Slumbering Pools

There are a few things that the Shadow-Blades cannot escape from. The gods are one of those. Most of the Blades have magical capabilities and have made their Oaths, but by becoming a Shadow-Blade they have been forced to abandon the true purpose of their magic. Now, suffering from the Oath-Breakers Curse the Shadow-Blades have immense difficulty performing their jobs. With sickness and mental strain, the Blades are effectively dulled. However, a recently discovered hot spring has been able to aid them in this area. Known as the Slumbering Pools, those who suffer from the Curse are brought there.
With the usage of natural herbs, and the steam-filled heat, those that suffer are put into a deep slumber, almost akin to the hibernation that bears partake in. Twice daily they are awoken and fed, though even in those moments the person acts like they're sleepwalking. Several key individuals, who have also taken the Oaths watch over them, and minister to them for it is what their gods demand of them. Several antidotes are brewed each day using the flowers that grow wildly outside the pool and are applied to the sleeping person's face and neck. Ointment that is purchased from afar is rubbed deeply into the palms as well. It is a job that does not pay, but they are provided provisions from the capital to sustain them.
These pools are specially designed for a single use, crafted to act almost like containment jars. Those who slumber do so 'standing' and they remain there until the month is over. Then, the other batch of Blades is brought, and they switch places for the next fifty days.
Those that awaken prematurely are a danger to themselves, and others therein. The keepers of the pools have several restraints in place, for such an emergency. Many blades are hostile and violent when they first awaken in the water.