The Porcelain Fade
TW: Death, Deadly Illness, Mild Body Horror
Ossial Drift, commonly known as the Porcelain Fade, is a degenerative magical affliction that simultaneously erodes physical density and mental cohesion. The condition is characterised by the gradual transmutation of living bone into a brittle, glass-like substance.
In Cruinlagh medical theory, the skeleton acts as the heavy anchor for the spirit. As the bones lose their earthly weight, they can no longer tether the mind effectively. This results in the victim suffering from a terrifying triad of symptoms: catastrophic skeletal fragility, severe cognitive dissociation (brain fog), and erratic emotional volatility.
In Cruinlagh medical theory, the skeleton acts as the heavy anchor for the spirit. As the bones lose their earthly weight, they can no longer tether the mind effectively. This results in the victim suffering from a terrifying triad of symptoms: catastrophic skeletal fragility, severe cognitive dissociation (brain fog), and erratic emotional volatility.
"To hold the hand of a Fade victim is to hold a bird made of spun sugar. You dare not squeeze, lest you crush them, yet you cannot let go, or they will simply drift away."
Transmission & Vectors
In the high-magic zones of Cruinlagh, the ambient magical energy is not just a resource; it is a form of radiation. The Porcelain Fade begins as a case of Arcane Saturation, but it mutates into a transmissible curse through Sympathetic Resonance.
The Incident: A traveler might simply walk through a Glass Pocket while hiking, or a localized surge of magic might wash over a specific street in a village.
The Seed: Upon exposure, the victim’s body attempts to absorb this massive influx of pure energy. Since the mortal frame cannot hold that much power, the bones instinctively harden and crystallize to act as a battery or storage vessel. This creates the "Patient Zero" for that outbreak.
Proximity Infection: If you spend extended periods near an afflicted person (such as caring for a sick family member or sharing a sleeping tent), your own internal mana begins to vibrate in harmony with theirs.
The Chain Reaction: This "sympathetic vibration" tricks your body into thinking it is also overloaded with magic. Your body responds by hardening your bones to contain energy that isn't actually there.
This makes the disease terrifyingly effective in tight-knit communities. One miner walks through a Glass Pocket, and within a month, his entire barracks is suffering from brain fog and aching shins.
The Trigger (Wrong Place, Wrong Time)
The atmosphere in Cruinlagh is thick with invisible currents of raw magic. occasionally, these currents pool into stagnant, invisible pockets known as "Glass Pockets" or "Still-Zones." These pockets are undetectable to the naked eye and can drift like invisible clouds or settle in valleys and basements.The Incident: A traveler might simply walk through a Glass Pocket while hiking, or a localized surge of magic might wash over a specific street in a village.
The Seed: Upon exposure, the victim’s body attempts to absorb this massive influx of pure energy. Since the mortal frame cannot hold that much power, the bones instinctively harden and crystallize to act as a battery or storage vessel. This creates the "Patient Zero" for that outbreak.
The Contagion (Sympathetic Resonance)
Once a victim’s bones begin to drift into that porcelain-like state, they stop being a victim and become a broadcaster. The crystallized bones emit a faint, high-frequency magical vibration. This vibration is usually inaudible to the ear, but it is devastating to the mana systems of others.Proximity Infection: If you spend extended periods near an afflicted person (such as caring for a sick family member or sharing a sleeping tent), your own internal mana begins to vibrate in harmony with theirs.
The Chain Reaction: This "sympathetic vibration" tricks your body into thinking it is also overloaded with magic. Your body responds by hardening your bones to contain energy that isn't actually there.
Treatment
There is no known pharmaceutical cure or alchemical potion that reverses the crystallization once it has settled into the marrow. Standard magical healing is strictly forbidden; casting restorative spells on a victim acts like pouring fuel on a fire, accelerating the crystallization process instantly.
Most "treatments" focus on containment and stalling the inevitable.
Most "treatments" focus on containment and stalling the inevitable.
Prognosis
The prognosis for the Porcelain Fade is almost universally fatal. The survival rate is less than 10% over two years.
The Statuesque
In the rare cases where a patient survives until the end stages without a fatal accident, they enter the Statuesque State.
Type
Magical
Cycle
Short-term
Rarity
Extremely Rare
Detailed Symptoms
The bones do not rot; rather, they lose their density and elasticity. They become aesthetically beautiful but structurally useless, resembling spun glass or fine china.
As the physical anchor degrades, the consciousness struggles to stay attached to the present moment.
Because the mind is barely tethered to the body, the sufferer loses emotional regulation. The mood shifts are rarely violent; they are usually frantic or melancholic.
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