Glory Fever

Written by strawberryAle

Glory Fever is a mental illness seen only by those that are often at sea, and most often upon those who spend their lives sailing upon oceans. It is also thus called 'Sailor Sickness' by some of the men that live within Tregaron, while the Rana often refer to it as 'Drowning sickness'. Glory Fever is strange in the fact that it seems to be a solely mental illness contracted from being at sea for too long, and leads to various illusions of grandeur and imagined scenarios for the sufferer. The sufferer will attempt to accomplish things that are seen as ludicrous or without point, claiming them to bestow a great reward upon them for performing whatever it is that they imagined.

Transmission & Vectors

What causes Glory Fever is unknown, but is typically said to be brought about from a prolonged life at sea. Despite that, Glory Fever being found in those outside of seafarers and sailors isn't unheard of. True to its name, it is said to be brought about from one's own personal desire to bring glory and gain to themselves.

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In truth, Glory Fever is contracted from the subtle messages sent by a race of underwater telepaths known as the Zithraeli, a long-forgotten species known in Rana culture as the 'Sea Slavers.' target primarily those at sea, primarily due to the fact that they are unable to interact or move upon land. These messages are simple, promising a great gift upon all who listen to their will or do their bidding. Should their demands be met, the Zithraeli are capable of manifesting powerful illusions within the minds of their telepaths, giving them satisfaction of accomplishment without actually bestowing the reward upon them.

Causes

An entirely mental illness, Glory Fever is often said to be caused when a Rana or raider has grown so overcome with greed that they begin to make up rewards and benefits for themselves, committing nonsensical or sometimes heinous acts to acquire the perceived, but nonexistent treasure, only to receive nothing at all. It is the genuine belief that something beneficial will be bestowed upon them so long as they commit a seemingly random act. Despite acquiring nothing, sufferers always claim to actually have benefited from whatever action they did, and likewise claim that they DID receive the reward they desired.
Also sometimes called 'Sailing Sickness', this particular illness has been known to suddenly afflict seafarers that wander out too far in the ocean. It is most prominent around Lyranova. It is notorious for afflicting those whom sail farther south beyond Lyranova itself.

Symptoms

Delusions of grandeur and hallucinations are the most common symptoms that begin with Glory Fever. The belief of a perceived treasure is thought of, followed by the means of somehow earning that treasure. They will frequently claim that have managed to receive several rewards for the missions they embark on, despite not truly ever receiving anything at all.
It is particularly dangerous in Rana. Rana seldom contract this disease, but when they do, it is always a captain or member responsible for a small group of men. The Rana men are often left unaffected by this condition, but their captain inevitably leads them to their death deep beneath the ocean. It is thus often called 'Drowning Sickness' for this very reason, as Rana often drown when they are in the presence of someone suffering from Glory Fever.

Treatment

Those afflicted with Glory Fever are often simply restrained from sea for as long as possible. This is known to work on some patients better than others, but usually invariably ends with the patient successfully curing themselves of the condition. Despite that, Glory Fever is known to resurface easily in people. Sailors are thus often retired when they first show signs of it.

Prognosis

Glory Fever's course is rather simple. A grand quest is thought of, followed by a grand reward. Even though the reward doesn't exist, the sufferer will go out of their way to accomplish whatever means necessary to attain that reward. The reward that is granted from Glory Fever is often something that the subject strongly desires to have; and can sometimes be something as simple as a ship full of gold, to being allowed to see the souls of their dearly departed.
After accomplishing their task once, the subject will then find themselves establishing even more rewards for themselves as they attempt to go on even more grand adventures in hopes of accomplishing rewards far out of their possible range.

Prevention

It is generally prevented simply by keeping people away from the sea; a week's time spent off the ocean is enough to help the mind inure itself from the sickness. Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, those who have suffered from Glory Fever before are just as likely to find themselves suffering from the illness as anyone else. Suffering from Glory Fever before does not reduce likelihood of contracting it again, nor does it increase it. It seems to randomly surface among sailors.
It is however, much more common in those that sail far south, beyond Lyranova. This location is often said to be haunted and cursed as a result, and is generally avoided due to the dangers that are posed from the maddening onset of Glory Fever.

History

Glory Fever has existed for as long as the mortal races sailed among sea; a time so long ago that the true beginnings of it are long forgotten. It has been known to exist for centuries, perhaps even several millenia. While the mental condition is often only found among the Rana throughout history, it can still be found in human seafarers or members of other races.

Cultural Reception

Those suffering from Glory Fever are said to simply have been out at sea for far too long than they should have. They are often seen as delusional or unwell, and if possible, often restrained from the sea in hopes of helping them recover from their condition.

Type

Mental

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired & Congenital

Rarity

Extremely Rare