cosmic burnout

Some debts can never be repaid. And some... Some will cost everything you have, and everything you think you are. Always think before you borrow.

— mentor's caution

  Cosmic burnout occurs when a Cosmically Attuned mage borrows too much power from the Universe. A soul can only channel so much magical power before that power leaves a permanent effect, and for the Voidburnt this means a single impossible awe-inspiring spell followed by death and a permanent inability to even sense the presence of the magical energy which once defined them.

The Voidburnt cannot cast magic, or even sense the presence of magic, although they can still be the successful target of spells. The initial Void scarring will also destroy their physical form at the time of the event, burning their soul from the inside out and potentially destroying anything within close proximity. Witnessing a cosmic burnout bears a striking resemblance to observing the tail end of a supernova, albeit on a much smaller scale.  

Cultural Reception

I know what I am. I am intimately aware of everything I lost! I don't need your eyes reminding me every time you look at me.

— Voidburnt mage

  Pity follows the Voidburnt wherever they go, although the reasons vary. Some pity the individual for their loss of magic capabilities, others revile them for their assumed prideful moment and society's subsequent loss of the individual's magic capabilities as a resource. Even many who claim to care for those suffering from cosmic burnout approach the Voidburnt with a mentality of superiority, intent to save them from themselves. Many judge the Voidburnt for choosing reincarnation at all.   As a result most try to pass themselves off as unattuned, those currently unable to cast magic but still with the potential to do so. Due to the nature of Cosmic Attunement, however, many carried a high profile during their careers and thus find it difficult to completely avoid recognition, regardless of their reincarnated form. Sometimes they are able to pass themselves off as a relative or similar robotic model instead, but this too carries its own reminders.  

Oh! I never knew she had a brother. You look just like her!   What a pity, what she did to herself. It must be so hard on your family, to see her throw away her potential like that.

— clueless passerby

Only the Cosmically Attuned carry the risk of Void scarring, as they are the only mages who carry the ability and subsequent temptation to borrow power from the Stars. Those who receive the proper training are heavily cautioned against taking these powers for granted, and even learn exercises to gauge the power borrowed and their own limitations when paying it back, but these only serve to help mitigate the risks.   One single moment of pride, jealousy, or panic, one instinctive reaction to draw too much and cast too large a spell, is all it takes to subsequently destroy a promising magic career in a blaze of catastrophic glory.  

It's our gift, and our curse. We have the potential to shine brighter than anyone! And the temptation to do so is always lurking, always waiting to destroy us in one spectacular, beautiful, tragic moment.

— veteran cautioning a newly identified cosmic mage