Dreamshake
Transmission & Vectors
Dreamshake is a magically induced mental illness that typically affects archaeologists, some magicians, sign carvers, artists, and linguists. It occurs when individuals attempt to magically translate the Ancient language.
Causes
Whenever an individual attempts to divine the language of the Ancients, or more colloquially known as Ancient, doctors theorize that they suffer from some sort of greater contextual feedback from the spell, affecting their brain for years to come, if not permanently.
Symptoms
Its main effect is changing the individuals dreams. All of the person's dreams swiftly become negative in tone, sometimes turning into nightmares or even night terrors. Many experience this in different degrees, and some with differing themes, such as some individuals having dreams of rage, depression, or, in the most dangerous cases, suicidal temptation. All of the individuals dreams also incorporate aspects of Ancient life and culture that they were most likely unaware of before the illness.
Treatment
It is unknown if there is any cure, but it can be coped with. Most individuals are harrowed by the experience, but after a while it tends to mellow out. Most cases actually end sometime after 5 years, though it is not too uncommon for it to be a lifelong experience.
Prognosis
It is strongest after initial transmission, and early onset Dreamshake usually causes the highest death count, and extensive therapy is vital during this time. After 1-2 months, it doesn't calm down, but the individual is usually somewhat accustomed to the dreams. After 10 months or so, the dreams begin a very slow decline in severity, usually ceasing after 5-6 years, however some never fully recover.
Sequela
Some individuals develop other mental illnesses from the constant stress, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Prevention
Its prevention is very, very easy. Don't try to magically translate Ancient texts. This is only a problem in certain fields, so it isn't a commonly known illness.
Epidemiology
Due to being a mental illness, it does not really "transmit" like other diseases.
History
While it is well known to have been an issue before this, the first recorded case of this was in -9 HS, when Duke Burdring of Lemaign was diagnosed with the illness.
Cultural Reception
It is not well known, but it is very much feared by the individuals who do know of it. Victims of the illness are usually treated well, and are seen as victims, even if they technically got it through their conscious actions. Some individuals will ostracize the afflicted, but most will care for them.
Type
Mental
Origin
Magical
Cycle
Chronic, Acquired
Rarity
Uncommon
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments