Pretty Ones

Transmission & Vectors

This condition is not transferred via the air or any other physical method. It only occurs to people who have spent significant time in "The Haunt".

Causes

The ambient necromantic energies in the air can affect the minds of those who live in The Haunt, though it appears that only an idle mind is susceptible. Denizens of The Haunt spend time on arts and other pursuits in order to keep their mind keen, all live in fear that to be idle or live a purely hedonistic life will cause them to fall to madness.

Symptoms

Initially the subject will show extreme vanity taking hours and hours to groom and clean themselves as well as seeking approval of others that they are beautiful or "pretty". The subject will neglect food and sleep in order to continue its obsession. Eventually the narcissistic qualities will result in rage at the world and all that is not "pretty".(The subject will deem anything other than itself to be ugly). The subject will fight and claw at anyone who approaches them. Some will end up being consumed by the rage and become animalistic creatures, while some will return to their vain but harmless personality for a time before the rage sets in again.

Treatment

There is no cure. However subjects that are isolated in their rage cycles are more likely to revert back to their peaceful stage than those who feed their anger and bloodlust. For this reason sufferers are often locked in attics or cellars by their families. Hidden as a shameful secret.

Prevention

The denizens of the Haunt have no need to work or toil, all this being done by undead servants. However they cannot be an idle pleasure seeker as only purpose and drive seems to prevent the illness. Young men and women are encouraged into the arts, swordplay and science in order to keep their minds occupied.

Cultural Reception

It is seen as shameful to have a "Pretty One" in your family and the condition Is pitied and feared . Although no genetic connection exists in reality, it exists in the minds of people. However they are usually kept hidden by their families and in as much comfort as possible as they are not considered to have become "other" their family and friends will still care for them. However those who have lost their minds to animal rage are usually killed, as they are no longer seen as being the person they once were.

Type

Mental

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Rare