Shadow sickness is a catch-all term for a number of ailments that a mortal may contract from extensive time spent within the Shadow — specifically, going somewhere in the Shadow that they should not have.[1]
Overview[]
The actual origin of such illnesses is unknown, be it a pseudo-immune response from the Shadow or the depredations of disease-spirits.[1] Regardless of which, they tend to occur when a mortal has gone somewhere ill-advised within the Shadow.[1]
The body is capable of resisting such diseases, but it requires concerted effort and tends to leave the afflicted distracted from all other actions.[2]
Known Shadow Sicknesses[]
- Berdoy's Sympathy: Also known as the Blight, this illness afflicts the victim with itching sores. Spirits are drawn to the afflicted and find it easier to possess them.[2]
- Ghostmarks: Spiritual reflections of terrible events can imprint themselves on a human that has gone digging in the Shadow.[2] These marks take the form of whatever event occurred (a screaming face on one's back, a gunshot scar on the leg) and remain as tattoos, even after the individual has left the Shadow.[3]
- Hypomnesia: Also called Brain Fade, Hypomnesia is a contagious fading of information previously known to the sufferer, caused by giving one's true name to a being of the Shadow.[3] Note that memories do not fade, but the information within them does.
- Ignis Fatuus: Typically occurring where the Gauntlet is weak, Ignis Fatuus is unusual in that it can occur outside of the Shadow.[3] It is typified by fever and hallucinations that affect every sense.[4] Within the Shadow, sufferers can also be identified by their glowing yellow eyes.[4]
- The Odium: Inflicted by a numina called Scorn, this illness causes others to view the victim as being revolting in some way.[4] Animals are unaffected by this perceptive trickery, while those who are close with the victim, such as family and friends, find the effect easier to resist.[4]
- The Unclean: Caused by consuming tainted food within the spirit world,[4] this sickness inhibits the afflicted's capacity to resist his or her desires.[5] Physically, the individual appears wilder as well, with fanged teeth and taloned fingertips.[5]
