Soulsunder

A soulsunder occurs when the soul of an individual fractures into two or more pieces. This typically happens as a result of magic directed at the individual's soul, to either change the soul or relocate it from the individual's body to another vessel.

Symptoms depend upon the number of soul fragments result as a part of the fracture, as well as what happens to the soul pieces upon being sundered. Each fragment is a different piece of the individual and carries a different part of their essence. A body retaining only one soul fragment will act as only part of a person, and can easily be mistaken for a Zombie by their scattered behavior. An individual with a severely Fractured soul where all pieces remain within their body will appear to have multiple personalities fighting for control of that body.

There are no treatments for curing the soulsundered, and none are in development due to the high risks of causing a soulsunder in the process of research. Many sufferers are humanely killed to prevent more living suffering, but it is acknowledged that this will not cure the soul in the afterlife. Singers of the Three Songs pray to Goddess Patheia in the hope she can restore an individual's essence after death.

Soulsundered are stable provided further magic is not applied to their souls. They will never recover but they will also never get worse. This is little consolation to the loved ones of those afflicted with this eternal fracturing.

The most infamous case of Soulsunder occurred as result of the Soul Thief's experimentation. The Goldaming Family avoids discussing this dark discovery, only admitting they had a lapse of oversight in providing funding and support for experimentation and that the appropriate steps have been taken to prevent a reoccurence of such a regrettable incident.

The soul is the essence of an individual, the spiritual core of who they are as an individual. If that soul is damaged so is the person's identity, and their opportunities for an afterlife. To damage the soul is to destroy an individual, not only in life but also in death.   It is for this reason that anyone wishing to use Soul Magic must obtain the proper training and licensing, as guarantee of their intentions to practice their art safely and for the good of society.   The poor individuals damaged by failed Soul Magic attempts are pitied, their bodies humanely destroyed if possible, their souls doomed to an eternally shattered existence. Followers of the Three Songs petition Goddess Patheia to mend the wounded souls and allow them to partake in a whole afterlife, but even the most fervent admit doubts in the Goddess' ability to assist in such cases.