The Withering is a slow, insidious form of magical corruption that befalls any O'che or organic material that consumes something tainted by the void. It is a source of immense fear and sorrow in Haven, for while it is not a communicable disease, its effects are irreversible, and its end is absolute.
The Withering progresses in three distinct stages, mirroring the slow decay of the void itself.
Stage One: The Chill
This stage begins subtly, with no outward physical signs. An O'che who has unknowingly consumed a void-tainted substance will begin to feel an internal, unnatural coldness, which no amount of heat can dissipate. They might experience a phantom buzzing or metallic taste in their mouth, and their voice might occasionally crackle with a static-like distortion. During this stage, they become withdrawn, often feeling isolated and apathetic. The physical corruption is not yet visible, but they are already aware of a creeping emptiness within.
Stage Two: The Twist
After an undetermined amount of time—it could be weeks or years—the corruption begins to manifest physically. The victim's body will slowly and subtly begin to twist and warp. A limb might become elongated and gnarled, the skin's color may shift to a mottled grey-purple, and their physical form will lose its symmetry. More terrifyingly, their temperament becomes volatile. The victim will be prone to fits of irrational rage and violence, becoming a danger to themselves and those around them. Their memories may begin to fade, replaced by a growing fascination with the Void itself.
Stage Three: The Fade
The final stage is tragic and inevitable. The victim's corruption becomes complete, their body a grotesque and horrifying parody of their former self. Their mind is entirely subsumed by the chaotic, violent magic of the void. At this point, the victim is no longer considered a person but a twisted, corrupted thing—a monster that must be put down or quarantined. Eventually, after a period of unchecked corruption and violence, the victim's body will simply dissolve into nothingness, leaving behind no trace of their existence. This final act is a grim reflection of the void's nature, a horrifying reminder that once something is consumed by its magic, it is gone forever.
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