Temporal Flux Syndrome

It’s caused by casting a spell

Physical Symptoms:

• Glowing Scars: Dark, glowing streaks on the skin that shift in pattern over time. These scars pulse with light in irregular intervals, as if marking a disjointed heartbeat of time.
• Aging Flux: Victims experience rapid aging or sudden rejuvenation. This effect is erratic, with some days appearing years older or younger.
• Tremors: Muscles spasm as though caught in fluctuating timelines, making fine motor skills difficult.

  Cognitive Symptoms:

• Amnesia: Sudden loss of memory, as though pieces of the individual’s life have been "skipped" or erased.
• Echoed Thoughts: Victims hear fragmented versions of their own thoughts from alternate timelines, leading to confusion or paranoia.
• Chronolock: Moments of complete mental stasis, where the victim becomes mentally "frozen" and incapable of perceiving time’s passage.

  Metaphysical Symptoms:

• Temporal Dislocation: The victim may flicker in and out of existence, appearing in two places at once or vanishing momentarily.
• Past Echoes: Shadowy versions of the victim from alternate timelines appear briefly, mimicking or mocking their actions.
• Chronophage Effect: Time itself seems to erode around the victim; objects decay unnaturally fast in their presence, and plants wither in their wake.

There is no cure for TFS, and treatment is often lackluster. It requires very strong spell casting due to the sickness originating from Aionexus itself, something only a powerful Saint can accomplish.

Those who manage to survive the harrowing effects of Temporal Flux Syndrome are forever altered, both mentally and metaphysically. Their connection to the natural flow of time is severed, rendering them incapable of perceiving time in a traditional linear manner. For these individuals, past, present, and future blur into a single, chaotic stream, making it nearly impossible to differentiate one moment from another. This unique state of existence often exposes them to the mysterious and incomprehensible nature of the fourth dimension, where time ceases to be a straight path and becomes an intricate, ever-shifting web. As a result, they might experience visions of events yet to come, echoes of distant pasts, or even glimpses of alternate timelines, all overlapping with their current reality. Such exposure can lead to profound insights or unbearable confusion, as their minds struggle to comprehend phenomena far beyond mortal understanding.

It’s most likely to affect those who aren’t trained in magic. Eilis often wonders if he has the sickness.

Only artefacts blessed by the Starhaven Pantheon can prevent people from getting TFS.

The earliest recorded instance of Temporal Flux Syndrome (TFS) dates back over three centuries ago, during a series of experiments led by an obscure cult known as the Cult of Aionexus, a group devoted to the worship of the Elder God of Time. The cult, founded in secret by a few radical scholars and mystics, sought to harness and manipulate the very essence of time itself. Their ultimate goal was to create a direct link to Aionexus, believing that by fragmenting the flow of time, they could transcend mortal limits and achieve immortality.   The first cases of TFS were reported among the cult's inner circle, who, in their zeal to gain Aionexus’ favor, subjected themselves to increasingly dangerous rituals. These rites, designed to open rifts in the fabric of time, left them exposed to the chaotic energies they were manipulating. Initially, the symptoms were subtle- headaches, dizziness, and strange sensations of déjà vu- but soon, the cultists began experiencing more severe effects: sudden temporal dislocation, uncontrollable aging, and horrifying hallucinations of their alternate selves from other timelines.   The Spread of the Sickness As the cult's power grew, their experiments grew bolder, and the effects of their tampering with time began to spill beyond their isolated temples. In a catastrophic series of events known as the Chronal Rift Incident, a failed ritual caused a massive rupture in the fabric of time itself. This opened a chaotic tear that released volatile temporal energy across nearby towns and settlements, infecting a small but significant population. Those who were exposed to the energy either died in the chaos, their bodies torn apart by the unstable flow of time, or fell victim to the debilitating effects of TFS.   Word of this phenomenon spread quickly, though many still considered it to be a myth or superstition. The victims, unable to explain their erratic experiences, were often shunned or regarded as cursed, really further deepening the stigma surrounding TFS.   With the Chronal Rift Incident viewed as an unforgivable disaster, the Cult of Aionexus went into hiding, retreating into the shadows as their influence waned. However, their followers continued their work in secret, hoping to complete what they had started and restore the temporal balance that had been disrupted. Over the following decades, the sickness was reported sporadically, with outbreaks linked to unexplained temporal anomalies- places where the fabric of time was still fragile, such as ancient ruins or regions where the cult had previously performed their dark rituals.   The rise of the Sainted Dominion, a powerful collective of nations and organizations dedicated to preserving balance and opposing the Elder God of Time, marked a turning point in the history of temporal flux syndrome. In their early campaigns to uncover the truth about the cult’s activities, they discovered the terrifying reality of TFS and its connection to Aionexus’ influence. In an effort to combat the spread of the sickness, the Dominion established the Veilwardens and Dawnbreakers, specialized groups tasked with investigating and neutralizing temporal disturbances and offering aid to victims.   In the present day, TFS remains a rare but devastating affliction. It primarily affects those who come into direct contact with Aionexus’ cult or the powerful relics they have left behind. The sickness has also been observed in areas where the fabric of time has been damaged by natural or artificial means, such as the opening of ancient rifts or the use of forbidden temporal magic. The cult's influence continues to spread, albeit covertly, with rogue factions seeking to manipulate time for their own gain, often causing accidental outbreaks of TFS.   While much progress has been made in understanding and treating TFS, it remains a highly complex and dangerous condition. Experts from across the realms continue to study the mysteries of time manipulation, with some arguing that the true cure lies in discovering a way to reverse the damage caused by the Cult of Aionexus and restore time to its natural order. However, given the deep entanglement between the sickness and the Elder God of Time’s will, many believe that the fight against TFS is far from over. As long as Aionexus’ cult remains a threat, the sickness will persist, lurking at the edges of reality, waiting for its next victim.   TFS has become a symbol of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of tampering with the fundamental forces of the universe. For the people of the realms, the sickness is a reminder of the delicate balance between order and chaos- and the terrifying consequences of disrupting the natural flow of time. Yet, the brave souls who fight against the spread of TFS, and the organisations working tirelessly to find a cure, represent a glimmer of hope in a world where the very fabric of existence is under constant threat.