Synaptic Degeneration is a disease resulting from excessive psionic load on the mind. Though rare, most victims reportedly experienced a massive surge in arcane or divine energy just before the initial symptoms manifested. It's highly likely that this disease afflicts those who claim power beyond their means.
Initial Symptoms
As synaptic degeneration sets in the afflicted report a variety of temporary symptoms that subside on their own with a long rest.
- A ringing of the ears that makes it difficult to hear
- Vertigo, the feeling that the world is moving around you
- Nausea, violent or uncontrolled vomiting
- Visual aura, a bright wavering halo surrounding objects the afflicted attempts to focus on.
Persistent Symptoms
Sufferers of synaptic degeneration also report a variety of symptoms that persist until treated.
- Numbness of the hands and visual static resulting in disadvantage on perception checks.
- Shakiness of the lower extremities resulting in an occasional misstep and disadvantage on acrobatics checks.
- Engorged blood vessels in the eyes leave them appearing perpetually blood shot and resulting in a chance to bleed from the eyes whenever experiencing an impact to the head.
- Damage to the central nervous system resulting in the afflicted occasionally experiencing visual hallucinations as though under the effect of phantasmal force.
Missteps
You experience a misstep and must make a Dexterity check (DC 8 outside of combat, DC 15 in combat) to avoid falling prone.
Bleeding from the Eyes
When the afflicted is struck anywhere on the head make a DC 15 CON saving throw. On a failed save you take 1d4 damage and are blinded until the end of your next turn, crying blood.
Treatment
Treating Synaptic Degeneration is beyond the means of most mundane solutions. However, arcane or divine healing can treat it.
Healing, resurrection, or regenerative magic cast at 5th level or higher can cure synaptic degeneration. Healing, resurrection, or regenerative magic cast below 5th level can suppress the symptoms for 24 hours or until the next long rest is completed, whichever happens first.
Comments