"The Second Desolation" is a catastrophic event in the history of Eberalen that marks the destruction of the Kingdom of Hailijana and its capital city, Helia. This tragic event was triggered by a reckless and ill-fated experiment by a group of Archmages who sought to create an artifact capable of storing spells and arcane energy on an unprecedented scale.
The Ambitious Experiment
The Archmages of Hailijana were renowned for their mastery of arcane magic and their desire to push the boundaries of what was possible. In their relentless pursuit of knowledge and power, they embarked on a grand and perilous experiment. They aimed to create an arcane artifact known as the "Weavecrystal," a device designed to store vast quantities of spells and arcane energy, effectively harnessing the Weave itself.
The Catastrophic Unleashing
During the final phase of the experiment, a catastrophic mishap occurred. The Weavecrystal, unable to contain the immense magical energies it had absorbed, ruptured, unleashing an uncontrollable surge of arcane power. This unleashed force tore through the very fabric of reality, causing a massive explosion, or that's the form it took at first, as an instantaneous burst of arcane energy. Later on, this surge of power slowed down and instead progressed into an ever expanding slowly increasing sphere of untold annihilation, removing any matter of reality.
The Destruction of Hailijana and Helia
The epicenter of the cataclysm was the capital city, Helia, and the Kingdom of Hailijana as a whole. The once-thriving metropolis was reduced to nothingness, its grand spires and magical academies excised from reality, and its population decimated. The very land itself cratered, birthing with the inflow of water from the seas around, the Crater Sea.
Widespread Displacement
The aftermath of The Second Desolation led to a devastating refugee crisis as survivors fled the ruined kingdom. Thousands of displaced citizens, including mages, scholars, and common folk, sought safety beyond Hailijana's borders. They carried with them tales of the cataclysm and the horrors it had wrought.
Overburdened Neighboring Kingdoms
Neighboring kingdoms, unprepared for the sudden influx of refugees, struggled to provide shelter, food, and protection for the displaced Hailijanans. This led to strained resources and increased tensions among neighboring realms. Many refugees faced discrimination, as fear and suspicion of magic grew in the wake of the disaster.
Political and Social Unrest
The refugee crisis exacerbated political instability in neighboring kingdoms as they grappled with the presence of a large, displaced population. This unrest resulted in increased border disputes, political maneuvering, and even localized conflicts as leaders vied for control over limited resources.
Legacy and Rebuilding
The Second Desolation left a lasting mark on Eberalen. The ruined Kingdom of Hailijana served as a grim reminder of the consequences of unchecked magical ambition. Over time, efforts were made to rebuild the region, but it remained a scarred and dangerous place, with lingering magical anomalies and unpredictable arcane phenomena.
The Second Desolation and its ensuing refugee crisis had profound and far-reaching effects on the geopolitical landscape of Eberalen. It served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked magical experimentation and the importance of cooperation and compassion in times of crisis.