Aether Drain

Aether Drain is a condition that is only experienced by Mages, resulting from, as the name suggests, them being drained of their Aether, either as a result of outside influence or due to the Mage rapidly expending their Aether through continuous and intense spellcasting. This can often result in death or the complete loss of magic ability in its absolute worst cases, so all Mages take great care to avoid inflicting it on themselves.

Causes

As it's name implies, Aether Drain results from a Mage having their Aether drained from them. This can be caused by outside factors, such as being exposed to a ritual or environmental effect that forcibly removes the individuals Aether, or through personal factors, such as constantly expending Aether through continuous spellcasting or expending a very large quantity of Aether all at once.

Symptoms

The Symptoms of Aether Drain vary depending on the severity, ranging from simple fatigue to going comatose or even death in the absolute worst cases. Additionally, depending on the severity of their Aether loss, a mage might be at risk of outright losing their ability to use magic.

Treatment

The best way to treat Aether Drain is to rest, and let the body recover its spent Aether on its own. If the individual is in a hurry, they can consume an Aether potion to speed up their natural restorative process, though this method is limited to prevent the individual from becoming reliant on them.

Prognosis

Stage One (Mild): The Mage feels fatigued and sluggish.
Stage Two (Moderate): The Mage feels intensely fatigued and lethargic, as well as hungry.
Stage Three (Moderate approaching Severe): As well as fatigue, the Mage now also feels disoriented, and has difficulty casting anything higher than a low-level spell.
Stage Four (Severe): At this point the Mage will have expended almost all of their Aether, resulting in them falling into a comatose state. If the loss of Aether leading to this state was severe enough, the Mage will face a high risk of death.

Sequela

If the loss of Aether resulting in an Aether Drain is severe enough, it could result in damage to the flow of Aether in the Mages body, resulting in either a hampered ability to use magic, or even a complete loss of magic.

Affected Groups

Mages are the only people capable of experiencing Aether Drain.

Prevention

The easiest way to avoid Aether Drain is to avoid losing to much Aether at once.

Cultural Reception

The possibility of experiencing Aether Drain in some form is accepted as an unfortunate part of being a Mage.

Type

Magical

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Uncommon