endharrowing

Endharrowing is a term sometimes used in speculative fiction and role-playing games to describe a process of spiritual or existential decay. It refers to the gradual depletion or corruption of a being's essence, often leading to a loss of identity, vitality, or moral compass. This concept typically involves a slow, insidious draining of what makes a being "themselves," rather than a sudden death or transformation.

The mechanisms of endharrowing can vary widely. It might be caused by external forces, such as a malevolent entity, a parasitic influence, or an overwhelming negative environment. Alternatively, it could be an internal process, stemming from despair, guilt, or an addiction to destructive forces. The symptoms of endharrowing often manifest as apathy, a fading of memories, a loss of creativity or passion, and an increased susceptibility to negative emotions or external control. In some narratives, endharrowing is presented as a fate worse than death, as the individual slowly ceases to exist while still remaining physically present. The term itself suggests a process of being hollowed out, leaving an empty shell behind.