Toxicity is a contaminated form of the Psyche element. More specifically, it is a part of its sub-element, Emotion.
In comparison to the rest of the universe, Toxicity is a fairly recent phenomenon which originates from the intense negative emotions of sapient species, such as Therians or humans. The excess of Psyche that results from such emotions becomes tainted and causes an imbalance in the elements in the body. It then pushes all of the other elements within the body out of its way, and eventually purges itself out of the body and into the environment.
Toxicity is a natural consequence of having complex emotions and can never be completely exterminated as long as sapient beings exist. However, there is currently a serious epidemic of it. The collective misery of the entire planet has been rising to abnormal levels. It has reached its highest point in Cruor, the last human region, resulting in humanity's extinction during the Fall of Cruor.
Toxicity exists in two states.
- Internal: Where it originates from, the Toxicity that is still within the body of a sapient. In this state, it is a reddish black liquid.
- External: When it is purged into the environment. In this state, it exists as a gaseous miasma. External Toxicity hangs in the air like a thick fog, though it is darker in appearance. Inhaling it can cause minor coughing.
It cannot kill by direct exposure, but can indirectly cause death by removing other essential elements for living, such as Ray, Terra, Mist, and Sky. Areas polluted with Toxicity for extended periods of time become uninhabitable wastelands.
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- Toxicity is only capable of affecting organisms of animal-like intelligence. It cannot affect plants or microorganisms.
- The effects of external Toxicity manifest much more quickly on animals rather than sapients. (Their more primitive intellect finds it harder to resist) Some creatures are instantaneously driven mad by the slightest of exposure.
- It can also warp the physical appearance of animals into nightmareish abominations. The more primitive a creature’s intelligence is, the more likely it is to transform. Warped creatures are called Monsters.
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- This type of Therian is artificially made, and thus, resilient to Toxicity.
There are two types of Toxicity medications.
- Prevention: Used to protect against further Toxicity accumulating within. Is practically mandatory for many employees of ATN. This is used for individuals who are already mentally stable, and merely require an extra shield from Toxicity. It does not have much of an effect except for re-enforcing positive emotions.
- Suppression: Prevents the further accumulation of Toxicity and suppresses its effects. Sadly, this is the more common of the two. Effects can vary drastically, depending on the intensity of the medication and the type, as many individuals have specific issues and negative emotions that must be addressed. Its most common effect: clears the mind and makes it easier to think more rationally, at the expense of dulling emotions somewhat. In the most extreme causes, it can strip an individual completely of all emotional response.
Medication alone cannot solve psychological torment. In order to truly provide a meaningful treatment of Toxicity, one must receive a combination of psychological rehabilitation and medication.
Unfortunately, this process is often slow and painful for many. And often, they do not complete the process of treatment. With the Toxicity epidemic becoming worse and worse, counseling only gets further disregarded in favor of faster-acting medicines. Whilst these treat the symptoms, Toxicity cannot truly go away unless one can address their actual problems.
Unfortunately, this process is often slow and painful for many. And often, they do not complete the process of treatment. With the Toxicity epidemic becoming worse and worse, counseling only gets further disregarded in favor of faster-acting medicines. Whilst these treat the symptoms, Toxicity cannot truly go away unless one can address their actual problems.
This page was last updated: May 31st, 2019