Loss of Magic in Dragons

Dragons are inherently magical creatures, and rely on their magic to maintain many aspects of their biology. Anything that blocks their magic will greatly harm them. In particular, their mental health will suffer, though they will likely have to contend with various affiliated physical symptoms as well.

Transmission & Vectors

Loss of magic in dragons is generally occurs when a magic-blocking substance somehow enters the bloodstream. This can be from injection or some other means of direct contact, or by the absorption of an ingested substance. The condition is not contagious.

Causes

Silver is the most common and best studied cause. Normal silver is only potent if in sustained contact with the dragon's blood, which is most commonly accomplished by lodging some silver-containing projectile under the skin. Specially enchanted silver can steal magic through skin contact alone.
In addition to silver, a number of plants produce compounds that can block magic if ingested.

Symptoms

Initially, symptoms are mild. Slight anxiety and restlessness are most common. As the condition progresses, which can take days, hours, or minutes depending on the condition's cause, the patient's anxiety becomes increasingly severe. Shaking starts to occur, and the dragon will have trouble speaking. The dragon will soon not be able to understand others and will become increasingly delusional. The dragon may experience hallucinations. There is a chance that they may begin to lash out at others, and great care must be taken when treating seriously afflicted dragons.

Treatment

Early identification of the condition, preferably while the dragon is still at least somewhat aware of what is going on, will make this condition much easier to treat. The most important thing is to identify and remove or neutralize the magic-blocking substance. This can involve physically removing something like a silver projectile from the body, or giving an antidote to something like a plant-based toxin.
Once the source of the problem has been dealt with, keep the patient as calm as possible. It is ideal for them to rest somewhere warm, dark, and quite. They should be left alone as much as possible, but kept under observation in case any complications arise. Food and water should be freely provided. Fast acting, short term anti-anxiety medicine may help ease symptoms in mild to moderate cases. In severe cases, sedatives may be used to prevent the dragon from harming itself or others, but this should only be done if absolutely necessary.

Type

Magical

Affected Species

• Elven Dragon