Overstretched

„Magic is nothing more than a huge canvas for us to paint our journey on.
And the magic given to us by our arcane partners is nothing more than our starting point.
If we keep the ink of imagination wet and fresh, we might be able to paint our way over to other starting points and maybe even with aid of a bit knowledge about the world straight across to other Schools.
But beware one thing, my scholars.
Know your limits!
Don’t bend the logic of the Veil too much or you might overstretch your mental capabilities.
And we all know what happens to those trying to make a fool out of the Veil, am I right?“

Causes

Every sorcerer, who tried venturing deep within the spiritual realm meditating to find new ways to utilize their gift or even find a way across to other schools of the arcane experienced in one way or another this short-term illness.
The mind is malleable and ready to expand, but it will get never used to the spiritual as well as physical toll one has to pay to continue their mental journey.
That toll can reach from a slight headache all the way to heavy fever based on how far the user is ready to venture away from their powers starting point.

Symptoms

The illness state of being Overstretched takes form in two ways depending on prior causes.
If one, who never before malled their mind or gave their spirit a breather period to adjust from the last trip, experiences that illness, it appears not clearly visible. A bit of a headache, slight fever and hallucinations are usual.
Not by any means a bad feeling as all these symptoms are accompanied by a rush of dopamine and gratification of being able to take a step further beyond their given limitations.

It however gets worse, if people start craving these feelings spreading out their ventures in the Veil.
Breaking down multiple barricades at once trying to make the most out of their abilities.
In a case of Overstretching while still being affected by the illness, the symptoms can appear serious:
High blood pressure, vomit-inducing headaches; high fever. Accompanied with nightmarish hallucinations which could feel dangerously real. But even that is still not stopping a few to actually acquire a mental breakthrough breaking down their boundaries linking their ability to a different school.

All minds can handle housing one school in their soul, powerful minds two and only madmen take the chance to go even further. Expanding the gift of the Veil to such a degree might result in a state of chronic Arcburn losing everything in the process.

"I was enjoying the constant stream of happiness my researches and experiments provided me and did not realize it until it was already too late.
Unintentionally my spirit and I fully closed the gap between three different Arcane Schools briefly understanding what was never meant to be understood.
Our final Overstretch sealed our deal once and for all. I was expecting fever accompanied by the rush of success, but I much rather felt my very essence burning up.
My symbiotic partner struggled with taking in unlocking two gates at once.
It ripped him apart in my soul leaving me behind all alone.
I know now what lies beyond, but I have no way of utilizing or even celebrating that breakthrough.
My partner is gone, taken by our addiction for knowledge."

Arcburned

Type

Magical

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Common

The Rush

Being Overstretched can put a toll on one's body and mind and can even result in an inevitable Arcburn ending the fun once and for all.
But the pay-offs are immense and worth it gaining further insight into the works of the Veil unlocking ways to utilize one's ability in unique and creative ways or even finding a gap to dabble into different 'starting points' of the same or different arcane Schools. Not to mention the reliable rush of dopamine enchanting one to further deepen their mental voyage.

"I was first scared to Overstretch myself, but after my protege encouraged me on doing so I felt the rush and enjoyed it.
But I have to remain careful as I got told, that Screechers are susceptible to venture out into too many directions.
But gladly the royal treasury holds a few anchor-words of power aiding me in my journey to learn the elemental screams.

Favilla Cantatrix

Aftereffects

As long as one remains cautious in risking that rewarding illness and get greedy there are no known negative aftereffects.

"No negative aftereffects?
So being a snotty ass with superiority issues is not negative?

Envious Scholar