Wizardly Dementia

Wizardly dementia is a rare condition that effects powerful magic users, especially Wizards (hence the name) in their old age. It causes memory loss and production of spontaneous magical effects.

Transmission & Vectors

Wizardly dementia is a condition of old age, and is not contagious. It only affects magic users.

Causes

The exact cause of Wizardly dementia is unknown, but there are several leading theories: The first theory is that Wizardly dementia is caused by magical energies coursing through the brain for a lifetime. Because it only happens to powerful mages, it is believed that the amount of energy is key. The magical energy erodes the synapses of the brain very slowly, which is why the disease strikes in old age. The second theory is that Wizardly dementia is not its own disease, but rather it is the way normal dementia presents in powerful spell users.

Symptoms

Wizardly dementia has no external physical symptoms, but it results in drastic changes to the brain and spontaneous magical outbursts. People with this dementia, like regular dementia, become forgetful, confused, and easily agitated. The primary difference is that people suffering from Wizardly dementia spontaneously produce magical effects without intention or even being aware of them. The effects range from arcane lights to truly destructive explosions. Many sufferers destroy themselves with accidental magic effects.

Treatment

Anti-magic spells or auras can reduce or eliminate the magical outbursts, but not the memory loss.

Prognosis

This condition is not inherently fatal, but many of the people who develop it inadvertently die of magical effects they automatically produce.

Affected Groups

Most of the people who develop Wizardly dementia are Wizards, but some other powerful spell casters can be affected. It only effects the elderly.

Prevention

Wizards have been trying to find ways to prevent Wizardly dementia, but they have had no success. Until the true cause is discovered, it is unlikely that a means of prevention will be found.

Cultural Reception

Most cultures fear the unpredictable effects of a spell caster with Wizardly dementia, and often form mobs or posses to remove the individual. In communities with prevalent magic users, the victim is often contained humanely in an anti-magic zone.

Type

Magical