Magicfall

What is truth to some is myth to others. Sometimes the line is not as clear as we would like.

— High Sage Syronikir

Altough not many events are known from early history, Magicfall is an exception. The Magicfall has been found in many written records all around Niorath. Due to the abundance of information an approximate date for the event could be made. According to these old texts magic was non-existent before this event. Although it is officially seen as a myth it is taken as the truth by a vast majority of the population and historians. The details, however, are strongly debated due to the wide variety of myths surrounding Magicfall.

The Myth

When our the mighty still walked on Niorath and all was well, magic was only in the hands of the Gods themselves. But changes were brewing as the Gods clashed with eachother in the fields of battle. It was a true contest of magical strength putting even the mightiest caster to shame. Mountains were moved and forest uprooted but still no victor in sight. The skies became filled with the sight of the nebulas of Nervonia as Niorath creeped closer to its doom.
Indovir, the Chaosborn and mightiest of all, did not accept this fate and made the ultimate sacrifice. As all were gathered around the capital of the Gods he saw that the Gods of evil would not rest until their siege was complete. He brought his allies to safety and opened the gates for the enemy. When all were inside he did the unthinkable. The evil Gods watched in awa as the divine house of Indovir came from the heavens and crushed the capital.

Asmer God by Endless Space, Amplitude Studios

Magicfall by Total War Warhammer II

Suddenly the sky was filled with light. As people's sight returned they saw a cloud reaching to the highest reaches of the sky filled with magical light and millions of glowing stars. One by one these stars came crashing down all across Niorath. This the day magic arrived on Niorath, Magicfall. But from the light came change as well. Creatures too close to Magicfall were altered beyond recognition. And so many magical creatures were born that day.
The era of the Gods ended that day. Those who did not perish turned flew to Nervonia leaving the people of the world behind. As for Indovir, he was not seen again. Some believe he perished, some believe him to be dormant waiting to be reawakend. Only time will tell the truth.

Aftermath

Magic & Monsters

Magicfall itself was perhaps the greatest cataclysmic event Niorath has ever known. What the myths often tend to forget to mention is that it effectively ended any existing civilizations. The effects of it would only become known much later and would only be written down more than a century later for the first time.
One of the first issues the survivors had to deal with was the influx of new life. Many of the creatures that we today see as monsters were formed by mutations during the first years that followed Magicfall. Others were likely formed due to Chaos Magic which also started appearing after Magicfall. Some intelligent species were changed as well. A common theory is that the Goblinoids were Elves that were mutated by Magicfall. This theory has gained some credibility thanks to very ancient Elven records claiming that large amount of Goblinoids lived around the supposed Magicfall source.
Another change in the environment was the creation of Falls. Across the world these colorful crystals could be found which are believed to have been the falling stars mentioned in the myths. Both Magicfall and Falls get their name from this belief. Many of them could be found near the region from which Magicfall originated but many could be found in other areas of the world as well. This gave rise to the idea that many of them were blasted away long distances during Magicfall.

by kefkejaco with midjourney