Glittering

Magical Tuning

Magical abilities are drawn from certain energies diving and swirling around in the world's atmosphere. The origin of these energies is not known, although there are various creation stories and myths concerning them.
What is certain is some people in the world can 'tune in' to these energies - similar to an Earth radio tuning in to transmitted radio waves. These energies can then be manipulated, and even transformed, into both wondrous and dangerous effects. This phenomenon has been named Tuning.
Having magical abilities gives certain clear advantages to those who possess them. With the earlier times of fear and persecution of these individuals having largely passed, many now feel pressure to attain these abilities. They are increasingly willing to try alternative methods if they do not possess a natural gift.

Glitter

Unfortunately, the gateway to that path is now open. GLITTER is an illicitly available drug, with an effect of increased brain activity. It is a yellowish shiny powder (hence its name) and is breathed in. Originally produced for its hallucinogenic properties it was, by chance, found to enable Tuning where none was possible before.
During early use, this minor ability for Tuning is the only effect beyond the hallucinations it was produced for. However, the drug has addictive qualities and the brain's reward system increasingly demands more. At both higher levels of dose, and longer-term use, the effects become damaging.

Transmission & Vectors

In the early to mid-stages of this condition, it is confined to the individuals who consume GLITTER. However, alarming cases now confirm that at its later stages the brain activity of the afflicted can contaminate the activity of those around them that possess a natural Tuning ability. It would further appear that the higher the Tuning ability of the contaminated individual, the more devastating the impact on them.
There is not enough clear data to be certain, but it is estimated that anyone of natural magic ability is at risk of contamination if they are within twenty feet of the user for longer than a few minutes.

Causes

GLITTER interferes with specific parts of the brain resulting in increased activity at higher frequency levels. Given the magical effects it has, this indicates magical energies also have high frequencies.

Treatment

Tapering off the intake of GLITTER within the first six months of use will usually leave no permanent effects or damage. The mortality rate in these circumstances is less than one in fifty.
Seven months of using is seen as the tipping point beyond which permanent, and potentially severe, physical, and mental health effects are likely. The mortality rate rises to about one in twenty.
Beyond ten or eleven months the severity of long term effects increases even further. The mortality rate jumps to one in five.

Prognosis

The condition goes through various phases. These are different for those afflicted through the use of GLITTER and those from contamination. Unless broken through successful treatment, the full cycle of the worst-case condition pathway is as follows.

Afflicted from the use of glitter

• Month 1-5: Heightened awareness, moments of euphoria, and minor hallucinations.
• Month 6-7: Presentation of minor magical capacity in some.
• Month 8-9: Magical abilities may increase. Increasingly euphoric and a continuous state of hyper-alertness.
• Month 10-11: Magical abilities increase further but become increasingly destructive in nature. Predominantly in a state of constant paranoia and strong hallucinations. First examples of contamination of others reported.
• Month 12: Lost all sense of reality. Exponential rise in aggressiveness coupled with higher magic abilities usually resulting in murderous activity. Contamination of others almost certain at close proximity.
• Month 13+: Fully out of control with no sense of their former self - usually no option but to end their life to avoid the death of many others.

Contaminated

• Week 1-3: Severe headaches and some loss of magical ability within two to three weeks.
• Week 4-9a: Where the victim's abilities were relatively minor, most make a full physical recovery but with a permanent loss of magical ability and some memory.
• Symptoms Week 4-9b: Those with a highly developed ability mostly experience sever symptoms of head pain, body pain, partial loss of sight, and hallucinations. Magical abilities are not usually fully lost through this time. In about one in ten cases the victim dies within a further month. Those who survive remain weak and confused - long term prognosis is not encouraging.

Type

Neurological

Origin

Engineered

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Uncommon

Fears of the Magical Community

Magical organizations and powerful individuals are taking their own steps to track down and deal with the manufacturers and distributors of this drug.
They fear that some parties, who still despise the use of magic, intend to develop it into a weapon to destroy them.

Production & Distribution

The initial production of GLITTER was small-scale and served a few local markets in central parts of the region. Once its unexpected side-effect was discovered, this has grown substantially.
Some Nations are cooperating to root this organization out and end production. Others are intent on discovering its nature for less moral purposes.

Glittering

The ceremony of inhaling is unique to this drug and is known as glittering. This term also has been applied to the condition it causes.

Prevention

The intake of GLITTER is the direct cause of the condition, but those fighting against the use of this drug are urging Authorities to tackle the social factors that leave individuals feeling a need for these substances.
Societies are placing an increasingly high value on the possession of magical abilities. In turn, this is reflected in increased pressure from families and peers. The adverse mental health impacts that can be caused are driving increasing numbers towards GLITTER.
Those at risk of contamination must be kept away from the afflicted. Authorities are now more vigilant and quicker to deal with users of GLITTER.

Cover art by: Halacious https://unsplash.com/@halacious
Glitter Image by: Christopher Campbell https://unsplash.com/@chrisjoelcampbell