Arcane Fatigue Syndrome

Arcane Fatigue Syndrome in short AFS is a rare and debilitating condition affecting those who frequently use soul energy or are exposed to high levels of energetic depletion. It disrupts the magical energy channels throughout the body, leading to a gradual depletion of one's ability to harness and control their energetic abilities, as well as a progressive weakening of energetic and physical capacities. The illness is typically characterized by chronic exhaustion, muscle weakness, and diminished energetic capabilities.

Rarity

AFS is relatively rare. In a given population, perhaps 1-5% might be diagnosed with the condition, with higher prevalence in communities or professions that heavily rely on soul energy use.

Causes

The exact cause is still unknown, but it is believed to be related to prolonged exposure to soul energy or overuse of powerful spells. Some even speculate that it may be caused by an imbalance or depletion of the body's natural energies. Known cases showed that species with inherent access to the soul energy lay lines might have a genetic susceptibility that is typically triggered through extensive and frequent energy depletion. For those who don't have inherent access, the condition is triggered by chronic overexertion of one's available energy pool without adequate rest or recovery periods.

Diagnosis

Arcane Fatigue Syndrome is typically diagnosed through a combination of patient history, long-term symptom observation and a lineup of magical diagnostics. Specialized healers or medics are required to receive a secure diagnosis.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms are persistent fatigue, which can't be alleviated by rest; tremors and muscle weakness, especially after performing magical tasks; magical misfires; cognitive impairments, such as memory loss and difficulties in concentrating; and skin manifestation. A list of known symptoms with descriptions, categorized into physical, mental, and magic-related symptoms, can be found below.

Physical Symptoms

Energetic Exhaustion
Individuals experience severe fatigue and weakness after using their energetic abilities. Even minor spells can lead to significant exhaustion, which renders prolonged use impossible.
Intermittent Tremors
AFS causes occasional tremors in the hands or limbs. In those episodes, the affected individual's hands or limbs tremble uncontrollably, making precise movements difficult to execute.
Skin Manifestation
Faint, glowing lines in the color that corresponds to their energetic affinity appear on the skin along the energy channels. They pulse with a dim light when the individual attempts to use magic.

Mental Symptoms

Mental Fog
AFS sufferers often experience periods of mental fog or difficulty in concentrating, particularly after using their energetic abilities.
Cognitive Decline
Repeated episodes of fatigue may lead to lasting difficulties with memory, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Magic Symptoms

Arcane Pulse Disruption
While an affected individual tries to use their energetic capabilities, they might feel an irregular, painful pulsing sensation along their energy channels.
Aura Dissonance
ASF causes a disturbance in the individual's magical aura, which can sometimes be perceived by other magically attuned persons as a flickering or dimming aura.

Treatment

Without proper treatment, the ASF could possibly lead to permanent loss of the energetic abilities and severe physical debilitation. Additionally, it is dangerous to continue activities that require precision and stamina due to the unpredictability and severity of symptoms.
The primary treatments are rest and limited use of or even complete withdrawal from magic. A list of possible treatments that may help some individuals, categorized into therapy and medications, can be found below.

Therapy

Arcane Rejuvenation Therapy
A series of treatments involving immersion in magical springs or the use of enchanted crystals to stimulate and repair the energy channels. This therapy is commonly planned and undertaken within prolonged stays in Sanctuaries of Healing.
Meditative Practices
Specialized meditation techniques designed to help control and manage the flow of arcane energy. The techniques can typically be acquired within Temples of Restoration.
Physical Therapy
Exercises designed to strengthen the body and improve overall stamina without relying on energetic abilities.
Arcane Channeling Techniques
Advanced training to learn alternative ways to channel and conserve magical energy, reducing strain on the affected pathways. Affected individuals can receive the training in various places, including Sanctuaries of Healing and Temples of Restoration.

Medication

Magical Infusion
Regular infusions of distilled soul energy from filled, medium soul gems to temporarily restore the energy channel integrity.
Herbal Remedies
Potions and salves made from rare herbs that strengthen the energetic channels and reduce the present symptoms. Herbs that help to repair and fortify energy channels are moonshade blossoms and starlight fern, among others.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Moderation in magic use, a healthy diet, and extensive rest and recuperation can prevent the onset of AFS and reduce the severity of the present symptoms. It is key to prevent overexertion, ensure ample rest periods between activities that require significant energetic exertion, and consume a diet rich in high-energy plants and minerals to support energy channel health.

Prognosis

AFS is generally considered manageable but not entirely curable. With proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, affected individuals can mitigate the symptoms and lead relatively normal lives. Still, severe cases might lead to a permanent reduction of energetic abilities or even complete magical burnout. There are speculations that it may be curable with advanced magical healing techniques, rare artifacts or legendary remedies, but there aren't any known cases where this worked or where those items could be acquired.
The general prognosis changes with the stage of the illness.
Within the initial stages, often collectively called the early stage, the symptoms are manageable with rest and minor energetic treatments. As the condition progresses to the mid stage the symptoms occur more frequently with an increased severity. This requires more intensive symptom management and potentially limiting magical use. In the advanced stage, inflicted persons will encounter severe debilitation, which comes with a significant risk of permanent loss of their energetic abilities and lasting severe physical weakness.

Prevention

Arcane Fatigue Syndrome is preventable with proper magical hygiene and moderation. Preventative measures can include:

• Moderation in magic use
• Regular rest periods
• Magical hygiene through practices that maintain a balanced flow of magical energies, such as regular grounding exercises, meditative practices or using protective charms.
• Herbal and alchemical remedies that support magical health.
• Monitoring and early intervention through routine check-ups with healers.

Type

Neurological

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Rare