Mortem

The Worse Death

Perhaps the most terrifying part of Mortem is not even the loss of one's magic, but the utter helplessness that accompanies it. Despite its extreme rarity, every witch lives in fear of this curse. It is impossible to protect oneself or to even know who cast the evil curse. At any time one could become afflicted and any case of lethargy or nausea terrifies the afflicted and their family until they realize it is simply the result of a poorly made meal or stress from Exams. It is a constant threat, and it takes enormous willpower to attempt to ignore the ever-present threat.
--Journal entry from a witch living in the 18th century

Mortem is so aptly named because it is a disease that any witch considers worse than death. The final result is that a witch is robbed of their magic permanently and left low-functioning overall. The time of death after losing magic varies greatly.
Mortem is caused by Dark Magic and is almost always a result of a curse by another witch. Fortunately, not many are capable of casting the spell. Mortem is often a weapon used by a Murder of Crows in order to torture their victim as well as the victim's family and friends.

Transmission & Vectors

The transmission of Mortem is through Dark Magic (or a Dark Magic object), and more specifically, the Mors Magicae spell. The curse is cast in order to afflict the witch. Luckily, the curse is extremely complex; thus, only the most powerful witches can cast the curse successfully.

Symptoms

It started in February; Regina began to be more tired and to her family, it seemed as though she just moved much too slowly for her usual energetic self. Her family simply thought she was overworking herself. By March, Regina began to vomit often and was too nauseous to eat more than a meal a day. When Regina attempted any magic, it was sluggish and feeble. The Healers were uncertain of her condition until halfway through May when they began to suspect Mortem. Her family still just hoped that her nausea was causing a weakening of her magic. During June, Regina developed a festering, painful rash, and it was then the Healers were sure of her condition. Her magic weakened at such a rate that by early August, her magic was equal to that of a child's. During late July, Regina began to bleed profusely out of her eyes and mouth a few times every day. All the Healers and her family could do was magick her to make her more comfortable. By September, Regina had lost all of her magic and could barely perform any basic functions. Unfortunately, she lingered for another four years, and by the time of her death, I was already a full Healer. It was a horrific process for everyone involved to witness and endure.
--Notes from a Healer apprentice, 2010

Mortem presents itself in four stages. Between the time of curse and the time of complete magic disappearance is about six months to a year.
The stages are as follows:

• Stage one: The afflicted begins to suffer from lethargy and slower reflexes. Most do not even realize they are suffering from Mortem at this point since the symptoms are so mild. This stage lasts usually about a month or two.
• Stage two: The afflicted begins to notice their magic becoming slower and weaker. This is usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting. This stage usually lasts about two to three months.
• Stage three: The afflicted begins to lose magic so fast that by the end of this stage, their magic is at almost child-like levels. This decrease in magic is accompanied by a painful, blistering rash as well as blood coming from the eyes and mouth. This stage takes about two or three months.
• Stage four: The last stage, the afflicted slowly deteriorates to lose all of their magic. The afflicted is left low functioning overall.

From this point on, the time until death varies from a few days to years.

Treatment

There is no treatment for Mortem. All the Healers can do is hopefully make the patient comfortable before they succumb to the final stage and eventually die.

Prognosis

Mortem is absolutely fatal. Once the curse is cast, there is no hope to reverse it. Family and friends begin mourning as soon as the second (or third) stage is recognized. However, as mentioned, the time between diagnosis and death can vary from several months to several years.

Affected Groups

To everyone's horror, anyone can be affected.

Show spoiler

Later on, we will discover that Mors Magicae can only be cast by a witch with Dark Magic and can't be cast against another witch with Dark Magic; this is by design.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent this curse. However, there is a booming black market for magical objects that claim to protect against this curse including amulets and potions.

Epidemiology

Mortem cannot be spread from person-to-person.

History

The first recorded case of Mortem was detailed in the Codex Magicae. According to the Codex, the first case was noted in 756 CE in Gallia. The Healers were at a loss of the affliction and it took two centuries to realize the specific cause and symptoms.
One of the most famous sufferers was the Codex's author, Iskander Keyes. He lingered for nearly eight years before he died.

Cultural Reception

The witches of United Britannia and Hibernia feel utter sympathy for those afflicted with Mortem. To witches, Mortem is worse than death, and so witches can only pity sufferers. Many will come to visit the afflicted and bring the family/friends gifts of food and other means of comfort.

Type

Magical

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Extremely Rare

Affected Species

• Witch

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