Mush-Mind

Mush-mind is a condition of extreme susceptibility to suggestion caused by prolonged exposure to, or high-dose consumption of, Sinnelänk Berries.

Condition: Mush-Mind
Those suffering from Mush-Mind have disadvantage on opposed CHA and WIS checks. Mush-mind also confers disadvantage against all spells from the Enchantment school of magic. Additionally, the duration of such spells is doubled. Creatures normally immune to Charm/Sleep/Control can never suffer the Mush-Mind condition.

Causes

The longer and/or more intensely ones thoughts are linked to a collective whole, the harder it is to distinguish where individual thoughts are coming from. When a mind cannot tell the origin of its thoughts, it assumes all thoughts are its own - leaving the individual highly susceptible to suggestion and/or manipulation.

Treatment

The most effective, least detrimental treatment for Mush-Mind is to gradually dilute consumption of Sinnelänk Berries while encouraging the individual to engage in activities that require individual concentration - journaling, needlework, crafting, etc. Hobbies, skills, or tasks the person enjoyed prior to Mush-mind are particularly effective. As the dose lowers and the mind-link fades, this will help the afflicted focus on their individuality and minimize side effects/long-term damage. The typical course of treatment is 1-4 weeks, depending on the length of the affliction.
Treatments that quickly sever the afflicted from the mind-link have detrimental effects as the mind scrambles to piece together an individuality. They often demonstrate drastic changes in personality - skittishness, paranoia, general loss of self, malaise. The longer Mush-Mind has been in effect, the more profound these changes are. As such, immediate extraction is not recommended.

Prognosis

Mush-mind does not appear to be harmful or debilitating in and of itself. Theoretically, a well protected community could thrive on the collective conscious Mush-Mind provides. However, it leaves the individual and its collective ripe for manipulation and exploitation.

Prevention

The best prevention of Mush-Mind is to not partake in the consumption of Sinnelänk Berries.
The next best prevention is to consume Sinnelänk Berries responsibly. The "Mhelikid Skoner" units of the Royal Army and the "Problem Solvers" mercenary group are known to train and operate with regulated doses to enhance communication and coordination between their elite troops.
Theoretically, a magical item that conferred immunity to charm or mind-control would also neutralize the effects, but there is no current data to support this.