The Blightborn Curse

A rare and broken inheritance, the Blightborn Curse manifests in those whose bloodline carries the remnants of a long-forgotten transformation spell. It was originally designed to reshape mortals into demons before birth—turning flesh and soul alike into servants of a (now dead) god. But the curse was flawed. Its magic was either too weak, too unstable, or never completed. Instead of a full transformation, it results in partial, malformed changes that mark the bearer from birth.

Those afflicted are known as Blightborn.

Physical Traits

Distinct black chimera patches, often asymmetrical and irregular in shape.
Within these patches, colourful markings appear like cracks or scars, resembling shattered stone or fractured glass. These are not merely patterns—they are literal fissures in the curse’s spellwork, where the soul shines through the broken weave of magic.
The soul-markings as a trait are visually similar to the night form of Duana's curse, but unlike Duana’s curse—where these soul markings are only visible with an active curse and only at night—the Blightborn wear their soul markings permanently, from birth.

Magic

The curse partially morphs areas of the body into demonic forms—most commonly altering the hooves, tail, or eyes in subtle ways. These changes are stable but unnatural, a permanent echo of the intended transformation.

Despite their appearance, Blightborn are not dangerous by nature. The curse is cosmetic and inert, offering no inherent powers beyond the soul-visibility and partial demonification.

Cultural Impact

Due to its resemblance to demonic corruption, Blightborn are widely feared and misunderstood. Many herds believe the curse to be contagious or malignant, leading to exile, rejection, or even attempts at purification.
In truth, the Blightborn Curse is non-infectious and hereditary, passed down recessively through generations.

While their curse may never be complete, the Blightborn carry its weight for life—marked not by what they are, but by what they were nearly made to become.