Fae Root
Xylaj Sthrenara, commonly known as Fae Root, Unseelie Root, or simply barkskin on some moons is a condition caused by Xylia, a kind of Fae. It causes tissue to transform into a fibrous, wood like substance and hardens the skin into a rough tree-bark texture. The replacement tissue retains most of the functionality of the original with some exceptions, though the bark skin is inelastic and any sensation in the body part is greatly numbed. The Xylial tissue also serves as a soil for Fae flora to grow. Throughout the development of the condition, hosts have their Aesaic anchors opened and are able to use asaeic forms granted by their symbiotic link with the fae flora.
Transmission & Vectors
Patients must be exposed to Xylia in one form or another. Practically this means that they must either come into contact with a Fae Rift and become infected by Xylia present in the realm or be exposed to Xylia zygotes from another host.
As part of their lifecycle, Xylia require the active consumption of Asa by their host to propagate. When a Aesaic manifestation is summoned by the host, the Xylia embed their zygotes into the body of the effect, and are dispersed into the target of the effect. This can be done either on accident or as a premeditated transmission of the condition to a willing or unwilling subject.
As part of their lifecycle, Xylia require the active consumption of Asa by their host to propagate. When a Aesaic manifestation is summoned by the host, the Xylia embed their zygotes into the body of the effect, and are dispersed into the target of the effect. This can be done either on accident or as a premeditated transmission of the condition to a willing or unwilling subject.
Symptoms
The most notable symptom of Fae Root is the barklike skin and wood like tissue mass of the infected. The growth does not extend greatly from the patient's original body. The inelasticity of the barkskin leads to it often peeling off, revealing the wood grain underneath.
In addition, the affected areas are greatly numbed as if under the effect of a strong anaesthetic. This is likely due to receptor cells being imperfectly modeled by Xylia. If the brain or the heart are among the affected areas, the host dies without exception. The imperfect nerves are deadly to the brain, but the heart is just another muscle, although one that needs to be active at all times. Another hypothesis that would explain lethality of Xylia is that it is unable to replace them as anchors as in the paranatural threefold identity theory.
The Xylial tissue allows for and in fact encourages species of fae plants to grow upon it. Many of these have asaeic forms, which the host gains access to. The Xylia facilitate this symbiotic relationship and have co-evolved with these fae
The Xylial tissue allows for and in fact encourages species of fae plants to grow upon it. Many of these have asaeic forms, which the host gains access to. The Xylia facilitate this symbiotic relationship and have co-evolved with these fae
Affected Groups
The disease can occur in almost all carbon based life forms, and many more are capable of carrying Xylia intact. While most hosts have their forms changed to accommodate Xylia, some don't. These include species or individuals with no theorized Aesaic Anchor, or members of the Sase-Anor family of species.
The tissues of the Sase-Anor tissues are already very similar to the replacement ones generated by the Xylia in other species. This also includes the tissues of their brain-like organ and their equivalent to a heart. In addition to rarely being shunned as their body does not change and the only signs a Sase-Anor shows are any Fae Flora growing upon them.
Should an individual with no asaeic connection at all become a Xylia host, they will not experience any symptoms. The Xylia require Asa, or at least a tie to the Asaeic to be able to develop. However they can continue to exist in the absence of it. Such an asymptomatic host is not infectious, but the Xylia would be capable of growing to a mature stage should the host be exposed to a sufficient amount of Asa. If the
The tissues of the Sase-Anor tissues are already very similar to the replacement ones generated by the Xylia in other species. This also includes the tissues of their brain-like organ and their equivalent to a heart. In addition to rarely being shunned as their body does not change and the only signs a Sase-Anor shows are any Fae Flora growing upon them.
Should an individual with no asaeic connection at all become a Xylia host, they will not experience any symptoms. The Xylia require Asa, or at least a tie to the Asaeic to be able to develop. However they can continue to exist in the absence of it. Such an asymptomatic host is not infectious, but the Xylia would be capable of growing to a mature stage should the host be exposed to a sufficient amount of Asa. If the
Cultural Reception
The condition is widely regarded in a negative light on many moons. The deformations it causes naturally leads to societal shunning in more primitive and superstitious areas. Combined with the Asaeic powers it grants, it commonly seems like otherworldly possession to the uneducated (although they are technically not entirely wrong). To prevent the spread they often turn to killing any infected found.
However there are also a number of otherwise respectable, civilized groups that fear and shun the rooted. Chief among them are the Cult of Palinje, who view the modification upon the body as such as absolute heresy against their faith. They attempt to cure any who are not yet fully taken, whether willing or not. Any hosts whose condition has advanced too far for their treatment are put to death anywhere they have appropriate jurisdiction. In such places, is rarely seen as barbaric and accepted by the public. Many areas consider the rooted deceased for all intents and purposes. Even mothers are quick to part from their children in case they are taken by the Fae root.
However there are also a number of otherwise respectable, civilized groups that fear and shun the rooted. Chief among them are the Cult of Palinje, who view the modification upon the body as such as absolute heresy against their faith. They attempt to cure any who are not yet fully taken, whether willing or not. Any hosts whose condition has advanced too far for their treatment are put to death anywhere they have appropriate jurisdiction. In such places, is rarely seen as barbaric and accepted by the public. Many areas consider the rooted deceased for all intents and purposes. Even mothers are quick to part from their children in case they are taken by the Fae root.
Origin
Magical
Cycle
Chronic, Acquired
Rarity
Rare