Féin-Shocrú

Self-Fixation

A condition that was hallmark of the Ancient Ones prior to the Cataclysm of the Pantheons, Féin-Shocrú is a psychological condition that is contagious.

Technology- Driven Spread

Enhanced by the technologies of the Ancient Ones, this virulent psychosis created a feedback loop of propogation. As humans turned their attentions inward, technology advanced to cater to a focus on self. This in turned caused humans to turn more critical focus inward feeding into more advancements in technology feeding into a drive for users to try presenting themselves in the absolute best light; eliminating, or rather ignoring, perceived imperfections to focus on and flaunt their most cherished physical attributes. This then fed into technology that lowered self-esteem and caused many to suppress self-inflicted emotional trauma to further appear mature, competent, and/or well-adjusted.

A Re-emerging, but Ancient Threat

Féin-Shocrú was not widely accepted as a major issue before the Cataclysm of the Pantheons, but it has been taught in the history courses as the catalyst for destruction brought on by the Ancient Ones.  Most in Cré Dóite recognize their role in their society and participate in community to maintain structure, reducing the likelihood of infection, however every once in a while an ego gets inflated.  Recently, during an archaeological dig, scientists came across a working artifact causing a quarantine to prevent an outbreak of Féin-Shocrú.  Several researchers on-site reported a desire to "follow" each other if they "liked each other's content."  The artifact in question was accidentally activated when a wild-magic user accidentally discharged electricity from their hand and charged a glass and metal tablet that started showing moving images from the past.  Entertained by this, the individual showed it to their friends who succumbed to its influence and insisted on sharing it with their friends.

Safe in Small Doses

Féin-Shocrú is relatively harmless so long as the affected takes breaks from self-reflection to interact with others without placing focus on self. (Wisdom saving throw, DC 1 per affecting item, DC 5 per infected individual) (Disadvantage if item or person is within 10 feet)

A Spiral into the Dramatic

With prolonged exposure, Féin-Shocrú becomes more and more difficult to prevent. A large enough group of infected can result in a rapidly-spreading epidemic. As it spreads, infected compete to belittle other infected while puffing up their own image, pointing out flaws in others and minimizing those in themselves. Random infected will also point out their own minor flaws to distract from their own major flaws in an attempt to appear not to be infected.
(Disadvantage if group of 10 or more infected within 30 feet)

Type

Mental

A Simple Remedy

Féin-Shocrú is cured easily. Affected individuals can:

• Actively uplift those around them
• Focus on the needs of others
• Enjoy time with loved ones
• Play games with others

The caveat here is that they must do so while placing the goal on the activity or person and not to seek glory or self-gratification.