III: Sqwagul Disabilities
In book: Disabilities in Merlot
Sqwagul disabilities
stunted and hornless sqwaguls
As sqwaguls cast magic using their horns, the size and number of their horns impacts their capability to perform magic. Sqwaguls with very short horns typically have either stunted magic, or have trouble casting spells, but it's not impossible for them to work around.
Naturally-born hornless sqwaguls are a mutation reflecting their magic-free ancestry, and are incapable of any magic whatsoever. These sqwaguls often battle with mental stress, as to their species, their horns are essentially their hands-- being used to cast the magic that helps them navigate and explore the world. Mistmaking, flight, even changing into griffes are all impossible for them, something most take for granted in their lives.
Hornless sqwaguls are acknowledged as being disabled by their peers, and are often given special care and accommodations to live their lives more easily. Sqwagul societies are typically very aware and accommodating of these handicaps, and often craft their dwellings to allow better access to those who cannot use magic. (I.e, there are less steep overhangs, unclimbable surfaces, or generally-out-of-reach storage areas, as they cannot fly or will objects to themselves.) In cases where accommodations do not exist, other individuals are usually ready to offer assistance with living spaces or retrieving objects.
Many disabled sqwaguls are happy with their lives, though others grow to acknowledge their differences to their peers, and may feel isolated due to this-- even with the support that they receive. It really depends on the individual-- for every sqwagul who feels as though they fit into their society from the moment they opened their eyes, there's another who will eventually feel like they "don't belong"-- and everything in between.
You do not have to abide by the canon for hornless or stunted-horn sqwaguls, but if you wish to participate in the canon lore, please know and understand that this is not merely a cosmetic choice in-lore, but a disability for them.
Susceptibilities
Sqwaguls notably are more susceptible to conditions of the eye, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. They also often suffer from bone-related issues, such as osteoporosis and osteogenesis imperfecta.
Crystal Growth
Similarly to sugar beasts, though less commonly, sqwaguls can develop crystal overgrowths due to strong magical essences. While not usually harmful, they can easily become debilitating and overtake particular parts of the body, leading to injury, fatigue, and chronic pain. They may also impair movement, damage vital areas, or even blind a sqwagul if not treated.
Growth can't typically be stopped unless if a "magic absorber" is brought in to relieve some of the burden. These crystals can be trimmed back or removed, but can't necessarily be "reverted" completely, and the individual will most likely still have some trace of the damage, or may suffer lifelong complications depending on where the growth occurred.
For example, it's possible for the crystals to grow on bones, in which case, the growth may occur from within-- a terrifying and painful ordeal which may lead to scarring, pain, and sometimes amputation.
Societal
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Care
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Aids
Various aids can be employed to help the disabled live their lives more easily.
Mobility
Mobility aids vary depending on the disability being treated-- they can be vastly different in form and function, even to treat the same disability.
If the individual is capable of magic, then they may have the option to power or move their aids with their magic mist, or with levitation. These aids may require more support due to the inherent risk of floating off the ground.
Art by alyeong (Click for larger)