During the 7th century, a massive fire ripped through a quadrant of Macarish. Although the death toll is unknown experts estimate it is roughly 800,000. After burning for 2 days the mage’s college was able to extinguish the fire. What was originally perceived as a freak disaster was later revealed to be a malicious plot.
Section 1: First Hand Accounts
“I thought it was still night out. The smoke was so thick the sun couldn’t even be seen” ~ Anonymous resident from the eastern block
“The closer it got the darker it got. The air became dark orange with smoke, while ashes blew around like leaves. Even before I could see them flames I could feel them.” ~ Leo Norva, Merchant
“We ran up the clocktower to get a view. There were probably a dozen of us students crowding around the railing. The entire north-east block of the city was just a pillar of black smoke.” ~ Archmagus Gul'Lizul
“It was in me before I knew it. The flames leapt from building to building. Almost as if they were alive.” ~ Martha, resident of the northern block
Section 2: The Investigation
Officially there was only one team sent to investigate the disaster. A group, led by Dorian Nailo was hand-picked by The Elven Emissary. This group would spend the next 2 weeks investigating the matter. Hundreds of individuals were interviewed and many divination wizards were recruited to find a cause. In the end, the investigators came to the conclusion that blacksmith Ebok Oregut was responsible for the disaster.
After being promptly arrested Ebok’s trial began 3 weeks after the fire. Due to Thran Oregut, Ebok’s father, being Mayor Aamauritaasi’s running mate, the Elven Emissary oversaw the trial. This historical moment marks the first time the Elven Emissary acted as a political figure in Macarish.
However, suspicious of foul play Mayor Aamauritaasi hired a private investigator to research the matter as well. Through less than legal means PI Graf was able to share in the memories of victims of the fire.
Midway through the trial, the surprise findings of Graf were presented to the court. Unable to prove that the memories were not given freely, they were definitive proof of Ebok’s innocence.*
*Due to a tarnished reputation Thran Oregut was still forced to step down as assistant mayor
Section 3: The Real Incident
A short time after midnight, in a dark alley behind Ebok’s Emporium a curse, held dormant in a tome was released. This tome is believed to have housed the vengeful souls of a village of tieflings who lost their lives when
Vaul’s Anvil erupted.
An hour prior this book and a pair of bone dice were left by a mysterious stranger in the middle of the alleyway. Later a small group of children looking to play found these foreign objects. With intrigue, they opened the book releasing the spirits.
The swarm of flaming spirits spewed forth from the very pages, incinerating anything they came in touch with. Leaping from building to building, immune to the futile attempts to extinguish them the fire spread outwards. With pure luck from the mage’s school, an unsummoning spell was attempted, properly banishing the spirits.
It is believed by many parties that the mysterious figure was hired by the Elven Emissary to start the fire. If Thran and Aamauritaasi were deemed unfit to govern, the Emissary would have taken executive power. This theory is heavily denied by the Elven Emissary and the Macarish Government.
Section 4: Long-term Effects
This disaster lead to many policy changes seen throughout the city and elven territories. A strict customs check is now required through most Great Bridges. Additionally, a mandatory two-party investigation is required for all matters within Macarish territory. The Oregut family has denounced politics and returned to blacksmithing. Mayor Aamauritaasi will be missed. The Elven Emissary and Macarish Government act in unison.
