Xenian Grace

Transmission & Vectors

Multiple Causes, Case Dependant

Causes

Xenian Grace is a condition that can be ingrained into the mind of any mortal being with enough time and effort. This magical condition is inflicted through the use of magics involving Command Spells, Memory Alteration and Suggestibility Spells. They are used in combination with a casters personal blend of indoctrination and conditioning to produce a complacent and willing servant or pawn. The person can be left in many states based on the intensity of the "Gracing" being practically normal save for an urge to complete the casters will, or an empty shell of a being that lives to follow directions and rules for fear of being hexed or punished once more.

Symptoms

Symptoms can range from forgetfulness and mild headaches, gaps in memory, emotional bursts, spontaneous mania or depression in mild cases, or complete mental shattering in extreme cases.

Treatment

Unfortunately, no full recovery can be made without greater healing spells or the initial casters release of the charmed individual. (Casters death will not count the bond as void, the release must be vocal or victim shall remain hexed for their remaining life, critical individuals can only be healed by high-level healing spells and can never be released.) Even trying to encourage a victim through therapy and positive reinforcement will only deeper intrench the victim's complacent nature, and individuals only suggestable to the caster will rationalize the gaps in memory and or conflicting memories.

Prognosis

The condition while not painful will cause the destabilization and eventual loss of the individuals magic, as the victims tie to their own individual magic and spirit seems to be severed in favor of the "Gracers" own will. A tragic price to pay in addition to a shortened lifespan. The damage to the individual's psyche being similar to that of a monster or beast in captivity, resulting in an early death. Although no physical brain damage has been detected even in critical cases. It would seem that the victims own desires and internal struggle while imperceptible on the surface, results in a mental exhaustion so overwhelming that it results in death.

Affected Groups

All mortal species provided enough time and magic is spent in the breaking of the persons will.

Prevention

Multiple charms and runes can be employed to shield one's mind from the effects of "Gracing" however the rampant selling of fake charms and runic symbols have resulted in a paranoia in the general populace. With some unfounded reports even claiming that charms and runes, in fact, make one even more susceptible to a gracing by the creature of said charms or runes. It would seem one can only postpone the process with a strong will, and very rare cases have even seen some devout or strong-minded individuals shatter their own gracing.

History

Gracing is believed to have been started by the elves who first used it amongst themselves in the 2nd and 3rd Eras. This resulted in a race wide peace between the 3rd and 5th Ages, allowing their sophistication and progression in the magical arts and artifact crafting. The entire culture was based on the amount of Graced individuals under each person rather than slaves or servants. This kept the populace complacent regardless of actual gracing due to the fear of a shortened life span and loss of magic. It is believed that the race wide gracing of the species by the Elven Lords of the 2nd Era is the result for the elves loss of Immortality.

Cultural Reception

All cultures see Gracing as a fate to be feared, although certain individuals have been known to seek out Gracing in order to give reign of their lives to another, becoming property rather than live their own lives. And through this concept, most cultures have abolished slavery except when needed for large projects. The "Voluntarily Graced" fill that role instead, sent to perform menial tasks and manage financial accounts alike. They have become a daily commodity and fact of life. Most governments have adopted the use of Gracing to control registered criminals and use them for the "commonwealth" of the general public. However rumors float of the use of Gracing on the unwilling, and the false accusations and wrongful imprisonments of those who appose the leaders in order to "Grace" them with silence.

Type

Magical

Origin

Engineered

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Uncommon