Xyphitic Dysphoria
Giggle Rot
Overview
Xyphitic Dysphoria is a progressive and lethal illness caused by prolonged exposure to airborne Xyphite dust on Xyphadon-67. The disease primarily affects the respiratory system and the central nervous system, producing a combination of physical and neurological symptoms that worsen over time. The swiftness at which the illness progresses varies according to the physiology of the individual, including lung capacity, metabolic rate, and immune resilience.
Symptoms
Early-stage symptoms are often subtle and easily overlooked:
- Persistent coughing and mild difficulty breathing
- Headaches and dizziness
- Light emotional instability and occasional uncontrollable laughter
- Severe respiratory distress, including wheezing, laboured breathing, and pulmonary inflammation
- Confusion and disorientation, sometimes accompanied by mild hallucinations
- Emotional volatility, including sudden bouts of manic laughter or unexplained crying
- Loss of appetite and progressive weight loss
Treatment
Temporary relief is provided by injections of Xyphoril (Dust Drop), a locally produced treatment derived from residual Xyphite material. While Xyphoril suppresses symptoms and allows continued function in the harsh mining environment, it is not a cure, and prolonged use does not prevent eventual deterioration. Complete treatment requires long-term care and removal from exposure, but even then, the illness leaves lasting effects on the respiratory and neurological systems and never truly leaves the body.
Epidemiology
Xyphitic Dysphoria is nearly universal among miners on Xyphadon-67 who work without continuous protective measures. Its presence has created a dependency on Xyphoril among the workforce and is a central factor in the planet’s high mortality rates. The illness serves as both a biological hazard and a tool of labour control within the The Ensari Auralis Group’s operations.
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