Diver's Veins

Diver's Veins

A medical condition often developed by divers of Smile Island or other island-nations in the Southern Seas. Seen most commonly in experienced divers in the Smile region it has become a rite of passage among the youth of these Islands. Many of the Central Continent, however, fear that it is a sign of rot or decay, or somehow a curse caused by the Western Soul.

Appearance

So far this condition is believed to be a largely aesthetic one, with no notable effect on either the mental or physical health of the people it appears in. This condition is marked by discolored veins, often appearing green, though there are records of yellow and orange coloration as well. The discoloration most commonly appears in the extremities, most predominantly in the legs, though there are records of older patients who have had Diver's Veins from a young age, it can grow to cover their trunk and into their face. There have been several cases where the patients appeared to grow scales or barnacles along the skin of their lower extremities, though this is often in older patients who developed Diver's Veins at a young (below 15 years) age.

Theories

There are two predominant theories regarding Diver's Veins:

1. Algae found at deeper levels of the Southern Sea accidentally ingested or introduced to the blood stream lead to growth of the algae along the veins of the patients.
2. Bacteria found at deeper levels of the Southern Sea accidentally ingested or introduced to the blood stream lead to growth along the veins of the patients.

The major problem with these theories is that no algae or other growth is found in the veins of passed patients, but rather the walls of the veins and arteries appear discolored, while the oxygenated blood remains red.

There are also cases that have occurred inland that call into question the cause being related only to the Southern Seas.

Because of this a popular theory has arisen that many struggle to prove or disprove, being that this is instead a genetic leftover of relation to Mer, activated by either time in the water or pressure, as all cases have appeared in individuals who spend a large amount of time in the water.

Effects

• Discoloration of veins, often in shades of green, yellow, or orange
• [Rare] Growth of scale-like Barnacles along extremities
• [Rare] Discoloration of skin
• No other physical effects noted
• No difference in observed life span
• No associated pain
• No increase in mental afflictions
• [Rare] Marginal increase in lung capacity
• [Rare] Marginal increase in pressure/water depth patient can withstand

Region

This condition is seen most commonly in the divers of Smile Island, though it has been observed in members of the islands who don't dive as well as members of other islands. The most bizarre case of Diver's Veins was seen in a child of Atta who often swam the river for precious rocks that would sometimes wash down from the Great Barrier Mountains.

Type

Fungal

Extreme Cases/Progression

Progression of this condition often begins in the bottom of the feet, the veins there discoloring and growing more vivid as time passes. The coloration then goes to the top of their feet and begin to go up their legs. Around the time the discoloration is seen in the veins behind their knees, the veins in their hands often begin to change color as well. This discoloration continues until the visible veins in the arms and legs are completely discolored. This is often where Diver's Veins stops.

If it continues, however, it is next seen in the veins crossing over the front of the shoulders and those in the inner thighs, spreading until the trunk of the patient is covered in discolored veins. If it continues further, the discoloration grows up into the neck and face.

In extreme circumstances scale-like barnacles can begin to cover the lower extremities, and in the most extreme cases, the skin begins to discolor to a lighter shade their veins have turned.