Transmortification (Trans-mor-ti-fi-kate-tion)
A condition that is found in Timara that is not well understood by the inhabitants of the region. All that is known about the bizarre disease is that it can strike anywhere but often comes upon an individual in near-death situations. This disease can make many altercations to those who suffer from it; some see these alterations as a blessing or a curse based on how the changes manifest. The disease manifests broadly in two ways, one is with angelic features and the other with more hellish features. Colloiquely those with angelic features are called broadly Elysions (E-lo-si-ans) and can develop bird-like wings, glowing eyes, golden skin, and an ability to cast some spells such as blessings, healing, and light spells. Those that develop the hellish features are referred to as Hellcursed and can develop bat wings, black eyes, red skin, and an ability to cast some spells such as fire-based spells, curses, and darkness-based spells. Based upon the region that the transformation occurred also affects the additional type of spells, and physical characteristics that the individual can develop. Currently, there is no cure for the disease and does not seem to transfer in groups.
Transmission & Vectors
Transmortification does not seem to transfer like any other disease known in Timara. While the disease is triggered by near-death experiences it is rare for the disease to actually occur. In the most recent studies by the Chroma Arcanum only about 1 in 100 individuals actually become affected by it but no one particular species seems to be more susctitable than any other.
Causes
The only cause of Transmortification are individuals who come close to death or a death-like state. It has been studied in the Chroma Arcanum but no one has been able to replicate the process as it occurs elsewhere throughout the lands. The working hypothesis is that a surge of arcane energy occurs while a person is under stress they are able to tap into that energy in an attempt to save their lives. Being untrained the magical energy fuses with their body and alters them into a form with the best chance of survival. Another working hypothesis often talked about in towns are that in those final moments before death servants of the gods or the hells come to offer a deal in exchange for an extended life they must dedicate their soul to the appointed god or give up their soul for more time on the mortal plane.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Transmortification are as follows:
- Glowing Eyes
- Black Eyes
- Change of Eye Color
- Growth of Bird Wings
- Growth of Bat Wings
- Growth of Horns on the forehead
- Growth of Claws on the hands
- Ability to cast Magic
- Change of Skin Color (Red, Blue, Green, Gold, White, Black, Silver, Teal, Yellow, Pink, Purple)
History
It is unknown when the first case of Transmortification occurred but it has existed since the time of the founding of the Empire of Timara. According to the Kingdom of Fena, the disease is a blessing of the gods to choose those who are their true believers and to show those who have scorned the gods and deserve retribution. The disease has not changed as far as any historical record as indicated. It continues to affect all species and has a record of at least 400 years of existence. Unforatenly many older documents were lost in the great war against the empire and many documents that predate the founding of it have been destroyed or lost.
Cultural Reception
In the empire itself, anyone affected by Transmortification, Elysions, and Hellcursed alike are treated with suspicion in the inner part of the empire and even more so along with the outer territories. Elysions are more respected due to their angelical features and are welcomed in the outer territories and are often escorted to the capital city of Tia for induction to the Chroma Arcanum or the Chroma Legions. If one develops the Elysion features they are also can travel to the Kingdom of Fena and be accepted as a citizen of that country. This is frowned upon within the inner territories of the empire but many on the outer edges decide to make that trip in the hopes of obtaining better status than the one they have in the empire.
Those that inherit Hellcursed aspects are instead shunned in the outer edges of the empire and are considered devils by the Kingdom of Fena. Hellcursed are escorted much like Elysions to the capital city of Tia to be inducted into the Chroma Arcanum or the Chroma Legions and are shown the same respect as Elysions while in the inner territories. Those who do not wish to join the empire often join bandit gangs or travel outside the empire to find work or acceptance. Any Hellcursed found in the Kingdom of Fena are captured and killed in public executions as devils. Hellcursed can often find work in the lands of Maralars or with the traders who cross the Azure Desert to trade with the empire.
The elves and dwarves of the joint-kingdom of Sela-Dunkhaz will welcome those affected by Transmortification into their realm but must enter into service for a period of 7 years into military service or servitude to an elven or dwarven family. Once served they are considered free and are given a pin to show they have completed their service.
In the Amara Republic, they often find normal lives that they lost in their own hometowns. Though some still join mercenary companies that operate out in the republic due to the unique abilities they possess or join up with merchant caravans or ships to far-off lands like the Entwining Sea or Io.
"It seems what we call Transmortification or more commonly referred to as the Transformation seems to affect only the region of Timara and her surrounding nations. I have spoken to many other travelers, merchants, and sailors stopping at our great ports, and none of them report of the same thing occurring in the other lands they have visited. They tell tall tales of islands covered in mist that move on the ocean, forests that can take people to the whimsical lands of fey creatures, ships that fly through the sky, and islands that float on the clouds. These men report of other diseases that plague these lands such as lycanthrope, vampirism, and zombification to name a few. It seems there is some overlap with how these diseases are spread but they bear little resemblance to ours. What is it about my country that results in this transformation? I am left only with more questions than answers at this time but I can rule out one thing, it only happens here." - Journal entry of Vahid Stormherald Head of Research at the Chroma Arcanum.
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