Crimson Crying
A prolonged exposure to the enigmatic phenomenon known as the Mythek Vortex harbors the potential to precipitate a pathological condition, colloquially termed the Crimson Crying. This malady, though fortunately not prevalent, primarily assails the nervous system of the afflicted entity. Manifestations of this ailment include the transformation of ocular pigmentation to a vivid crimson, accompanied by an anomalous characteristic where lacrimation leads to permanent streaks upon the dermis.
The symptomatic spectrum of the Crimson Crying is diverse, encompassing intense, unanticipated episodes of anxiety, sensations akin to chilling trepidation, and a state mimicking febrile illness. While interventions exist for the fever-like symptoms, addressing the psychological components presents a significant clinical challenge. Notably, the fear-induced episodes often precipitate behaviors that oscillate between erratic and outright violent.
A critical aspect of this condition is its transformative potential. Subjects who fail to exhibit spontaneous remission from the Crimson Crying undergo a profound metamorphosis, culminating in a monstrous alteration of their very being.
Crimson Crying Disease Detailed Mechanics
Contracting the Disease:
A creature contracts Crimson Crying by rolling a natural one on the saving throw against triggering a Wild Magic Surge within the radius of a Mythek Vortex.Phase 1: Onset
- Symptoms: The creature produces red, blood-colored tears that stain the skin beneath their eyes. Additionally, they experience minor flu-like symptoms and one level of exhaustion.
- Treatment: Casting the spell lesser restoration suppresses the exhaustion and flu-like symptoms for 24 hours.
- Flaw Acquisition: The afflicted creature gains a new Flaw: "I'm paranoid; occasionally I believe I am a monster, and my allies are a danger to me."
- Transformation Save: At the end of each long rest, the afflicted creature must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. Failing this save means the creature starts transforming into a Monstrosity (specific type determined by the DM). However, if the creature successfully saves against this transformation for a period of 1d8+2 consecutive days, they are cured of the Crimson Crying and gain immunity to it for 8 years.
Phase 2a: Monstrous Metamorphosis
- Minute 1 - The Cocoon: The creature's tears thicken, encasing them in a cocoon. During this minute, the creature is Incapacitated. The cocoon has an AC of 10 and 50 hit points, with a damage threshold of 15.
- Minute 2 - The Change: If the cocoon is destroyed during this minute, it interrupts the transformation, reverting the creature back to Phase 1. If the cocoon is not destroyed, the transformation completes at the end of the minute. If the cocoon's hit points are reduced below 50% during this minute, the transformation is also interrupted.
- Minute 3 - Eruption: If the cocoon survives until the third minute, the creature inside attempts to break free. Destroying the cocoon during this minute results in the destruction of the creature within. If the cocoon is not destroyed, it erupts at the end of the third minute, revealing a new monster in place of the former creature.
Phase 2b: Immunity
If the creature successfully resists the transformation for the required number of days, they are effectively cured of the condition, marked forever by the stains of the Crimson Crying on their cheeks. This immunity seems to have staying power.Causes
The etiology of the Crimson Crying, a malady of both physiological and psychological ramifications, can be traced back to an individual's extended contact with the unique particulate matter and luminous emissions originating from a Mythek Vortex. This vortex, a phenomenon shrouded in enigma, discharges microscopic particles that are invisible to the naked eye. These particles, when inhaled or absorbed through the skin over a protracted duration, initiate a cascade of bio-chemical reactions within the body.
Concurrently, the light emanating from the Mythek Vortex possesses an atypical spectrum, one that defies conventional understanding. It is hypothesized that this light interacts with the neural pathways in ways not yet fully comprehended by contemporary scholarship. The interplay between these fine particles and the peculiar light wavelengths is believed to induce a disruption in the neurological equilibrium of the exposed beings.
This disruption manifests as the Crimson Crying, a condition that alters not only the physical appearance - most notably in the eyes - but also the mental state of the afflicted. The pathogenesis of this condition is a subject of intense study, with scholars endeavoring to unravel the intricate mechanisms by which the Mythek Vortex's emissions wreak such profound changes in biology and psyche.
Treatment
Regarding therapeutic interventions for the Crimson Crying, the options are lamentably limited, yet there exists a glimmer of hope within the realm of arcane practices. The spell known as 'Lesser Restoration', a staple in the repertoire of many adept in the mystical arts, has shown efficacy in temporarily alleviating some of the more debilitating symptoms of this affliction.
Upon casting, 'Lesser Restoration' exerts a remedial influence specifically targeting the feverish and influenza-like manifestations of the Crimson Crying. This spell, through its subtle manipulation of the patient's vital energies, brings about a period of symptomatic respite. The duration of this relief, typically lasting several hours, provides a much-needed palliative window for those suffering from this otherwise grim prognosis.
