Manisa´s Genesis

The **Manisa's Genesis**, also known as the **Manisa City Syndrome** or ***Manisa şehir sendromu*** in Ofiri tongue, is a artificial gene/genetic disorder/mutation present primarily in a significant number of members of the Sova Clan—a powerful family of Ofieri sorcerers who govern the city of the same name and the region of Opir, also known as Ophir or East Ofir.

## History

The origins of the Manisa's Genesis can be traced back to the time when the empire of Oshan reigned supreme over a vast expanse of the Ofir region, bordered only by Zaina, Dahab, and the nascent territory of East Ofir. The empire's dominance cast a shadow over neighboring lands.

Following the annexation of Zaina through conflict and Dahab through marriage, the inhabitants of East Ofir grew apprehensive about their fate. Fearing the loss of their cultural identity and autonomy, they convened the most skilled sorcerers to devise a formidable defense against the looming threat of Oshan's forces.

Among these sorcerers, Altair Popal of Sova emerged as a visionary. Proposing an audacious plan, Altair envisioned the creation of an army empowered by artificial Sources, fashioned after the Aen Saevherne members' experiments from the Aen Nílfe elves that were once present in the neighboring country of Zangvebar. Although viewed as a radical notion, Altair believed that these artificially created Sources with little training, despite their limited numbers, could stand against Oshan's formidable might.

However, Altair's early experiments with criminals and societal outcasts proved fatal, yielding no viable results. Driven by desperation, he gambled with his own life, inadvertently triggering the creation of the Manisa's Genesis during an ill-fated spellcasting mishap. While the experiment partially succeeded, producing an artificial Source, Altair's error rendered replication impossible. Furthermore, unforeseen conditions emerged, adding layers of complexity to the gene's manifestation. The result was a crude joke and a poor imitation by humans in comparison with things like the Navigator gene or the Hen Ichaer. Altair was now powerful, yes, but not as powerful as the elven creations.

Despite the risks and uncertainties, Altair recognized the importance of preserving his creation. This decision laid the foundation for the Sova clan, a lineage born out of necessity and innovation. Over time, the influence of Altair and his descendants enabled the Sova clan to rise to power, toppling the theocratic rule of East Ofir and establishing a monarchy under their dominion.

Despite numerous attempts by sorcerers within and beyond the Sova clan to replicate Altair's experiment, all endeavors, including his final erroneous spell, ended in failure.

## Characteristics

The positive traits that the gene endows its carriers with include characteristic dark blue and dark green heterochromatic eyes. At birth, the eyes are a very weak tone, but as the person ages, they darken, intensifying in color after the age of 30. Along with an affinity for magic, making them Sources, carriers also exhibit other notable traits. These consist of the absence of body hair in both sexes, except for the head, brows, nostrils, beard (in the case of men), and eyelashes. There is no hair on the legs, arms, torso, back, butt, or pubic area. They are immune to skin burning and fat weight gain, producing minimal waste irrespective of their diet.

Additionally, carriers experience the absence of menstruation (while maintaining fertility) in women, a strengthened immune system, a slender and athletic appearance, and a youthful look that lasts longer than usual. Aging stops when carriers turn 50, and they maintain the appearance of a 50-year-old even as they surpass 100 years of age. Furthermore, carriers often (but not always) exhibit heightened cognitive abilities, such as enhanced memory retention and accelerated learning.

The gene also has some capacity for adaptability to mutagens, allowing it to continue to exist in some form, despite the changes the body has undergone. This was unknowingly tested by the Griffin Witchers with one of the future founders of the School of the Crane, Putnam Pitch.

On the other hand, due to its artificial origin, the gene's instability leads to occasional and random manifestations of mental illnesses among its carriers. In addition to schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and Capgras syndrome, carriers may experience heightened susceptibility to anxiety disorders, depression, and a propensity for mood swings. The gene's unpredictable nature also introduces a risk of sudden and uncontrolled bursts of magical energy more often than natural Sources, potentially posing dangers to both the carrier and their surroundings.

## Trivia

* The Manisa Genesis is inspired by the *Alexandria Genesis.*