Godtouched

"We thought the Godtouched had been blessed... It is more a curse."

Transmission & Vectors

Magic spills out from the ruins of the Old World, called "Corelight". The core of the world glows as brightly as a sun. Anyone who looks directly at it without eye protection for a length of time becomes afflicted.

Causes

Exposure to raw magic can have adverse effects. Prolonged exposure exacerbates the affliction, quickening its degenerative nature.

Symptoms

The Godtouched first begin presenting with faintly glowing eyes. It starts in the sclera, progressing until they turn fully golden, then moves inward across the irises toward the center of the eyes. Eventually, the whole eye is covered with a golden corneal haze, and glows with a faint light.

Treatment

No treatments have been discovered.

Prognosis

The condition is not fatal, though it does eventually degenerate the eye to the point of blindness. It is a relatively slow process, happening over years; as the eye clouds over, it becomes harder and harder to see.

Prevention

Artificers have developed enchanted lenses which offer protection from the Corelight. These can be shaped to fit into spectacles, helmets, etc. depending on the use case needed.
There are not enough artificers to keep up with demand for the lenses, as the artificers are also responsible for upkeep of essential utilities around the continent. Preference is given to children and people who work outside in direct Corelight.

Cultural Reception

The first people afflicted were seen as having been blessed by the gods; some thought it was a sign that they were returning to the world. As their conditions worsened, people realized it was exactly the opposite. The world that the gods destroyed was now poisioning them.

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Uncommon