Magical Decay

In the world of Dessend, magical enchantments are not eternal; they are subject to a gradual deterioration known as magical decay. While an enchantment can remain intact for an extended period of time, over time the Aether it contains will seep out and contaminate the surrounding environment. This process creates a phenomenon where the released aether can have unpredictable effects depending on the nature of the original enchantment.
As the aether leeches out of the decaying enchantment, it disperses into the world and interacts with the surrounding magical energies. The resulting effects can vary greatly depending on the specific enchantment that has decayed. Aetheric pollution can manifest itself in a variety of ways, causing unexpected and often uncontrolled magical phenomena.
The nature of these effects is influenced by the original purpose of the enchantment, its properties, and the specific energies it released during the decay process. The range of consequences can include altered physical properties of objects, fluctuations in elemental energies, distortions in space or time, or the manifestation of magical phenomena unique to the original enchantment.
The unpredictability of Aetheric Pollution adds an element of mystery and risk to areas affected by Magical Decay. Individuals and communities must navigate and adapt to the dynamic and potentially dangerous magical changes that occur. Proper precautions and an understanding of the specific effects associated with different enchantments are crucial to managing the effects of Magical Decay on the surrounding world.
For enchanted items that see regular use and activation, the constant flow of aether through the enchantment helps to stave off the effects of decay. The constant activation and replenishment of aether within these objects maintains their integrity and prevents significant deterioration over time.
However, if enchanted items are left untouched and stored for long periods of time, the enchantments will begin to deteriorate due to the lack of aether flow. Without the constant activation and renewal of Aether, enchantments will gradually succumb to the effects of Magical Decay. This becomes especially problematic when a large number of such artifacts are stored together in close proximity. Storing a significant number of untouched, decaying enchanted artifacts in close proximity creates a localized zone of intensified magical pollution.
If numerous enchanted items with decaying enchantments are stored together, their combined decay will release a significant amount of polluted aether into a concentrated area. The accumulation of polluted aether in a small area can lead to increased risks and dangers. The unpredictable effects associated with the leached aether can manifest in more pronounced and potent ways, potentially causing disturbances, distortions, or even dangerous magical phenomena.

Manifestation

The manifestation of Magical Decay is affected by the types of enchantments decaying. Each type of decay manifests in a different way.

General/Mixed Manifestation

In areas where numerous items of various enchantment types are decaying, a dark, iridescent vapor will permeate the area. This vapor has the potential to harm the health of those exposed to it.
The vapor of decay acts as a generalized effect of the magical decay process, beyond the specific effects associated with individual enchantments. It forms a pervasive presence in the affected area, creating an eerie and ominous atmosphere. The vapor itself may exhibit mesmerizing colors or a shimmering quality that captivates the senses while also signifying the presence of powerful magical contamination.
Exposure to this magical decay vapor can have detrimental effects on a person's health and well-being. The exact nature of these effects can vary, ranging from mild discomfort or disorientation to more severe symptoms, depending on the concentration and duration of exposure. Common symptoms include difficulty breathing, headache, dizziness, and general malaise. Prolonged or intense exposure may result in more serious health complications.

Creation Magic Manifestation

The prevalence of creation magic in the world of Dessend, which allows for the materialization of objects from aether, brings with it its own set of considerations regarding magical decay. Objects created by creation magic are imbued with aether, much like enchanted objects, and are susceptible to the effects of magical decay, if not more so.
Magical decay resulting from creation magic manifests itself in different ways. It often results in the spontaneous creation and subsequent destruction of irregular objects formed from simple materials. These objects can appear suddenly and without warning, with unpredictable shapes, sizes, and characteristics.
While most of these spontaneously generated objects are innocuous in nature, their effects can be influenced by factors such as mass and altitude. Objects of significant mass that materialize at an elevated altitude can pose potential risks and hazards. Their sudden appearance and subsequent gravitational impact can cause property damage, injury, or other undesirable consequences.

Transformation Magic Manifestation

Transformation magic, commonly used in industry and construction on Dessend, allows for the manipulation and reshaping of materials such as wood and stone. This process infuses the materials with aether, similar to creation magic, making them susceptible to subsequent magical decay.
Magical decay resulting from transformation magic manifests itself in different ways. It often results in random shifts in the properties of the materials into which it has seeped. This includes changes in the shape, state, and density of the affected materials, resulting in unexpected and sometimes dangerous transformations.
One notable effect of the magical decay of transformation magic is the ability to cause materials to take on properties different from their original nature. For example, a smooth stone floor may undergo a transformation that gives it properties similar to quicksand. This sudden change in its structural integrity and behavior can create unexpected challenges and dangers for those passing through the affected area.

Elemental Magic Manifestation

Elemental magic plays a central role on Dessend, particularly in the art of enhancing weapons to heighten their effectiveness against magical creatures. Enchanting weapons with elemental properties not only increases their lethality but also imparts the ability to counteract and overcome the defenses of these magical beings.
However, the enchantments aren't static, and as elemental enhancements gradually break down over time, they can trigger a range of unpredictable effects in the surrounding environment. For instance, the dissipation of a lightning-based enchantment might lead to sporadic arcs of electricity coursing through the air, often accompanied by unexpected bursts of water or acidic substances. Similarly, the waning of an ice or fire enchantment could manifest as rapid shifts in temperature, resulting in either spontaneous ignition or sudden freezing of materials within the vicinity. Decaying earth elemental enchantments might bring about the unanticipated creation of stones that, in their formation, exhibit a tendency to hurl themselves or precipitously fall, lending an element of unpredictability to the surroundings.

Type

Metaphysical, Arcane