Aetherburn

Aetherburn is a rare and dangerous condition that afflicts those unaccustomed to the magical and atmospheric properties of Altanaeum, particularly groundlings who spend extended periods in the sky realms. The illness results from prolonged exposure to the high concentrations of wind magic and the unique aetheric energy that saturates Altanaeum’s atmosphere.

Symptoms

Early Signs: Mild disorientation, dizziness, and shortness of breath. A faint, shimmering rash appears on exposed skin, resembling the patterns of snowflakes or wind currents.

Progression: Intense fatigue and loss of coordination, as if the body is struggling to adapt to the sky’s magical resonance. Visual disturbances, including halos of light or “phantom threads” drifting in the air, caused by an overstimulated connection to Altanaeum’s magical winds. Persistent ringing in the ears, described as the hum of the Nýfada’s winds.

Advanced Aetherburn: The shimmering rash spreads, and the affected skin becomes hypersensitive to touch and temperature. Internal disruption of the body’s natural energy flows, leading to irregular heart rhythms and a sense of "floating detachment" from reality. In extreme cases, a person’s body begins to destabilize physically, with faint glimmers of aetheric light emanating from their veins, as if they are being unravelled by the winds themselves.

Treatment

Immediate Intervention: Return the affected individual to the ground world, where their body can naturally purge the excess aetheric energy. Administer teas or potions made from groundroot, a plant known for its stabilizing and grounding properties.

Magical Remedies: Threadweavers or druids skilled in wind magic can create protective silken cocoons that siphon off the excess energy from the patient’s body. A Wind Harmonizer, an artefact tuned to the Nýfada’s gentler currents, can recalibrate the patient’s internal energy flows.

Long-Term Adaptation: For those who must remain in Altanaeum, gradual acclimatization is key. Slowly increasing exposure to the sky realms allows the body to adjust to the magical atmosphere over time. Enchanted pendants made from Kerauno silk are often worn as protective talismans, moderating the wearer’s absorption of wind magic.