Cloud Sickness

Transmission & Vectors

Cloud sickness is only contractible by prolonged exposure to the magical energies in the chaos layer of the cloud sea. An hour of exposure or longer puts a creature at risk of contracting cloud sickness.

Causes

The wild magic of the chaos layer of the cloud sea warps the body in unusual ways. Exposure for an hour or more puts any creature of flesh and blood at risk of developing cloud sickness.

Symptoms

Cases of cloud sickness result in bizarre mutations, strained connection to the Stream, and manifestation of wild magic.

Treatment

Cloud sickness can be dispelled by magical effects that remove curses, but only when accompanied by rare incense that costs no less than fifty gold coins per stick - a price few can afford. The incense must be inhaled by the afflicted individual while the magic is cast on them, after which their body will reset to its natural state over the next several hours.

The incense needed to cure cloud sickness is primarily made by the forest gnomes of Exariiq from the leaves and petals of the Everbloom, a flower believed to live forever.

Prevention

There are no currently known method of preventing contraction of cloud sickness. Doctor Eimantus Vimal is attempting to develop a suit of armour that will protect against cloud sickness, with no success to date.

History

Cloud sickness has cropped up frequently in history. Many heroes of Taescaar's past have experienced cloud sickness in their careers. The halfling clan Tosscobble experiences a unique hereditary form of cloud sickness that manifests itself  as innate wild magic.

Cultural Reception

Individuals afflicted by cloud sickness are typically viewed as dangerous, volatile creatures. The unpredictable nature of cloud sickness makes individuals who suffer from it hazardous to be around, and most afflicted tend to become recluses, fearful of the hazard they pose to the people around them.

Individuals who have a great deal of control can learn to master their cloud sickness are often viewed as heroic figures, revered for their great power. Rather than cursed by the chaos of the cloud sea, it is said that they are blessed by it, though the changes made are fundamentally the same.

Type

Magical

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Rare