Severing

Causes

The Severing is caused when an individual draws more magical power than his body can handle, especially without an alternative source of energy. In most cases the body simply explodes but for some stronger magical users, it happens that they lose their connection to magic and they cease to function normally.
It can also be forced on someone by channeling enormous amounts of magic into them, however that is extremely rare, it's considered illegal in most kingdoms and has considerable risk for all parties involved.

Symptoms

Someone who has been "severed" will have lost the spark of life. His eyes will remain unfocused, staring ahead. His body will move mechanically and are unable to stop following orders given to them. The first person they see after losing their minds, is the one they bond to and become their servant, sort of.

Treatment

There is no known treatment. Even reapplying the individual's soul in another body won't work.

Prognosis

Following the channeling of amounts of magic more than what the individual can handle, they immediately lose the entirety of their willpower and become almost catatonic. After about a day, they can become "normal" again.

Affected Groups

Every individual that can wield magic is viable to become severed.

History

Being that usually those who happen to draw in more magic than possible, just explode it's hard to say when was the first documented case. However there is a researcher, Myal, who reportedly used others to make experiments in the kingdom of Aurelia, just a few years before the start of the Irruption Wars.

Cultural Reception

Those who have been "Severed" are known by many names. Mindbroken is the most common use. Since they are quite a rare sight, most kingdoms focus on placing them under the care of the one they bonded with for the remainder of their lives.
However, there are some recorded cases where mages forcefully sever individuals to make them slaves for those who can pay. This is highly illegal in most kingdoms and is punishable by death.
In general, the Mindbroken are regarded akin to children, requiring care. It has been known that in some kingdoms they are simply executed as an action of mercy.

Type

Mental

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Extremely Rare