The Withering

The effects where the Essence has been tapped into, drained, or even depleted.

The negative effect upon an individual for practising magic too much. Magic has a negative effect where it consumes the essence within the surrounding area. This side effect also consumes the caster's essence. Too much withering can deadly to those suffering.

Some to claim there is a way to minimise this, however, there are those who do not. Scholars of the Crest have researched into the effects of the Withering and reported the findings in the Tome of Magic. The tome itself is securely stored and hidden, so too is many of the findings; however, the scholars can and do share effects of Magic and the causes to create the Withering. Extracts of the Tome of Magic are available to read, which describe such information.

Causes

In the Tome of Magic are findings of the cause of Withering is the drainage of Essence. This is done by the casting of a spell. The effects at first may appear minimal, however, the rate at which one is casting a spell has varied results too. Furthermore, The College of the Arcane have found many spells, each categorised within a 'Spell Levelling' system; which is based on the effects on the Withering they cause. The higher level the spell, the greater effect on the Withering they have.

Symptoms

Symptoms can be found within the Environment, as well as people and creatures. To determine if the Withering is the cause, The College of the Arcane and the Scholars of the Crest both agree the symptoms must occur in both circumstances in order for the person, creature or object in question to be diagnosed with the Withering. This does not mean one has not been Withered, as they may have been; only the scholars and clerics would find it difficult to diagnose them with such a condition.

Signs of being Withered

Decolourisation

One of the key signs are termed Decolourisation. The environment can also become discoloured or desaturated in their colour too. Grass, for example, would turn yellow. A person may seem to have been Withered if their skin turns pale, and they appear to have aged. Rather describing one a grey, Scholars often say they are colourless; to further describe their decaying condition.

Poor Health

Illnesses and diseases are common too when an environment is Withering. Even the healthiest being can suddenly fall ill. Fever, nausea and headaches are common. Blight can also affect crops, however, crops can also appear healthy, when indeed they are not. A Withered One may also be affected mentally. They can often be more depressed than usual, tired and most commonly angry.

Prevention

The College of the Arcane and the Scholars of the Crest worked together to create Essence Tongue, the language of efficient spellcasting. The College's ethos is to cast spells whilst consuming just the right about of Essence needed. To do this, the spellcasters must focus on their ability; so the effects of the Withering are reduced.

Cultural Reception

Many commoners, peasants, and even nobles and royalty would be superstitious of being Withered. An amalgamation of events would cause one to think its the effect of the Withering. For example, a combination of drought, low crop yield and poor weather; would bring many to the conclusion of the Withering taking an effect. Thus many villages may start blaming one another, to seak the one who's casting the spells; Witch Hunting. There very well may be a local spellcaster, however more often not is the case.

"Yellow grass? I couldn't believe the stories until I arrived. Even now the people are struggling to feed themselves properly. Thank goodness for us Emberlings helping these people in their time of need.

I thought it was a myth at first. A horror story kids would share to frighten other kids to express their childish dominance. They would often use it to mock others too, but little that they knew. The Withering is not a myth, trust me."

— Kayla Fogtree in Kay's Visit to Valence

Type

Magical

Origin

Magical

Rarity

Common