Ephyr's Tragedy
The Year 835 marked a profound and devastating turning point for the people of Ephyr. The grave event known as the Tragedy of Ephyr, a silent marcritic explosion of inexplicable origin, centered on the city of Ephyr, brought unimaginable destruction to nearly the entire continent of the Great Jungles of Mezataan. This explosion erased cities and villages, vaporized forests and wildlife, and left a scar on the land that was beyond mortal comprehension.
To this day, the origins and causes continue to elude understanding, fueling suspicion and intrigue among the inhabitants of the Councilleria and beyond. The very center of Ephyr, where the tragedy unfolded, is enveloped by an impenetrable marcritic shield of unparalleled power, rendering it inaccessible to all but the Keepers and those bestowed with the memories to join their ranks.
According to legend, the explosion was halted by blessed figures known as the Hollow Spirits. These Hollow Spirits are revered as martyrs and saints of the continent's destruction, their actions having saved both their people and the Nh'áhrean. The Grandmaster Ancestors of Ephyr and even former heroes of the Hex Wars, who had preserved their lives through marcritic means, made the ultimate sacrifice to contain the destructive force and minimize its impact.
Their selfless acts preserved the seeds and essence of the Nh'áhrean (as the folklore states). In recognition of their dedication and sacrifice, nature selected these individual souls as its protectors, transforming them into the Hollow Spirits after their death. These spirits, despite appearing frail and weakened from the outside, embody the deep bond between Nh’áhrean and the Ephyrans, as their souls were preserved in the very last moments of their lives, resulting in their hollow appearance.
The aftermath of this tragedy unleashed waves of chaos and despair that shook the very foundations of Ephyran society. The Councilleria, the governing body of Ephyr, faced the monumental task of rebuilding their homeland and ensuring its stability. This catastrophe prompted a profound introspection among the Ephyran people, leading to a reevaluation of their collective identity, aspirations, and purpose within Aesor.
Countless theories have emerged over the years in an attempt to unravel the mystery of Ephyr's Tragedy. Among them, one narrative suggests that Alhym, the Overlord of the Council at that time, driven by an insatiable thirst for marcritic power, may have played a role in triggering the tragedy. This theory speculates that his relentless pursuit of marcritic prowess might have led to unintended consequences of catastrophic proportions.
Conversely, another prevalent belief posits that the Keepers, the ancient arbiters and advisors of the Serenity Table (a royal council of lords serving the Overlord), might have orchestrated the explosion to seize control and wrest authority from the Serenity Table. However, despite numerous attempts to question the Keepers about their knowledge of Ephyr's inner city and the events surrounding the tragedy, they steadfastly maintain their silence and their positions.
The Keepers, who possess unparalleled wisdom and are very experienced in the marcritic arts, argue that their decision for secrecy is rooted in their commitment to safeguard the welfare of the Ephyrans and the Councilleria as a whole. While their judgment may appear authoritarian to some, they contend that their actions are driven by a profound desire to protect their people. They neither confirm nor deny any questions regarding the knowledge they possess about Ephyr’s Tragedy, insisting that their primary objective is to ensure the well-being and security of Ephyr and its inhabitants.
The majority of Ephyran society holds the Keepers in high esteem, believing in their wisdom and their dedication to the welfare of the land. Consequently, they retain their influential position as the only group privy to any semblance of knowledge regarding Ephyr's Tragedy. As long as their commitment to secrecy remains unwavering, the truth behind the tragedy appears destined to remain hidden from the public eye.
The mystery of Ephyr's Tragedy leaves its causes, origins, and implications open to conjecture and debate. Whether the truth will ever emerge from beneath the shrouded capital, or if the Keepers will continue to shelter their knowledge, remains an uncertain prospect.
General Information
Aliases - The Hollow Cry, The Silent Cataclysm
Date - Year 835 of the First Age A.A.
Type - Cataclysm
Location - Great Jungles of Mezataan
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