Fading Flame

Dragons are one of the most powerful individuals both physically and magically. For eons they struck terror into the hearts of other beings. Many dragons have an obsession with centralizing wealth and power and dedicate their life to cultivating material possessions.
As Dragons get older, they suffer from different disorders, some physical, some psychological, some magical. Some are very similar to any other species, such as arthritis or cataracts. Some however are entirely unique to them as a species.
One is called the Fading Flame. Different elemental species of Dragon have different names for it, but the symptoms and results are nearly identical between them.

Causes

Brought on by old age.

Symptoms

The first notable sign is an itching feeling in the lungs when they try and spit elemental energies.
After this the magical energies tend to begin to become weaker and weaker until they are unable to generate it.
There are species specific symptoms as well. For example, red dragons will emanate less heat and their scales will become slightly less resplendent.

Treatment

Though it is impossible to counteract this condition, it is possible to help reduce the symptoms on a case by case basis.
Older red dragons who make sure to stay in hot environments tend to put less strain on their bodies, and puts off the time line that this takes full affect. It is even possible that one can put itself in an intensely hot environment and restore some functionality of their elemental breath.

Cultural Reception

There is many debate on the nature of this illness. Some say that even Dragons are not free from the grip of time.
Others say it is a natural reaction to level the field between the much larger, older dragons and younger competition. That this illness allows the hold of an older dragon’s power to be broken so new generations may replace them. Some even say it is to encourage a dragon to have to hand off their power, and work with younger generations.

Type

Supernatural