Sovrani Metamorphosis
The ancient empire of Sovrano was famous for its advanced technology infused with magic that baffled the mind and could bend the world to the whims of the wielder. Since the great collapse, these artifacts have been the desire of kings, generals, and merchants alike from the remnants to Makadelos. Unfortunately, the kind of magic most modern people are exposed to on average is nothing compared to the raw power contained within the Sovrani artifacts. Exposure to excessive amounts of Metatropi magic found within certain items can cause the body to go through unusual transformations.
Causes
The cause of a metamorphosis is caused by direct exposure to the magical elements found within ancient Sovranese artifacts. Particularly, items containing Divina Auri, Lunares Plumbum, or other metals aligned to the Metatropi branch of magic. Exposure events are typically caused by damage done to the artifact, misuse of the artifact, or general exposure to large deposits of Metatropi metals.
Symptoms
The most notable physical symptoms of a metamorphosis are the metallicization of skin, hair, and other tissues, along with the rapid increase in internal body temperature. Mental Symptoms include hallucinations (most commonly seeing bright lights, smelling smoke, and hearing voices) along with acute emotional distress. Metallicization does not seem to disrupt internal bodily processes and only has a minor effect on sensory input, as afflicted have been seen surviving and moving with a fully metallicized torso and have been seen responding to sound, smell, and sight. Physical symptoms persist slowly over up to fifty years in extreme cases until complete metallicization of the body, leaving the infected immobile and effectively dead.
Treatment
The only proper permanent treatment for a metamorphosis is the removal of all metallicized tissue, though this can be impractical and, in some cases, potentially fatal due to the potential for multiple areas of metallicization in areas that would be fatal to remove. Volaran doctors have discovered that ice baths can slow the spread of metalicization and soothes physical pain and mental distress, though this treatment can be expensive and simply delays the inevitable.
Affected Groups
The Metamorphosis can take anyone, regardless of race, sex, or nationality, though it primarily affects those who most frequently find themselves in close proximity to ancient Sovranese artifacts, namely Sovranese and Makadelian explorers and archaeologists.
Prevention
The only current method of prevention is the avoidance of dangerous substances. While often difficult to notice from a distance, advances in detection technology make it easier for archaeologists and explorers to avoid affliction.
History
While stories of humans turning into metal date back as early as AC 200, the oldest confirmed case of the Metamorphosis was recorded in AC 922 after the exploration of the ancient Sovranese ruin of Aedes Papilionem. Since then, several cases have been recorded every year, primarily from archaeologists, divers, dungeon delvers, and explorers.
Cultural Reception
It's very common to see those afflicted with the metamorphosis shunned and forced to live on the street. While there is no risk of transmission after affliction, many live in fear of those going through a metamorphosis. While Volare is overall kindest to its metamorphic population, they still have a difficult time integrating with society due to their constant treatment and public opinion.
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