Sinlings (sɪn'lɪŋs)

When a mortal commits such a crime against morality that the magic within them is forced to rebel, the ingredients for a sinling are born.

The level of evil necessary for this transformation varies, almost certainly based on hereditary magical strength. For some, minor abuse is a sufficient trigger, while others can commit great atrocities with no outward change.

The process of the shift is the same for all, regardless of cause. One's magic, in an act of rebellion, consumes itself and leaves a scaly, scarring mark on their body. The color of this mark depends on the nature of the crimes:

• Wrath—Red
• Gluttony—Orange
• Greed—Gold
• Envy—Green
• Hubris—Cyan
• Sloth—Blue
• Vanity—Violet
• Lust—Pink

But the true nature of this change reveals itself much later. The very genetics of the sinner are altered, turning their children into fully-formed versions of the creature their magic failed to make of them. Their descendants have scaled, colorful skin, horns, and black sclera, and may have pointed ears. Blood color is occasionally also effected, turning black, white, grey, or the color of the offspring's scales.

These descendants are called sinlings. Sinlings do not necessarily carry the same ill morals as their forefathers, and they suffer no lack of magical ability. Some even report having heightened magical abilities and a sharper sense of dwimor. The curse wears off within a few generations, leaving no mark once it fades.

Sinlings can be categorized by generation. The progenitor of a line of sinlings is referred to as generation-zero, with each following generation incremented by one. Typically, the curse lasts until generation three or four, after which children are born without sinling traits, but on rare occasion it can last six generations or fade after only a single one. The longest recorded line of sinlings laster until generation ten. As all other related bloodlines had long lost the curse at that point, it can be inferred that the curse's length is not consistent to each progenitor.

Causes

Transformation into a generation-zero Sinling occurs as a result of committing some sort of sin as recognized by one's own magic. The degree of atrocity required varies, typically negatively correlated with magical strength, though the correlation is not strong and a higher degree of magical control can stave off the transformation. In nearly all cases, repeated transgressions are necessary to become a Sinling.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the pre-transformation stage are usually minor. Typically, one experiences localized itchiness and pain which progresses to a rash, worsening after each breach of morality. In some cases, loss of appetite has also been reported. If the affected is a frequent user of magic, they may notice a slight loss of magical control or random spikes in their magic's power, coinciding with their transgressions.

Generation-zero Sinlings lose all magical ability and are unable to recover it. The patches of skin that were previously covered with a rash become scaly and turn color depending on the nature of their crimes. The afflicted often report that the itchiness and pain continues on their affected skin.

Treatment

There is no cure for a transformed generation-zero Sinling, nor is there treatment for generations one and above. Loss of magic is complete and, despite research into magical transfusions, there has been no success, possibly due in part to most generation-zero Sinlings being unapologetically amoral and the loss of their magic being seen as an act of self-defense.

Symptoms of pain and itchiness, both before and after the final transformation, can be eased with healing magic or both mundane and magical painkillers.

Prevention

The only way to prevent transformation into a Sinling is to stay away from amoral acts. Typically, warning is given in the form of itchiness. One can consult with a doctor or priest to identify the early stages of transformation from mundane disease. If the condition is caught early on, one may avoid progression by abstaining from the crimes which triggered it, after which the symptoms will gradually fade.

Creator
Unknown, may be an immutable natural law of magic

Type

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired & Congenital

Rarity

Rare

Notable Sinlings
Vex Chaput