The Great Famine

A 12 year blight that wreaked havoc and sent the realm into disarray

Centuries ago, Eldermyst faced a period of unprecedented hardship with the onset of the Great Famine. The fertile lands surrounding the region, once abundant with crops and sustenance, fell victim to a series of calamities that threatened the very survival of its inhabitants and forced them to turn on one another.
Causes
1. Catastrophic Drought: A prolonged period of drought plagued Eldermyst’s agricultural heartlands, drying up rivers and reservoirs that had once irrigated the fields. The absence of rainfall for seasons on end withered crops and strained food supplies. 2. Magical Blight: A mysterious magical blight afflicted the crops, causing them to wither and die prematurely. Arcane scholars speculated that the blight was a result of imbalance in the ley lines that converged around Eldermyst, disrupting the natural flow of magical energies essential for crop growth. 3. Political Turmoil: Internal political strife and mismanagement exacerbated the crisis, hindering coordinated efforts to alleviate food shortages and distribute resources equitably among the populace.
Impact
• Starvation and Desperation: The famine brought widespread starvation and desperation to Eldermyst. Families struggled to feed themselves, and many turned to theft or bartering precious possessions for meager scraps of food. • Social Unrest: As resources dwindled, social unrest simmered within Eldermyst. Riots broke out in the streets as citizens vented their frustrations against the ruling council, demanding solutions and relief measures. • Humanitarian Efforts: Despite the challenges, brave volunteers and charitable organizations emerged to provide aid to the afflicted. Temples opened their doors to the hungry, offering soup kitchens and shelters to those in need.
Resolution
• Druidic Intervention: Recognizing the urgency of the crisis, the Circle of Harmony, a council of druids within Eldermyst, invoked ancient nature magic to call upon the spirits of the land. Through intricate rituals and communal prayers, they beseeched the elemental forces to restore balance to the natural world. • Renewed Harvests: Miraculously, the combined efforts of the druids and elemental allies bore fruit. Rainclouds gathered over Eldermyst’s parched lands, and gentle showers nourished the soil once more. The magical blight slowly receded, allowing crops to flourish anew. • Rebuilding Trust: The aftermath of the Great Famine fostered a renewed sense of community and resilience among Eldermyst’s inhabitants. The lessons learned from the crisis prompted reforms in agricultural practices, disaster preparedness, and governance to prevent future calamities.
Legacy
The Great Famine left an indelible mark on Eldermyst’s history, serving as a reminder of the land's vulnerability and the strength found in unity. The Circle of Harmony’s role in averting disaster solidified their reputation as protectors of the natural world and custodians of Eldermyst’s wellbeing.
As Eldermyst thrived in the years that followed, the memory of the Great Famine became a cautionary tale and a testament to the resilience of its people. The event continues to shape Eldermyst’s agricultural policies and environmental stewardship, ensuring that the lessons learned from adversity are never forgotten.