Aether drought (ˈiːθə draʊt)

Aether drought is a medical condition that seems to affect magic users with no cause, consideration, or focus. Mages, who have been able to tap into the aether of the world their whole lives are suddenly unable to draw on the power for their magics. While this is not always the end of arcane arts for a mage, occasionally their innate pool of magic is significant enough to continue on as if little had changed, for some, that disconnect from the power of their universe is enough to drive a mage to insanity.

Causes

Although the cause is currently unknown to the general population, should Runemage Lothor at The Academy continue his current course of investigation, the old mage would find a sickness in the aether. A dark cancer that is spreading like wildfire throughout the essence of Syshir. Those who tap into and draw from the aether expose themselves to the cancer, and in some individuals, it burns away their bond, destroying the pathway they used to access the power.

Treatment

There is no known cure for aether drought. Mages who contract the disease are currently being studied by mages at both The Bastion and The Academy, but as of yet, even the most talented of mage Healers have not been able to rebuild the pathway. However, with less than 10 mages in all The Unition having contracted aether drought over the last century, the study of the disease is slow going.

History

The first recorded case of aether drought was nearly a century prior to the events of The Seer's Son. Woodsman Bramar was long deceased by the time the record came to light at The Bastion, having taken his own life not long after contracting the disease. His journal surfaced two decades after his passing, describing the sudden emptiness he had felt when attempting to connect to the world around him. His mental health began to deteriorate quickly afterwards ultimately leading to his death only two weeks after his predicted contraction of the cancer. By this time, Songmage Mithak was being held at The Bastion, although the hall of healing wouldn't receive the information from Woodsman Bramar's journal until Mithak had been discharged after nearly a year with no progress in recovering from his condition. The young niece of Woodsman Bramar, when she insisted she had information that could help in healing Songmage Mithak, was dismissed as an avid fan - the Songmage was well-known for his performances in high halls and manors.

Cultural Reception

A small conclave of priests of The Bright Lord, believe aether drought is a plague sent by the Gods. The mages who are affected are being punished for their sins, and attempts to find a cure, or work towards prevention are directly opposing His will. With the King himself becoming more under the influence of The Bright Lord’s clergy, perhaps the search for a cure will be furthered hindered in the near future.

Type

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Extremely Rare