"We still don't know the exact details, so shrouded in folklore and lies based on fear. But, what we do know is that in bygone era's when the world was still one land, there was a dark entity that granted its servants drops of its blood. This blood was so potent that it was passed down to those servants children, and is continued to be passed down even now as diluted as it may be. Those with such blood are feared, and for good reason, it gave mortals tremendous power."

— Inquisitor Zeldric Romun

The Taint

The Taint also colloquially known as “Pitch”, “Blight”, “Corruption”, and “The Curse” is a magical virus and curse that has existed within Xardia for as long as it has existed. It is spread through exposure to it in any way, but the greater the purity, and the more that manages to enter the body in some way, the greater the risk of it spreading becomes.

Should one begin to suffer the side-effects of it entering their body, notably the veins in visible areas such as the corners of the eye, wrists, and elbow joints, you will be clarified as truly infected.

Those affected by the taint will more often than not simply suffer a slow, excruciating death as their blood blackens, their skin’s hue grows pale, and their body temperature drops while suffering immense pain as if their internal organs were being pulled and torn apart. However, should the individual not die at the hands of the curse they will suffer one of three fates depending on their own willpower, lucky genetics, and physical health.

All Tainted creatures will have dark veins and black blood. They will become easily sunburned, and avoid bright light or intense heat due to sensitivity. Alongside this they will suffer an extreme allergic reaction and weakness to pure Silver and Mithrium, shutting down their regenerative abilities and burning the flesh it makes contact with. The reason why is unknown, though some folk tales speak that mithrium was created by the blood of the Celestial that was scattered across the world. While silver is the diluted leftovers, its magic lost to time.

Tainted creatures additionally suffer from heightened negative emotions such as anger, depression, a hatred toward confinement or being controlled and manipulated, and often an enjoyment in feeling or unleashing pain on other creatures. How much this affects an individual is based on their normal personality, some shoulder the changes with grace, and others fall into depravity. Non-humanoids are known to become especially volatile, leading to their nickname of tainted animals being “Monsters”.

Immunity

Around a 20% chance of this outcome for most creatures, these individuals when exposed to the taint and corruption not only resist its mutation and painful effects; but build upon the cursed sickness. Augmenting their natural resistance to sickness and toxins, granting them complete immunity to the taint and all of its variant strains. This also grants them enhanced physical health and incredibly high resistance to other toxins.

Tainted

Becoming Tainted is often viewed, in the form of raw benefits, as the "best" option though only manages to happen for 10% of most creatures. They become significantly more powerful than others of their species, their physical power, durability and stamina increasing by magnitudes. This will also triple to quadruple their lifespans and gain regeneration allowing them to recover from minor wounds in minutes and more serious wounds such as broken bones in a mere week. On the other hand, they suffer the same drawbacks as all Tainted beings.

Corruption

The most common reaction to the taint aside from death, this happens to around 30% of those affected by its curse. Most common in flora and many fauna, corruption is the result of a host whom is strong enough in health to survive the process of the taint, but lack the genetic irregularity required to accept the taint properly.

As such, they instead begin suffering a rapid onset of mutations that change their anatomy and often their size. Granting far more raw benefits than the normal taint, but in return magnifying the weaknesses of the taint tremendously. These mutations are painful and often viewed in the light of something akin to cancerous. Growing additional deformed limbs, organs, eyes, etc. Their downsides are also magnified, causing natural light to instantly turn many corrupted creatures to ash in a few moments.

Pure Blood

The rare few whom are considered "Pure Blood" are generally only the Royal Daevata. But technically any creature whom is directly "Sired" by the blood of another Pure-Blood, or the Daemon itself directly can be called such. Pure Blooded beings have all the benefits of being tainted, and yet suffer none of the normal drawbacks and weaknesses aside from their allergy to silver and mithrium. Yet in return, their appearance is far more easily distinguishable from their unawakened brethren.

Their skin will change in hue to become unnaturally smooth, perfect. Old scars and wounds they had will gradually begin to fade over time no matter how serious the wounds. Their veins will become easily spotted, turning pitch black. While their blood will retain its tainted, ebony pigment, and yet will hold undertones and streaks of purple, akin to the reaction of light on oils. Their cuspids will increase in size, and additional cuspids will grow from their jaws.

They are similarly able to activate a unique "State" which grants them significantly increased prowess, elongated claws and cuspids, black sclera, and even greater physical abilities. Every Pure Blood will also tend to have unique additional traits, based on their root bloodline such as wings, horns, carapace-like skin, etc.