Sanguine Decay

Transmission & Vectors

Sanguine Decay is not a contagious disease in the traditional sense; it cannot be spread through contact or proximity. Instead, it is an affliction that affects only those who engage in the practice of blood magic. The disease is transmitted through the repeated casting of blood magic spells, which progressively deteriorate the practitioner's blood vessels. The more frequently and intensively a mage uses blood magic, the higher their risk of developing Sanguine Decay.

Causes

The primary cause of Sanguine Decay is the continuous manipulation of blood and life force inherent in blood magic. Each spell cast draws on the caster's own blood or the blood of their victims, disrupting the natural balance of their body. Over time, the repeated strain causes the blood vessels to crystallize, a process that begins at a microscopic level and gradually spreads throughout the circulatory system. This crystallization is irreversible and ultimately fatal.

Symptoms

The early symptoms of Sanguine Decay include chronic fatigue, joint pain, and frequent nosebleeds. As the disease progresses, sufferers experience severe pain in their limbs, difficulty in movement, and skin discoloration where blood vessels are crystallizing. In the advanced stages, the crystallization causes blockages in major arteries and veins, leading to organ failure, extreme pain, and eventual death.

Treatment

There is no known cure for Sanguine Decay. Treatments are limited to managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Herbal concoctions and potions can provide temporary pain relief, while certain spells may reduce the rate of crystallization. The most effective, albeit temporary, treatment is the use of the Aegis of Vitalis, an amulet that significantly slows down the progression of the disease, allowing blood mages to continue their practices with fewer immediate consequences.

Prognosis

The prognosis for those with Sanguine Decay is grim. Without intervention, the disease progresses rapidly, with most sufferers succumbing within a few years of onset. The use of the Aegis of Vitalis can extend this period significantly, but it cannot stop the disease entirely. Sufferers experience increasing pain and disability as the disease progresses, and death is inevitable once the crystallization reaches critical organs.

Sequela

Long-term effects of Sanguine Decay include chronic pain, reduced mobility, and a marked decrease in quality of life. Survivors, those who manage to live longer with the aid of the Aegis of Vitalis, often bear severe physical and psychological scars. The constant pain and the knowledge of their inevitable demise lead many to suffer from depression and anxiety.

Affected Groups

Primarily, blood mages are the ones affected by Sanguine Decay. Those who frequently use blood magic for their rituals and spells are at the highest risk. Additionally, individuals forced into being sacrificial subjects or compelled to use blood magic unwillingly can also suffer from the disease, though this is less common.

Hosts & Carriers

There are no natural carriers of Sanguine Decay, as it is not an infectious disease. However, artifacts and locations heavily imbued with blood magic can act as catalysts, accelerating the onset of the disease in those who come into contact with them regularly. The blood mages themselves, who continually expose themselves to these magics, serve as the primary "hosts" in this sense.

Prevention

The only sure way to prevent Sanguine Decay is to abstain from the practice of blood magic. For those unwilling or unable to abandon their craft, minimizing the use of powerful spells and seeking regular treatment can slow the progression of the disease. The use of the Aegis of Vitalis provides a temporary reprieve but is not a permanent solution.

Epidemiology

Sanguine Decay is relatively rare, affecting only those who practice blood magic. Within communities where blood magic is common, such as Twinmask, the incidence is higher. The disease is more prevalent among seasoned practitioners who have spent years performing blood rituals, and it is less common among novices or those who use blood magic sparingly.

History

The first documented cases of Sanguine Decay appeared shortly after the initial rise of blood magic in Twinmask. Ancient texts describe mages who, despite their immense power, began to suffer from mysterious ailments. Over centuries, the connection between blood magic and the disease was established, though the knowledge did little to deter its practice. The development of the Aegis of Vitalis in more recent times has provided some hope, but the disease remains a significant risk for blood mages.

Cultural Reception

Within Twinmask, Sanguine Decay is seen as both a curse and a badge of honor. It is a stark reminder of the dangers of blood magic, yet also a testament to the power and dedication of those who practice it. Outside of Twinmask, the disease is viewed with horror and pity, often used as a cautionary tale against the use of forbidden magics.

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Unique