Mana Scarring

Dunamisclerosis

Mana Scarring is a condition of the Dunamic System where the Dunamocytes erroneously "harden" and form Dunamic Scar Tissue. Known medically as Dunamisclerosis, the condition is rare and, while relatively benign in itself, can cause additional, more serious problems within the Mana System, such as issues with replenishing Mana, spellcasting, or even conditions such as Dunaminecrosis and Dunamostasis.

Mana Scarring typically occurs within the Mana Pool and the Prevesical Mana Vessels, including the Innate Spellcasting Vessels, though does also appear within the Weave Channel. It is believed that the Weave Channel is less susceptible to Scarring because it is not permanently in use. Because of the non-persistent nature of Spellcasting Vessels, they are never subjected to Mana Scarring. Mana Scarring can be further divided into types of scarring depending on where in the Mana System it occurs; e.g. Vesicasclerosis if it is located within the Mana Pool or Dunamivasosclerosis if located within the Mana Vessels (though it is worth noting that Dunamivasosclerosis can then be further divided depending on which vessels are targeted).

With around 1 in 5000 people experiencing Mana Scarring a year, it is a rare condition that requires a very extreme treatment in order to cure. This treatment can take months to fully complete, and is generally only considered in the most extreme of scarring cases.

Causes

Mana Scarring typically occurs in one of three ways: first, improper spellcasting method; second, exposure to raw Mana; and third, as a result of other Dunamic Conditions.

Improper spellcasting can often lead to scarring when Mana (both raw and purified) is pulled through the System incorrectly, such as through overexertion or overuse of certain types of Mana-related potions. This is typically when the Weave Channel suffers from Mana Scarring, though the Mana Pool is also particularly susceptible.

Raw Mana typically causes scarring through either direct exposure to a raw Mana source (such as a Weave Well) or through excess raw Mana flowing through the Mana System. While sudden, short bursts of raw Mana do not cause scars, prolonged exposure significantly increases the risk.

Finally, Mana Scarring can also be caused by other conditions within the Mana System, such as chronic Mana Hiccups or Mana Bloat, or even something more serious, such as chronic Mana Excess or a Dunamic Embolism.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Mana Scarring are generally few, as the scarring itself is painless. However, patients with Mana Scarring often describe a "numb" or "empty" sensation where they should feel Mana flowing, particularly during spellcasting. This is because the Dunamocytes have hardened and no longer have "sensation", much in the same way that severe scarring of the physical body will impair touch receptors, etc.

Most sufferers only discover that they have Mana Scarring because it causes them to develop additional conditions.

Treatment

Mana Scarring can be treated and completely cured, however the process is long and requires forced Dunamilysis (Mana Shutdown) of the impacted parts of the Mana System. This causes those parts of the System to completely breakdown and disperse before reforming once more. However, this process can be traumatic if not properly controlled, and can itself be fatal if done incorrectly.

This treatment can only be performed by a Class 1 Medical Dunamologist and should never be attempted by anyone without the proper training, as it can lead to severe injury or death.

Prognosis

Mana Scarring does not typically spread unless it is caused by an underlying issue, so many sufferers can continue with their regular lives without even knowing that they have it. Mild Mana Scarring is not considered a particularly serious problem, and most Medical Dunamologists will avoid treating it if possible due to the risk-reward factor involved. However, serious Mana Scarring or scarring that is caused by an underlying issue requires more urgent treatment.

While the scarring itself is unlikely to cause fatalities, it can cause issues with spellcasting or general function of the Mana System which can impact the quality of life of the individual suffering from it. If the scarring is severe enough, it can even lead to Dunamicide.

Sequela

Severe Mana Scarring that has been left untreated can lead to further conditions, such as Dunaminecrosis and Dunamostasis. Very extreme cases can even lead to complete loss Mana System functionality.

The treatment for Mana Scarring can be quite traumatic, particularly if the scarring is present within the Innate Spellcasting Vessels. This is because it removes Mana from the Innate systems, which can lead to various psychological conditions, such as Mania, Psychosis, and Psychotic Shock.

Contents

Type

Magical

Origin

Magical

Rarity

Rare