Akrasia is a complex condition that we are only beginning to understand.
It is a oft-fictionalized, extremely rare urdopathic disorder characterized by the capacity to perform (and suffer) a unique type of urdic seizure[1] that forcefully phases the subject out of reality’s material plane. When intentionally exercised, the subject enters the the material plane of the Faed. However, involuntary akratic episodes typically strand the subject in pocket dimensions that drift in the metaphysical Veil between our world and the Faed[2]. In addition to its inherently enigmatic nature, the condition is exceedingly rare, affecting roughly one out of 1,000,000 people[3], and nearly ninety percent of those affected are of half-fae parentage[4].
Normally, the Faed exists just adjacent to our native realm, hidden and separated by a dimensional membrane or ‘Veil.’ The Faed’s environments shift constantly, comparable to our weather, but also extending to encompass topography, biomes, and entire fae civilizations[5]. (A useful analogy, courtesy of Keats[6], is to imagine the Faed as a shadow cast by our “firmer” material plane.) Events on Earth tenuously structure what lays on the other side. Seasonal changes are particularly impactful, as each of the Seasonal Courts typically dominates the look and feel of the realm during their respective time of year[7].
In contrast, the content of an akratic ‘dimensional bubble,’ often has a different, deliberately structured quality, requiring the akrasiac to complete a task (solving a puzzle, navigating a maze, or even engaging in trials of combat) before they can return to our native realm[8][9][10]. Some speculate that these bubbles are collaborations between the akrasiac’s subconscious and liminal faen energies[11], but this has yet to be proven[12][13].
We have been unable to identify the precise cause of this pathology, but it is most common in those of mixed fae-human parentage, potentially suggesting a genetic cause[14][15][16]. Early exposure to the Faed is another theory, as children who have been abducted by fae from infancy adolescence (commonly referred to as “Changelings”)[17][18], is the second most common theory. The condition can arise spontaneously at varying stages in life however[19][20] confounding analysis.
Regardless of cause, the condition lends subjects a powerful connection to the Faed. And with proper training, akrasiacs can phase in and out of the Faed at will[21][22], and learn to mitigate the frequency of their involuntary seizures. It is this ability that makes akrasiacs such tremendous assets[23]—and potentially devastating liabilities[24][25]—to the Amagium.
Two or more physical locations can link to the same patch of Faed, through certain abstract commonalities[26].With focus and a great deal of practice, they can travel great distances with trivial effort by rapidly ‘skipping’ through reality and the Faed[27]. And sadly, it must be acknowledged, this ability’s applications for crime vastly exceed its value for law enforcement[28][29].
As a result, the Amagium requires all akrasiacs to be registered, and offers special scholarships and stipends for Athenaeum training. But there has been considerable public debate[30][31] as to whether this qualifies as pragmatism or persecution.
If both shoes fit, why not wear the pair? *
“Ethical Implications of Leveraging Akrasia for Law Enforcement.” Protestant Journal of Urdopathology, Vol 27, Issue 6. Written by Arch Master Amagia Jome Milton. Pages 137. Published by Argent Press on Gemini 1st, 2324 in London, Avalon of Europa.
*Marginalia attributed to Master Amagia Fera Fitzgerald, circa 2330.
