Beast Syndrome

Also known as Beast Sickness, the Beast Sin, and the Beast Plague, Beast Syndrome is an affliction associated with the consumption of unsterilized Beast tissue or bodily fluids. It is characterized by bouts of fever, chills, muscle spasms, increased aggression and violence towards others, mutation (often disfiguring and transformative, frequently including the development of Bestial features, dermatological abnormalities, changes in eye color and shape, dental abnormalities, and increased muscle and bone density, as well as anomalous bone growth, the development of extra organs and more), paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, mood swings, and compulsive behaviors, as well as addiction to the consumption of Beast flesh (which accelerates the progression of the syndrome) and blood and cannibalistic impulses. The affliction is highly resistant to most forms of treatment and is progressive, but can be controlled and even forced into remission. However, it is also contagious through blood, tissue, and bodily fluids during breakouts.
== Origins ==
As with the Beasts themselves, the precise origin of the affliction is unknown. However, it is carried prominently by powerful Beasts. The more powerful the Beast, the more likely it is to be able to spread the affliction. As such, it is sometimes considered to be more of a curse than a disease, and does seem to be at least partially magical in nature due to its susceptibility to Dispelling effects, which impede its progress. However, this meare slows its advancement. Effects that treat diseases are needed to reverse that progress.
Some theorize that the Syndrome may be the cause of Beasts, as it's been noted that animals that consume Beast tissue or blood, or that mate with Beasts, sometimes become Beasts as well. However, this does not explain the appearance of all Beasts, nor the origins of the condition. 
== Infection ==
== Stages of Affliction ==
== Treatment and Prevention ==
== Applications ==
Some individuals have been known to intentionally consume Beast flesh, organs, and blood in an attempt to gain beneficial mutations from it. Most often this is seen among practitioners of and dabblers in Alchemy and Witchcraft, though others have made the attempt. This is a highly dangerous practice, and prone to backfiring horrendously. However, some groups and individuals have been able to successfully control the Syndrome and benefit from its capabilities. Among the best known of these are a few sects of Rangers who practice Witchcraft or Alchemy rather than traditional Woodken.
Category:Gaea
Category:Beast
Category:Affliction
Category:Power Source