Corruption

Corruption is a dark magic-based phenomenon that primarily affects elves and Psychics, especially the latter. It is most commonly described as strong, negative emotions (such as anger) that have manifested in the form of a curse. Corruption can have devastating effects on an individual; consequently, many cleansing techniques exist to purge corruption from people and objects.

Causes
Little is known about the origins of corruption. Some Arthurians believe that the devils are the source of all corruption; however, others believe that it was corruption that birthed the devils. A few Arthurians insist that corruption was once a natural state for all mortalkind; however, it should be noted that most who ascribe to this belief are corrupted themselves. Regardless of its origins, it is agreed upon that corruption is caused by a combination of negative emotions and dark magic, and that virtually anyone can become corrupted.

The susceptibility one has to being corrupted is directly correlated with their affinity for magic. Consequently, the average human or orc is unlikely to become corrupted; even if they do, it is almost always mild. However, magi are susceptible to corruption regardless of race due to their magical prowess. Meanwhile, corruption is so common among elves and Psychics that even their children are taught cleansing techniques.

Effects
Corruption has a variety of adverse effects on corrupted individuals, depending on the individual and the level of corruption. Mild corruption is often indistinguishable from a bad mood. Since corruption thrives off of negativity, this tends to cause even the mildest corruption to strengthen over time, in turn souring their mood even more. Needless to say, this creates a "snowball" effect in which a corrupted individual becomes more and more corrupted. Under normal circumstances, however, nobody can become corrupted enough for it to have a lasting effect on them; they never lose their sapience, and once they are cleansed, the effects of corruption do not linger.

Through exposure to a powerful source of corruption (such as a devil), an individual can become so heavily corrupted that it reaches the deepest parts of their soul. In the worst case scenario, the individual becomes so heavily corrupted that they transform into a demon. At such a point, they are considered too far gone, since not only are nearly all cleansing techniques lethal to demons, but such a level of corruption warps their body and mind permanently.