Mana Bloat

Vesical Distension

Vesical Distension, also known as Mana Bloat, is a minor yet uncomfortable condition of the Vesica Dunamaria (Mana Pool) where pockets of Mana clump together in small Mana Bubbles and cause irritation by sticking to the Dunamocytes of the Mana Pool. Technically not caused by a physical gas and having nothing to do with typical digestive bloat, Mana Bloat produces a sensation of pressure and hot fizzing within the body that is particularly uncomfortable when the Mana Pool is full. When viewed by Enhanced Truesight, or by the use of specialist spells which are only available to those of certain Vocational Paths, Mana Bloat gives the Mana Pool a more lumpy shape compared to its typical spherical nature, with the lumps indicating the position of Mana Bubbles.

Mana Bloat is generally considered benign, if irritating, though prolonged episodes or regular Mana Bloating can be a sign of something else happening within the Mana System. Mana Bloat typically goes away by itself, particularly if the Mana Pool is depleted, and rarely requires medical intervention for Bloat alone. Mana Bloat can occur within anyone that has a Mana Pool and is most often self diagnosed.

One of the more common Dunamic Conditions, everyone with a Mana Pool is expected to experience Mana Bloat at some point in their lives. Managing and avoiding Mana Bloat is typically dependant on how the Mana Bubbles form, and can vary from one person to another. Those who are particularly susceptible to repeated attacks of Mana Bloat often develop other conditions further down the line.

Causes

The Mana Bubbles that cause Mana Bloat can arise for a number of reasons, including but not limited to exposure to raw Mana clumps, improperly purified Mana, spell affects, side affects from potions, overactive Dunamocyte formation, excessive use of Mana Potions, or repeated draining of the Mana Pool with little to no rest.

It can also be caused by early stage Hyperdunamia, extended Pool Occlusion, Dunaminecrosis, or the presence of a Dunamic Embolism, amongst other Mana Conditions.

Symptoms

Mana Bloat is most often identified by the sensation of pressure and hot fizzing within the body, that is particularly uncomfortable when the Mana Pool is full. Spellcasting is typically uncomfortable when suffering from Mana Bloat, though it does not cause any damage to do so. While Mana Bloat is uncomfortable, the symptoms should not progress to pain and the fizzing should remain minor. Any escalation to pain or the sensation of electric shock through the chest area should be treated by a Medical Dunamic Specialist immediately as the condition could instead be Hyperdunamia (Mana Excess).

Treatment

Mana Bloat is typically treated by simply waiting it out, though this can be assisted by emptying the Mana Pool, which forces the Mana Bubbles to "burst". The process can also be hastened by the use of potions designed to break down errant Dunamocyte formation, though these can have the adverse effect of temporarily weakening the Mana Pool.

More serious cases would require medical intervention from a Medical Dunamic Specialst.

Prognosis

Cases of Mana Bloat typically rectify themselves without issue, and it is only when they are a symptom of other conditions that they become a problem. Mana Bloat itself is highly unlikely to be fatal by itself, but can lead to other conditions that may be.

Sequela

While rare, Mana Bloat can occasionally lead to blockages of the Dunathra (Weave Channel) via a Mana Bubble that hardens into an Embolus. Repeated instances of Mana Bloat within a short time frame have occasionally led to Vesicanecrosis (Pool Rot) due to repeated irritation of the Mana Pool Dunamocytes.

Affected Groups

Anyone with a Mana Pool can contract Mana Bloat, though it is more common amongst experimental alchemists and spellcrafters.

Contents

Type

Magical

Rarity

Common