Approximately five years after originium’s introduction into industrial processes, the first cases of oripathy appeared. Initially dismissed as an occupational hazard affecting a few unlucky miners, the condition has since spread throughout communities that use originium extensively.
Oripathy Progression:
- Stage 1: Subtle discomfort, often dismissed
- Stage 2: Increased magical affinity
- Stage 3: Visible crystallization of skin patches
- Stage 4: Enhanced magical capacity
- Stage 5: Risk of spreading disease through crystal dust
- Stage 6: Complete petrification and disintegration
The recent public death of a citizen outside Chrysalis Labs has transformed public concern into fear. Whispers spread that the forges themselves are spreading the disease through their black smoke. Political tensions rise as fingers point toward Malachite Forges and the Dwarves Union.