The Crux

In the realm of Ilmurar, a vast and foreboding crater known as "The Crux" marks the site of a catastrophic event that serves as a solemn reminder of the volatile nature of magic. This massive crater, visible for miles around, is all that remains of Astrivira, a once-great magical city-state renowned for its profound and ambitious arcane practices. Astrivira, nestled in the noble kingdom of Ilmurar, was a beacon of magical advancement and scholarly pursuit. Its spires reached towards the heavens, and its libraries and academies were the envy of many. However, the city's relentless ambition in harnessing and experimenting with both divine and arcane magic proved to be its undoing. In a cataclysmic event, the very magics that sustained and glorified Astrivira became its demise, resulting in its catastrophic descent from the skies and creating the massive depression known today as The Crux.
The Crux is not just a physical scar upon the land; it is a stark emblem of the dangers of unchecked magical experimentation and the need to respect the mystical forces at play in the world. The event that led to the creation of The Crux is shrouded in mystery and speculation, with many theories revolving around forbidden spells, divine retribution, or an experiment gone horribly awry.
Over time, like a slowly healing wound, The Crux has begun to close, threatening to entomb the secrets and chaos that still linger within its depths. It is said that remnants of Astrivira's magical prowess, artifacts of untold power, and echoes of the fallen city's knowledge are still buried in the rubble and twisted magic-infused landscapes of The Crux.
The Crux now stands as a grim destination for adventurers, scholars, and treasure hunters. Many are drawn to its depths by tales of lost knowledge and artifacts of great power, while others come to study the lingering magical phenomena or to pay respects to the hubris of a fallen civilization. However, all who venture into The Crux must tread carefully, for the unstable magics and the secrets of Astrivira do not give up their treasures lightly, and the closing of the crater signifies that time is running out to uncover the mysteries held within.

History

In the year 1557 AG, the world of Seerth witnessed a calamity that would forever alter its history. The city of Astrivira, a jewel of magical innovation and scholarly excellence in the noble kingdom of Ilmurar, met its tragic end. A catastrophic event, fueled by unchecked magical forces, resulted in the city's descent from the skies, creating an immense crater – The Crux. This event sent shockwaves throughout the kingdoms, marking a turning point in how magic was perceived and practiced.
The immediate years following the fall were marked by chaos and confusion. The area surrounding The Crux became known as the Forbidden Zone, as unpredictable magical surges and dangerous creatures emerging from the crater made it perilous. Various factions attempted to explore and claim the remnants of Astrivira's magical riches, but few returned. Tales of strange phenomena and cursed artifacts began to circulate, further cementing The Crux's ominous reputation.
As the initial chaos subsided, a period of organized exploration began. Kingdoms and guilds sponsored expeditions to delve into the depths of The Crux. These expeditions aimed to recover lost knowledge and artifacts, with varying degrees of success. Many of these ventures ended in tragedy, but the few successful ones brought back incredible findings, sparking a renewed interest in ancient magics and forgotten technologies.
The Crux, ever a source of unstable magic, began to show signs of increased volatility. The perimeter established by the Scholar's Pact frequently shifted to accommodate the fluctuating magical energies. Numerous settlements and outposts near The Crux were abandoned due to sudden magical storms and the emergence of bizarre, sometimes malevolent, magical phenomena.
In recent decades, a gradual but noticeable change has occurred; The Crux began to close. This phenomenon has sparked a sense of urgency among scholars, adventurers, and treasure hunters. Expeditions into The Crux have become more frequent and desperate, as individuals and factions rush to uncover its secrets before they are lost forever. The closing of The Crux is also accompanied by a reduction in magical instability in the surrounding areas, leading to new settlements and renewed interest in the region. By 1867 AG, The Crux stands at a pivotal moment in its history. What was once a forbidding and chaotic scar on the land is slowly healing, but with its healing comes the loss of a gateway to untold magical secrets and the echoes of a once-great civilization. As the Silver Age continues, the fate of The Crux and the secrets it holds remain a compelling allure to those seeking the mysteries of the past.

Parent Location

Ilmurar