Aureosis (/ɔːˈriːoʊsɪs/ | Simplified: 'Aw-ree-o-sis')

Written by World Smithy

Overview

Aureosis is a mutation of the skeleton, muscle mass, and skin in which metallic gold takes the place of affected tissue. It is not known what causes Aureosis, though it is speculated that those with this condition have a higher chance of passing it down to their offspring. The only recorded negative affects of the mutation describe gold growing uncontrollably from the affected bone tissue, which led to the mass breaking the surface of the skin. It has been noted that those most affected by this uncontrollable growth are the elderly, and this unchecked gold growth may lead to death. Additionally, all donated samples of gold-infused tissues show no signs of affecting typical or expected maneuverability of those it affects.

Transmission & Vectors

The condition is not infectious, though there is an increased likelihood any offspring of an affected person will have the mutation.

Causes

The exact cause is unknown. As of the current date, there are several theories ranging from being divinely chosen to simply being a mutation caused by the high concentrations of arcane material common in the Thaumition Era.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Aureosis may include, but are not limited to:

• Enhanced immune system
• Increased electrical conductivity (static shocks are common)
• Newly discovered arcane abilities not present before
• Decreased pain from electrical sources
• Small to large patches or streaks of skin turning golden in coloration

Treatment

There is no treatment for this mutation.

Prognosis

Those born with the condition will likely not experience any of the listed symptoms until their early adolescence. Once they reach this stage in development, it is common to discover gold markings across the body. Often times, the mutation will end here. Rarely, additional occurences of the golden growths will appear, and with them new arcane abilities. The condition is very rarely fatal in the later stages of life, but there is the chance for the gold to grow through the skin from the bone, causing massive physical trauma.

Prevention

There is no known method to prevent the mutation.

History

This condition dates back several millennia, near the founding of The Vasaran Dominion. Early records of the mutation indicate that affected persons were revered as those chosen from the divine, sent to lead and hold positions of power. Many accounts show this was not always the case, and many of those affected were hunted and killed in order to harvest the auric bounty within. There was a period of time roughly fifty years before the Empyrean Schism when a notable increase in those affect occured; it is still hotly debated on what cause this surge in numbers.

A sketched drawing detailing the effects of Aureosis.

Type

Magical

Origin

Mutated

Cycle

Chronic, Congenital

Rarity

Rare