Mana Corruption

It's a fate many can avoid, but few attempt. Those who lack the proper training and development of their mana core and magic circuits can find themselves totally consumed by the power of mana. That's why this exercise is so important, even if it is difficult.

— Instructor Dreyfus, lecturing in the Imperial Academy

Mana corruption is an affliction that is a direct result of humanity's avarice to control the power of magic. It's characterised by the overgrowth and crystallization of mana in the body's mana core, the central organ responsible for collecting mana from the air. This crystallization starts in the lungs, slowly hardening surrounding tissue.
When the organ works too hard for too long, or inversely is not used after a long period of time, this disease can spontaneously develop. Magically-gifted individuals who never use it are at higher risk of obtaining this disease early on. The danger this disease poses incentivises all nations to seek out and develop magical talent - because failing to do so can invite disaster.
After the mana core is corrupted, individuals will become extremely mana-sensitive, while experiencing increased magic power, and pain while using magic. Because of this, those unfamiliar with this disease will see it as a positive strengthening of their magic - however, the flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long. Eventually, the affliction spreads throughout the entire body via the corruption of magic circuits. When it reaches the brain, one of two events occur. Either victims fully solidify and become a pure mana stone, or they become a corruption vessel, a mindless abomination with vast amounts of raw mana. As Vessels are extremely dangerous once they awaken, innately violent and capable of destroying small towns with bursts of pure magical energy, any who show signs of crystallization that's extensively developed are killed on sight. There is no known cure from the disease apart from death.
The disease is genetic, often occurring later in life. If your mother or father had the disease, you're at high risk of being afflicted as well.

Affected Groups

Most users of magic have some type of risk to contract mana corruption. Those whose families have a history of mana corruption should be raised in magic the moment talent is found.

Prevention

Regular training and utilization of the mana core and magic circuits of the body.

Cultural Reception

Any who present symptoms of late-stage mana corruption, such as the crystallization on skin tissue, are immediately arrested and promptly executed when the condition is found.

Often, the change is sudden and spontaneous. A section of skin or body part may develop small shards of crystal at first, but by then it's too late. Within days, the victim will surely die or become a Vessel.

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Causes

Negligence of magic core

Symptoms

Irritation while intaking mana is often the earliest symptom, but the disease is later characterised by intense pain on utilizing mana as it passes through the body's magic circuits, hypersensitivity to mana, and improved magical function.

Prognosis

Fatal, with one of two outcomes: complete crystallization of the body into a Mana Stone, or transformation into a Corruption Vessel, classified as a B-rank monster.

Type

Genetic

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Uncommon