Greys

Becoming Grey is less of an illness, and more of a consequence for giving up your Connection . As the name would suggest, greys appear washed out and almost colourless, and are completely disconnected from all forms of magic.
Although legally within The Empire discrimination against any race is forbidden, the vast majority give greys a very wide berth, as they give off a distinct, unnerving feeling. This is thought to come from the fact that, being unconnected from both magic and everyone else, people are unable to 'feel' their presence.
Although the gold earned through selling your connection could be enough for a person to live on to the end of their life, most who trade their connection for gold end up deeply regretting the decision.

Causes

The only way to become a grey is to give up your connection. Since there is no way to force connection out of a person, this condition is always bought about by the persons own wishes.

Symptoms

• Appearing almost colourless and washed out
• Unable to cast spells or attune to magic items
• Gives off an unnerving vibe to anyone still connected
• Unable to see in colour
• Sometimes reported to be able to pass unnoticed where others cannot

Treatment

There is not treatment for the condition - once connection has been given up it cannot be reclaimed. Even having someone use illusions to make you appear physically normal is little help, as what really sets greys apart is the unnerving sensation they give off.

Prognosis

Other than the listed symptoms, becoming a grey has no truly debilitating effects. Lifespan and general health remain the same, although most report being far less content.

Affected Groups

Typically only the poor become grey, as these are the ones who would benefit from the quick burst of gold that selling connection earns.

History

In the past there were a far greater number of Greys, as using the connection of living things was the only way to produce Essence.

Cultural Reception

Greys are almost completely ostracized by society, and often move in order to live together in a certain area of town.

Type

Magical