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The SpellPlague

#Worldbuilding

The Spellplague, called the Blue Breath of Change by those who understand its property, was a disastrous disease that struck much of Adestria in 2605AC and released by CyricCyric, the Mad one\#npc A walking emotional echo known by many names - The tyrant King, the lonely, the Multitude. Originally a noble elf of Ashtary beckoned to be a conduit for Ashtar the protector. Yet due to his intensely strong ego he was not chosen causing a torrent of emotions that fractured his personality. Though these personalities are split with each being an embodiment of an intense emotion, they all believe one thing, that the Pantheon of Adestria held two more gods: him and his wife (the god of L. It continued for 4 years during which arcane magic ceased to function.

The origin came from a magical disease that CyricCyric, the Mad one\#npc A walking emotional echo known by many names - The tyrant King, the lonely, the Multitude. Originally a noble elf of Ashtary beckoned to be a conduit for Ashtar the protector. Yet due to his intensely strong ego he was not chosen causing a torrent of emotions that fractured his personality. Though these personalities are split with each being an embodiment of an intense emotion, they all believe one thing, that the Pantheon of Adestria held two more gods: him and his wife (the god of L infected the Arch-Conduit and KalashtarKalashtar\#Worldbuilding The Kalashtar are born within Nocturne, the domain of dreams, as manifestations of imagination. Often a Kalashtar will leave Nocturne in search of the one who dreamt them into being, some just to witness their creator, others to destroy them.  Leaving Nocturne takes a toll on the Kalashtar though and must leave much of their original form, this ensuing incarnation is reminiscent of any other type of humanoid but there is an unmistakable ‘dream’ quality to them still. * They ge of O'llonO'llon, god of Music and Magic\#god #npc Magic is music; the incantations spoken are lyrics, the somatic gestures are dances. This is what O'llon presides over. Whether they understand that or not, many who pursue one intertwine themselves with the other to the chagrin of many wizards. With jolly rotundness O’llon heralds the ever changing nature of music and magic, with his lute he weaves magic throughout the land of Adestria. Ollon.jpg Only the bards acknowledge his command over all things arcane yet and fewer still choo - O'Fallon, to which mutated the virus such that any infected would have their link with the god of music and magic anulled.

The First Outbreak

The Spellplague manifested in the lost city of Toril on Mahra Coulta as a storm of blue flames erupted in the centre of the city. Creatures and individuals who came in contact with the initial explosion were killed. Those who were touched by the remaining flames were infected, the effects progressing through these symptoms:

  • Heavy Fever
  • Coughing infectious blue flames
  • Any liquid released from the body carries the infection
  • Random 1st-3rd degree burns

The effects would last 3 weeks at which point four things could happen:

  1. The patient recovers with no lasting effects
  2. The patient recovers but cannot use magic
  3. The patent succumbs to the plague and dies
  4. The patient becomes Spellscarred
Spellscarred

Very rarely those who have survived the effects of the Spellplague develop a mutation that actually strengthens their connection to O'llonO'llon, god of Music and Magic\#god #npc Magic is music; the incantations spoken are lyrics, the somatic gestures are dances. This is what O'llon presides over. Whether they understand that or not, many who pursue one intertwine themselves with the other to the chagrin of many wizards. With jolly rotundness O’llon heralds the ever changing nature of music and magic, with his lute he weaves magic throughout the land of Adestria. Ollon.jpg Only the bards acknowledge his command over all things arcane yet and fewer still choo - the current theory being the the mutation causing a burst or increased magical capacity as their magic returns causing this phenomenon.

The effects are different with each case but some documented effects have allowed individuals to sense the presence of the Spellplague nearby, an increased lifespan, and enhanced abilities that were present before they contracted the virus.

The only common variable across all cases is the seering pain the infected experiences when activating magic as well as a blue flame that appears on their forehead.

One individual in House RelhHouse Relh\#Noble A house awarded nobility due to its medical prowess and neutrality in the wars. Heir The rightful heir is determined by blood, specifically the Divine Sorcerer blood that only appears in a new baby as the last one dies (Dalai Lama vibes). K’falnar Relh is the current Progenitor and 49th heir. Ideals Divine blessing is for all. Coat of Arms An angel hovering above a broken sword Location West Laylan Ancestral Heirloom: The Wings of Relh - A set of wings that heal those around t can actually use this fire to heal.

A Second Outbreak

Thought to have been contained on the continent of Mahra Coulta, an outbreak is recorded on West Laylan causing mass destruction in its wake. Believed to have been brought across the seas to Port DambyPort Damby\#location A portside town on the far western side of Laylan. This place thrives on imports from Mahra Coulta and the unique findings there. by refugees who had no other choice the Spellplague begins spreading across Laylan.

Cure

A remedy to the Spellplague is discovered in its 3rd year by a druid centaur named Saffron. It involves a scarce mushroom from the UnderdarkUnderdark\#location The Underdark is a vast network of tunnels and caverns below the surface of Adestria. Despite it's size, the unknown dangers it presents make it difficult for many to venture far into its depths. Mainly without any source of light save for the occasional luminous rocks or fungi. Large portions of it are also without food or water, making well-stocked food supplies a must-have when exploring uncharted terrain underground. Subterror There exist within each domain of the Underdark, 8 known as Aldaka, a root from a mountain mandrake, bark from the Lessentor tree, and liquid from an infected patient to which will then be given back to the patient in the form of an ingested liquid.

Unfortunately due to the scarcity of the Aldaka mushroom this cure is unable to be widely spread and only those along East Laylan are able to procure it.

Aftermath

The pandemic lasts for 4 years to which a vast majority of arcane magic disabled. With a cure found but not largely available majority of infected choose to deal with the effects for the 3 weeks despite the mortality rate killing 1 in 3.

The virus continues to spread but the chance to be infected again is medium to low and antibodies and less so for those born after.

The Spellplague virus is now considered a household infection in the era of Post Divergence but one that can't be taken lightly if infected.