Ajivism
Ajivism is an uncommon condition among the Pudgala of the various elemental races of Maya.
Currently it's unknown how it spreads or what causes it, though the favoured hypotheses state it's congenital. It's a chronic disease with no known cure.
Transmission & Vectors
Unknown. Considered congenital, though this has not been proven and no gene associated with it has ever been found.
Causes
Unknown.
Symptoms
Main symptoms of Ajivism are a lack of any standard Pudgala abilities (see Castes) or specific elemental ones. Those with Ajivism have no psychic third eye and thus cannot see the unseen world as their peers can. Their connection to "their" element is tenuous at best.
Because there are no outward signs and the symptoms of Ajivism are very subjective, it's possible for a sufferer of Ajivism to go undetected until adulthood. There is one outward sign that cannot be hidden is an inability to fully connect in intimate relationships with others. Usually this refers to romantic or sexual relationships, but sometimes it's evident in a strong friendship. Prani tend to connect with each other through their extra-sensory abilities in addition to the main ways humanoids build relationships. Those with Ajivism are unable to make extra-sensory connections with other Prani.
Because there are no outward signs and the symptoms of Ajivism are very subjective, it's possible for a sufferer of Ajivism to go undetected until adulthood. There is one outward sign that cannot be hidden is an inability to fully connect in intimate relationships with others. Usually this refers to romantic or sexual relationships, but sometimes it's evident in a strong friendship. Prani tend to connect with each other through their extra-sensory abilities in addition to the main ways humanoids build relationships. Those with Ajivism are unable to make extra-sensory connections with other Prani.
Treatment
No current treatment.
Prognosis
Those with Ajivism can live full lives much like their fellow Pudgala. Their longevity is slightly shorter and they don't have the ability to forgo things like food or water, but otherwise the condition does not alter their life expectancy or quality.
Sequela
It's thought those with Ajivism have lessened self-healing abilities and thus are more susceptible to colds, flus, and long recovery times for things like broken bones. However there is no scientific proof to these claims, and it may just be anti-ajiva bias talking.
Prevention
The main prevention taken today by society is to prevent those with Ajivism from having children, but this has not eliminated the condition.
History
The first recorded case of Ajivism was four centuries ago, and it was the only recorded case for a century after that. Two more cases were recorded over the next century, and then three more over the next fifty years. Cases rose at a steady rate and by the time of the Last War it had become a concerning problem for those in power.
After the Peace Accords and the formation of the Council of Five, special attention was paid to this burgeoning disease. A group of researchers were tasked with finding the cause and cure, but after several decades it was revealed they were just sterilizing those with Ajivism and calling it a day. The task force was disbanded and power struggles within the Council prevented a new one being formed. Then the Plague happened, and many Prani died -- but those with Ajivism had been spared death by the new disease. In the aftermath there was anger towards those with Ajivism, and many were murdered. It was clear they had to stop the spread of Ajivism, especially with so many dead and the survival of the species looking doubtful, so the Council of Five set new laws preventing the full participation in society by those with Ajivism in the hopes of limiting the spread. It didn't work and slowly the Council had to acknowledge they were being needlessly cruel. They rescinded all the restrictions on those with Ajivism save one, which was restriction from being part of the Arranged Mating Protocols.
Cultural Reception
Those with Ajivism are more widely reviled than any other member of Prani society. Many have been rejected by their families once their conditions became known, and thus have moved to Indriya-Mandal. Ajivatown is a small neighbourhood within the capital where those with Ajivism live and have their own community and subculture within the town. Those with Ajivism are harassed more often by the police force of Indriya-mandal and they are more likely to be homeless, as it can be difficult to find a job with the condition. Some of the younger people with Ajivism are angry about their situation, and some groups aiming towards activism and changing things have formed. These groups are mostly peaceful, but their very existence has raised tensions between the IM Police Force and Ajivatown.
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