Phasal Pollen Infection

About half of all unprotected newcomers to Fairtree will be infected by the Phasal Tree Pollen shed by the Tree supporting the city. This infection is in itself mostly harmless to its victims--unless they try and leave Fairtree before it has run its course, which can force lethal withdrawal symptoms.

Transmission & Vectors

Spending more than a day unmasked in Fairtree puts one at high risk for infection; spending more than a week on the ground in the vicinity of the Phasal Tree runs the same risk. Some people are naturally resistant to infection, and if symptoms do not manifest in a week, they are unlikely to manifest at all.

Symptoms

The initial symptoms of phasal pollen infection often look like mundane pollen allergies: sneezing, watery eyes and other symptoms of rhinitis. In severe cases, this can develop into a full-fledged flu-like illness, or lead to hallucinations and psychotic breaks. Late stage infections manifest a gleam or glow in the eyes.
Those who leave Fairtree while still showing symptoms of infection will develop crushing headaches and a panicked desire to return; breathing difficulties soon follow, and death is highly probable without immediate and ongoing medical care throughout the withdrawal period.

Treatment

Most cases of phasal pollen infection require patience, but no particular treatment. Even severe cases will usually resolve safely in terms of physical health-- but the occasional mind-altering effects may require intervention to protect both the victim and bystanders.
Those undergoing withdrawal require emergency care, often involving life support machinery and expensive drugs, and even with superb medical care they may still succumb.

Prognosis

An average case of pollen infection lasts about six weeks, with a gradual onset over several days, and an extremely swift resolution at the end of the infection. Once the infection has resolved, most victims can leave Fairtree safely and will not be subject to a relapse upon return, although there are always a few who never lose the gleam in the eye and will always be subject to withdrawal.
Those that survive withdrawal gradually recover across 4-5 days, but are generally out of the danger zone after 48 hours.

Sequela

About a quarter of those who develop pollen infection will manifest Phasal Magic in the form of minor magical quirks. Some develop more substantial gifts; very few of these quirks and gifts will function beyond Fairtree. As of current date, there is no clear reason why some gifts operate beyond the Phasal Tree's energy field.
Most qurks and gifts manifest during the infection period; some can manifest months or years later, especially in the case of children.

Affected Groups

Humans (and rarely Earth animals) can be infected, but Far Fairlians and animals from their worlds seem to be completely immune.

Prevention

Common masks and air filters are a fairly safe preventative against phasal pollen infection. Some Far Fairlian Magic is also effective at protecting humans.

Epidemiology

While there is always phasal pollen present in the atmosphere of Fairtree, there are semi-predictable surges in the pollen that

Cultural Reception

Beyond Fairtree, pollen infection is either regarded as something horribly life-altering, or something potentially wonderful. Within the city, it's a nuisance, causing a constant stream of ambitious dreamers in search of magic to arrive in the city, and a number of unpredictable magical accidents. Despite this, attempts to quarantine newcomers have never had popular support, as each District has its own methods of dealing with troubling cases.

Type

Magical

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Common

Affected Species

• Human