It is important to note, however, that the spell's efficacy is confined to these particular symptoms. The deeper, more insidious aspects of the Crimson Crying - namely the profound psychological disturbances and the potential for monstrous transformation - remain beyond the purview of 'Lesser Restoration'. Thus, while this spell serves as a valuable tool in the management of the condition, it is by no means a panacea. The relentless quest for a more comprehensive cure continues, as healers and scholars alike delve deeper into the mysteries of the Mythek Vortex and its sinister influence on the body and mind.
Prognosis
The prognosis for those afflicted by the Crimson Crying is as varied as it is unpredictable, spanning a spectrum from complete recovery to irreversible metamorphosis. A fortunate few among the afflicted experience a full return to their prior state of health, emerging from the grasp of this condition without any residual signs of their ordeal. This spontaneous remission, while rare, offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating the potential for complete recovery.
However, the majority of survivors are not so fortunate. For these individuals, the legacy of the Crimson Crying lingers visibly in the form of distinct cheek stains. These marks, reminiscent of freshly shed red tears, serve as a poignant reminder of their brush with this mysterious illness. These stains, deeply ingrained in the skin, are likely to persist for several years, gradually fading but never fully disappearing.
Tragically, there exists a substantial cohort for whom the prognosis is dire. In these cases, the Crimson Crying acts as a catalyst, precipitating a harrowing transformation into a monstrous form. This metamorphosis, a rather common outcome, represents a profound alteration of the very essence of the afflicted, rendering them unrecognizable. This transformation, once initiated, is irreversible, marking a tragic end to the individual's former existence. The frequency of this outcome serves as a grim testament to the merciless nature of the Crimson Crying, a disease that continues to confound and challenge those who seek to understand and treat it.
Prevention
The elusive nature of the Crimson Crying's prevention strategies poses a significant challenge to the global community of scholars and sages dedicated to combating this affliction. As of now, the consensus amongst these learned individuals converges on one primary preventive measure: minimizing exposure to the enigmatic emissions of a Mythek Vortex.
This vortex, characterized by its peculiar light and wind, is the established source of the malady. Consequently, avoiding prolonged contact with these elements appears to be the most effective strategy currently known for mitigating the risk of contracting the Crimson Crying. This approach, while straightforward in theory, may prove challenging in practice, given the mysterious and unpredictable nature of Mythek Vortices.
In parallel to these preventive efforts, there exists a fervent global endeavor undertaken by a network of sages and scholars. These dedicated individuals are tirelessly delving into the complexities of the Mythek Vortex and its associated disease. Their pursuits range from arcane research and experimental Magic to empirical studies and the compilation of case histories. The goal of this collective effort is twofold: to unearth deeper insights into the nature of the Crimson Crying and to discover more robust methods of prevention or perhaps, one day, a cure.
Their work, conducted in various corners of the world, embodies the pinnacle of intellectual collaboration in the face of a common adversary. The hope that drives them is the eventual unveiling of knowledge that will not only demystify the Crimson Crying but also offer tangible protection against its ravages.
History
The origins of the Crimson Crying are intrinsically linked to the remote and storied town of Three Falls, nestled at the summit of Mount Origin. This sacred mountain, steeped in legend and lore, is widely regarded as the fountainhead of all Magic, a belief held in both literal and metaphysical senses. The significance of Mount Origin in the annals of magical history is profound, serving as a nexus where the tangible and the mystical converge.
At the heart of Mount Origin's mystical allure are the Aetherite crystals, enigmatic in nature and coveted for their arcane properties. These crystals, unique to the mountain's rarefied environment, are believed to be a physical manifestation of the raw essence of magic itself. Their presence contributes to the mountain's revered status among practitioners and scholars of the arcane arts.
In addition to the Aetherite crystals, Mount Origin is also the epicenter for the occurrence of the Mythek Vortex, a phenomenon both wondrous and feared. The frequent manifestation of these vortices in the vicinity of Three Falls has led to a heightened interest in the area, drawing the curious, the brave, and the scholarly. It was within this context of mystical abundance and curiosity that the Crimson Crying was first observed.
The disease's initial emergence in Three Falls, so closely situated to the peak of Mount Origin, is no mere coincidence. The proximity to the mountain's magical epicenter suggests a direct correlation between the high incidence of Mythek Vortices and the onset of the affliction. This historical linkage has prompted extensive research into the interplay between the mountain's unique magical attributes and the pathogenesis of the Crimson Crying, shaping our current understanding of this enigmatic disease.
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