Decay
Decay, sometimes referred to as the "sixth element", is a primordial force. It can be seen as the opposite of Spirit, the fifth element.[1] Unlike Spirit, which is used to communicate with the elements and to heal, Decay binds the elements to one's will, forces them into servitude and weaponize them. This is also the main reason why dark shaman are able to use the elements (in a twisted form nonetheless) even without asking the elements for permission.[1] As each element can influence a variety of emotionally positive and negative states, Decay influences efficiency and ruthlessness.[2]
The gnolls scattered across the Azure Span found the source for their decay magic from Brackenhide Hollow and the teachings of Decatriarch Wratheye. Though they used its power directly and not as a means for dark shamanism, they harnessed its power and darkened their wetland home with vile pockets of thorns and roots.[3]
Characteristics
Decay can spread through the air and ground, but also through the water.[4] It can rot ley lines,[5] and even affect arcane magic.[6] When Decay is in contact with living creatures, it doesn't just warp the body but also the mind.[7] As its name suggests, Decay accelerates body decomposition, and also induces a state of permanent need of feeding and spreading the corruption, "rotting the mind".[8]
It is believed that both Spirit and Decay influence the soul's creation of anima.[9]
Decay can also affect inanimate objects such as cloths,[10][11] scales,[12] oil,[13] and hunting bait.[14] The bark of treants afflicted by decay magic acts similarly to hide parchment, it is able to hold the magic for more powerful inscriptions, and holding the untreated sheaf brings dark thoughts into the mind.[15]
Herbs exposed to the essence of Decay become wilted versions of their former selves. The plants are still usable, but any would-be gatherers are exposed to the Decay, afflicting them with illness.[16][17][18]
Notes and trivia
- The Emerald Nightmare is described as a realm of death, decay, and nightmare.[19]
- The Shadowlands are described as nightmarish realms of decay,[20] and Thros as a realm of death, decay, and nightmare.[21]
- Death is an unavoidable force that breeds despair in mortal hearts and pushes everything towards a state of entropic decay and eventual oblivion.[2]
Gallery
Decay-corrupted ancient concept art.
Decay-corrupted treants in Dragonflight.
References
- ^ a b World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, pg. 10
- ^ a b World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, pg. 11
- ^ https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/23823429/dragonflight-zone-preview-the-azure-span
- ^
[70] An Exemplar of Sacrifice: Nolaki
- ^ [65-68] Realignment
- ^ [65-68] Ley Litter
- ^ [70] An Exemplar of Justice: Hadwin
- ^ Brackenhide Hollow - Description mentions "...leaving a creature bent on nothing more than the need to feed and spread Decay."
- ^ World of Warcraft: Grimoire of the Shadowlands and Beyond, pg. 31
- ^
[Decayed Wildercloth]
- ^
[Decaying Brackenhide Blanket]
- ^
[Decayed Scales]
- ^
[Decay-Infused Tanning Oil]
- ^ Decay-Infused Creature Bait
- ^
[60-70] Wood for Writing
- ^ Decayed Hochenblume
- ^ Decayed Saxifrage
- ^ Decayed Writhebark
- ^ The Lost Codex 2018-11-03. Blizzcon 2018 Interview: Alex Afrasiabi & Patrick Dawson - Story and Systems | The Lost Codex. YouTube. Retrieved on 2018-11-03.
- ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, pg. 12
- ^ The Lost Codex 2018-11-03. Blizzcon 2018 Interview: Alex Afrasiabi & Patrick Dawson - Story and Systems | The Lost Codex. YouTube. Retrieved on 2018-11-03.
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