Spectral Hypnopomia

Transmission & Vectors

Spectral Hypnopomia is a perceptual phenomenon caused by inhaling the vapors produced by boiling specific plants with magical properties. The condition is non-infectious and cannot be transmitted directly from one person to another.

Causes

Upon inhaling the vapors which cause Spectral Hypnopomia, all electricity in the user's body is temporarily halted, producing a state which is not dissimilar to death. After 10 to 30 minutes, the body's electricity is restarted and they slowly begin to regain consciousness. The resulting visual phenomenon are said to be caused by the act of dying, the process of restarting the body, or both.

Symptoms

The sensation of restarting the body's electricity is compared to the act of waking up in that most sensory stimulation is experienced as though it is occurring at a distance. As the user's senses return, they are able to see and at times communicate with the spirits of the deceased in their immediate vicinity. The length of the effects depend on how close that person is to death at a given time. Age, disease, wounds, and other existing conditions lengthen the duration of Spectral Hypnopomia, but increase the likelihood of adverse reactions. People in peak physical condition may only experience the effects for a few minutes, whereas a person on their deathbed may be able to sustain it for several hours.

Treatment

If the effects persist for longer than the user desires, there are two possible ways to prematurely end the effects of Spectral Hypnopomia: healing them of any ailments that may be keeping them closer to death or forcing an electric current through their body to get their body back to a stable condition. The former is obviously the safer option, however it is not always possible to address complicated health issues in the moment.

Prognosis

If the user's body does not possess the strength to survive being "restarted," they may not be able to recover and could end up dying on the spot. If they were already dying, it may simply speed up the process by reducing the body's ability to fight off existing ailments.

Sequela

Those who frequently experience Spectral Hypnopomia may develop a form of persisting perception disorder wherein they are unable to discern between the living and the dead. It has also been reported that frequent users may also be able to experience visions relating to the deaths of others, both in the past and in the future, but it is unclear whether these are real or simply hallucinations brought on by a dissociative state.

Cultural Reception

Many groups relate the practice of bestowing Spectral Hypnopomia on one's self or others to necromancy. As such, there are many groups which are outspoken opponents of its use. Those who serve gods in the light or life domain are particularly opposed to these rituals and will often seek out and punish those who are suspected of performing them. There are many groups, however, who support or are ambivalent about its use. Shamans, druids, and other practitioners of natural magic are most likely to possess the knowledge to complete the ritual, but the materials necessary are rare and often expensive. In the past, there have been cases of alleged violence against these people at the hands of those who were refused service due to a lack of funds or materials.

Type

Magical

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Rare