Introduction
Throughout the history of the world the seas have risen dramatically several times. In current memory and recorded history it has happened four times, but it is unknown how many times it happened before that, if at all. The last Rising happened seventeen years ago, and the world is still recovering. Each Rising brings more than just water and chaos with it. The one before last, approximately four hundred and twenty years ago, saw the arrival of three new aquatic races. This time however, more sinister things seem to have arrived.
Geographical Impact
The seas rose approximately 25m, exact measurements vary as there hasn't been sufficient study as of yet. Coastal regions were completely devastated, and areas which had once been miles inland were now the new coast. Low lying islands were completely submerged as were many coastal cities and settlements. The shape of coastlines completely changed, and this had a huge impact on coastal currents.
New islands were formed from sections of land being cut off from the mainland by water, and still others formed over the years from the accumulation of silt and submerged earth. Along the coastal regions it is possible to see the tops of towers and spires sticking up from the water where cities and temples once flourished.
Social Impact
Many people were displaced when their homes were buried beneath the waves, and they understanably tried to flee as far inland as possible. This led to tensions with local populations and fighting began to break out. The Imperial Court reacted quickly to the event, having been given a few days warning by the Apocalypse stone. They deployed the Imperial forces to gather up the refugees scattered across the countryside, provide them with aid, and relocate them to areas where they could begin to rebuild their lives.
Political Impact
The cities and large towns of the empire swelled in numbers and housing became an issue, as a result shanty towns began to spring up around some of these settlemets. The loss of coastal regions, and in some cases valuable farmland, led to food shortages across the Empire and discontent grew. Just as things were beginning to look dire, aid came in the form of the Tabadi Dwarves. They sent food supplies to the Imperial cities and opened up some of their own cities to allow in refugees. Relations between the Empire and the Tabadi dwarves had always been congenial, but this cemented their friendship and the Empire swore a debt owed to the Dwarves.
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