Weave Corruption
The Weave is the source of all magic. and all practitioners harness it in one way or another however it is possible to overexert oneself when channelling raw Weave power.
Causes
Caught by tapping directly into the weave to cast magic without the use of incantations or magic runes. The equivalent of overcharging a battery.
Symptoms
The usual side effects:
- Reduced vitality.
- Exhaustion that can persist over a period of weeks
- Temporarily incapable of casting magical spells
- The user's magic becomes wild and unpredictable
- Casting magic will physically harm the user
- The user can be consumed by a spell becoming sentient.
Treatment
There is no cure for the damage Weave corruption does to the body however there are ways to mitigate further damage. Relying on things like spells scrolls and magical items to cast spells. With magically assisted physiotherapy the casters can learn to adapt their spellcasting to accommodate their now-damaged body.
Prognosis
Weave corruption is essentially magical scaring, once the damage is done it won't progress further unless you continue to exert your magical capabilities or tap into the raw Weave again
Prevention
The best prevention for this condition is to not utalise raw weave and avoid the condition altogether.
History
Greetings, esteemed colleagues of the magical arts. With grave hearts and unwavering dedication to the preservation of both life and arcane knowledge, the Xin Mages' Guild presents this treatise on the insidious affliction known as Weave-Scourge.
Treading the Razor's Edge:
While channelling the Weave is the very foundation of our craft, a delicate balance must be maintained. To grasp its raw power directly, bypassing the established conduits and safeguards, is akin to plunging one's hands into a raging inferno. The immediate benefits might seem alluring, unleashing spells of unprecedented power and complexity. However, the cost is exorbitant, tearing at the very fabric of one's being and unleashing a torrent of unpredictable consequences.
The Grim Tapestry of Symptoms:
Those who succumb to Weave-Scourge endure a spectrum of torment. The initial toll is insidious, a draining lethargy, spells sputtering like damp embers. But this is merely the prelude. As the corruption festers, spells contort into abominations, fireballs singeing the caster's own flesh, healing balms festering into wounds. In the most extreme cases, the line between caster and spell blurs, bodies warping into grotesque amalgamations of flesh and magic.
Beyond the Reach of Mending:
With a heavy heart, we confess that no true cure exists for Weave-Scourge. The wounds it inflicts are upon the very essence of life, akin to scars upon the Weave itself. Our efforts have yielded palliatives, intricate enchantments woven into magical items that siphon the excess power, allowing the afflicted, the "Weave-Taint," to manage their condition. Yet, these are mere bandages on a gaping wound.
The Scars Remain:
The mark of Weave-Scourge is never truly hidden. A flicker of wild magic in the eyes, a tremor in the hands, a constant reminder of the price paid for hubris. Weave-Taint live under a perpetual shadow, ostracized by society, haunted by whispers of their past deeds. Yet, within them lies a spark of defiance, a testament to their resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering.
A Plea for Prudence:
This treatise is not merely a grim chronicle. It is a clarion call, a warning bell against the siren song of unbridled power. Let us remember the lessons of the past, the shattered lives, the families fractured. Let us strive for mastery within the established boundaries, wielding our skills responsibly and with respect for the delicate balance of the Weave. For to dance with the raw power of the Weave without restraint is to court a fate worse than death itself.
A Shared Burden:
We, the Xin Mages' Guild, extend a hand in solidarity to all who study the mystical arts. Together, let us share our knowledge, refine our techniques, and ensure that the tragedies of Weave-Scourge remain a chilling but fading echo in the annals of our history. May we wield our power with wisdom, ever mindful of the intricate tapestry upon which our lives, and the fate of Ealathra, are woven.
Signed Archmage Xylia Moonshadow
Head of Xin Magical Acadamy-335DH
Cultural Reception
Among Spellcasters:
- Fear and Shame: Fear of the condition itself, its unpredictable and potentially fatal consequences, would be widespread. Shame due to the perception of hubris or recklessness that could lead to Weave corruption would contribute to social stigma.
- Factionalism: Depending on the severity of the perceived threat, different factions might arise:
- Purists: Advocating for strict adherence to established practices and condemning any exploration of potentially risky magical avenues.
- Seekers: Driven by a thirst for knowledge and understanding, they might attempt controlled research into Weave corruption to find potential cures or preventatives.
- Pragmatists: Focused on managing the problem rather than eradicating it. They might advocate for support systems for Weave-Taint and regulations to minimize risk.
- Professional Impact: Weave-Taint might face discrimination or limitations within their chosen magical fields, due to concerns about their control and reliability. Guilds or governing bodies might implement testing or restrictions for those with a history of Weave corruption.
- Fear and Ignorance: The general populace, lacking understanding of magic's intricacies, might view Weave corruption with superstitious fear, potentially blaming Weave-Taint for inexplicable events or misfortunes.
- Pity and Misconceptions: Depending on the level of awareness and education, sympathy for Weave-Taint could exist, along with misconceptions about their condition and capabilities.
- Exploitation: In darker societies, Weave-Taint might be seen as potential weapons or tools, their unpredictable magic manipulated for nefarious purposes.
- Segregation and discrimination: Weave-Taint might face social ostracization, exclusion from certain activities, or even legal restrictions depending on societal views and the severity of the perceived threat.
- Support and advocacy: Groups might arise to advocate for the rights and well-being of Weave-Taint, promoting understanding and challenging discrimination.
- Advancements in magical understanding: Research into Weave corruption could lead to breakthroughs in understanding the nature of magic itself, potentially benefiting all spellcasters.
- Art and literature: Weave corruption could inspire cautionary tales, ballads, or artistic depictions reflecting societal fears and anxieties surrounding the condition.
- Religious interpretations: Depending on existing religious beliefs, Weave corruption might be attributed to divine judgement, demonic influences, or other supernatural forces.
- Superstitions and rituals: Practices and rituals might arise aimed at warding off Weave corruption or mitigating its effects.