Rune Poisoning

Rune poisoning (sometimes also known as runic poisoning or quintessence poisoning) is a chronic condition caused by exposure to high levels of quintessence.

Causes

Rune poisoning is caused by both the exposure of bare skin and inhalation of high quantities of raw quintessence.

Symptoms

Rune poisoning causes muscle weakness and constant, though fluctuating, soreness and near-numbness in at least one limb. The affected limb will become discolored across much of the skin, with major veins becoming clearly visible and glowing. The color will regularly fluctuate from magenta to green to purples and blues; if any raw quintessence is around, the affected area will shift to match it. Patterns may also appear on the skin. The symptoms will become increasingly severe, often to the point of debilitating pain and inability to use the limb at all, in the presence of notable quantities of quintessence. If exposure is prolonged and direct after the initial poisoning symptoms develop, the limb may become permanently paralyzed. As such, victims can no longer risk using magic, save for their own internal quintessence bonds (such as shapeshifting for an Elf), and even then, may only be able to do so in a limited condition.
In addition, while rune poisoning does not cause any immediate lung damage, it causes greater susceptibility to pulmonary disease. In addition, about seventy percent of patients surveyed reported frequently experiencing visual or auditory hallucinations, usually of shifting, floating colors and discordant melodies.

Treatment

Most non-magical painkillers can reduce the soreness in the limbs. Some patients, particular with minor symptoms, may regain some strength and use in the affected limb(s) via long-term physical therapy. In extreme cases, amputation will stop the pain at the cost of the limb.

Affected Groups

Quintessence can affect any form of animal life with the peculiar exception of dragons (this does not include other psuedoreptiles like Garrok). It does not affect other kingdoms of life such as plants, whatever the Sluth are, or the undead; however, an organism who had rune poisoning before its death that is revived as undead will maintain the appearance of rune poisoning, if not the pain.

Prevention

Whenever in the presence of raw quintessence, especially when it is visible and audible, always cover as much skin as possible, especially on the limbs and extremities, and wear breathing protection. If anything becomes damaged, especially if feeling euphoric or disoriented, withdraw from the area immediately and wash as thoroughly as possible.

History

While incidents of rune poisoning happened before the Nightfall, as recorded in pre-Nightfall documents found in Setre and Nes Varenholst, incidents increased massively after the Nightfall due to the much higher levels of quintessence and the appearance of the banshees.

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Uncommon