Gulimbor Cataclysm

skybleeder
Category Events
Location Azrik, Gulimbor, Ma'Ohari, Urizigar
Period 996 - 1203

In the Domination Wars (995 - 1016), the First Khazarkar Empire was embroiled in a fierce struggle for complete dominion over the Gulimbor region. The wars were arduous, as the Khazarkars found themselves entangled in conflicts with multiple empires simultaneously. In 996, the Eldritch Conclave began employing the potent arcane arts of Lith-Crillion origin (see web weavers). These formidable magicks allowed them to tap into the Web of Magic and significantly enhance the potency of their spells. The Conclave continued to manipulate The Weave even after two of their most powerful wizards were slain by weave spiders. Their unbridled exploitation of the Web's arcane energies ultimately precipitated the Gulimbor Cataclysm.

In the year 996, the third crossing of Urok-Leptyr occurred. A tempest had rolled in from the coast, unlike any witnessed before - a maelstrom of magical lightning, twisters, and a radiance spanning the entire spectrum. It tore through the landscape, leaving behind lightning storms, plumes of fire, and in some areas, levitating rocks and other debris. These phenomena were all of magical origin, not natural. The storm decimated an infantry brigade of magic-warded troops, like a grim reaper. The few survivors were no longer Khazarkar or even human, some twisted into aberrant forms, while others were polymorphed, changed, or perhaps shape-shifted into dire beasts and monsters. The storm demolished the enemy stronghold of Thular-Tûr. For many years thereafter, the ruins were plagued with horse-like monstrosities possessing long trunks, known as "disenchanters." These beasts could disenchant even the mightiest magic upon touch and were impervious to most spells.

The ascent of Khâl's Forge prompted our northeastward march towards Ing-Serold. Surveying the landscape, we could conspicuously discern the bifurcation in the Web from a considerable distance offshore.

The magical storms persisted long after our departure from the lands of Brucrumus.

Tânôzar, the web weaver of the Eldritch Conclave, recounts the "Chronicle of the Conclave War"

In the year 1005, deadening effects in the Web of Magic began occurring in numerous locations across Gulimbor and beneath. A year later, some of these effects grew worse, resulting in an even stronger deterioration in the Web and cascades. Where cascade deadening effects intersected, their areas increased exponentially, causing vast devastation. In less than a decade, nearly the entire region of Gulimbor was under some form of magical effect or destruction. The weather and temperatures changed dramatically in certain areas, and the region experienced more frequent tornadoes and hurricanes. The destabilization of the Web of Magic created temporary rifts to other systems, leading to entire towns being drawn into the rifts and transported to other worlds. Living spells became active in some areas, and normal creatures started giving birth to aberrations, with many of the newborn animals becoming dire animals. Furthermore, numerous aberrations from the Far Realm arrived in Bal-Kriav through these rifts, including the skybleeder, a monstrous flying aberration that now dwells across the realm.

The weave spiders gradually mended the Web of Magic, yet the harm inflicted upon Gulimbor and surrounding areas would necessitate nearly a millennium for nature to restore. By 1203, the Web of Magic skirting Gulimbor had been repaired to the fullest extent possible. Any lingering issues would be irrevocable.

The Gulimbor Cataclysm stands as one of the primary catalysts that precipitated the Great Exodus (998 - 1017), culminating in the abandonment of the area by organized communities. To this day, the region remains untamed and treacherous for those who dare to venture within.

In the year 1443, Geb assisted the mortal Sakazrân Garbanâth in eradicating the Sceptre of Phenul-Tamrâk. The elimination of this mystical object helped stabilize Gulimbor, mitigating the harm wrought by the area's arcane meteorological conditions.