The Fall of the Maji

Rathana was once populated with powerful magic-users called Maji. About 10% of the population were Maji, born with the innate ability to wield magic. Maji were able to perform many feats of magic including making magical items, brewing potions, and casting spells and rituals. They were responsible for making the magical creatures known as Majimonsters. Majimonsters were made as transports, guards, and weapons, as well as for more mundane purposes. For some reason the Majimonsters started slipping from the control of their Maji masters. The creatures were dangerous and killed many people. They started proliferating on their own in the wild, sometimes even breeding with non-magical wildlife to make new species. Their population exploded, and since they could not be defeated by any but magical means, they were difficult to repel.
People became angry with the Maji. They believed their arrogance caused this catastrophe. If they had not tried to play at being Gods none of this would have happened. After the death of Emperor Oshiro their anger reached a fever pitch. There were riots all across Rathana. People stormed into Majis' homes and killed them, and burned every book about magic they could find. Maji who survived this uprising had to go into hiding for a while. They eventually returned to teach people with magical abilities how to bind and control Majimonsters and use them to defend themselves against wild monsters. This new class of magic-user were called Binders. They could not perform the many magical feats of the Maji, and could only use their magic on Majimonsters.
Since the loss of control of Majimonsters, humanity has clung to life by banding together in a few small settlements across Rathana, defended by high, strong walls and a handful of Binders.

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• 1432
  Fall of the Maji