still popular among civilians.

Type

Magical

Origin

Magical

Rarity

Rare