Winter Event

"11th of March, 671 PSE. There are several elderly folks in our little group of survivors. This morning, they volunteered to head out in search of others, gather information, try to find people to help maintain the arc bubble – the only thing protecting our little shelter from the smog of epcane radiation outside. I told them it was suicidal. They said that their lives were near over, and there was no nobler end than to help save as many people as possible. I don't believe there's anyone out there left to save. My strength falters. Jaris’ smile is the only thing that keeps me going. If I can just get even one person to safety, maybe this will all be worth it."

-Journal of Tevelyn Mars, recovered from the ruins of Aglad.

The Winter Event was a catastrophic explosion that occurred in the north-west part of Grellain in 671 PSE. The explosion, caused by an unknown source, released a massive plume of epcane magical energy that swept south-east across Grellain, enveloping the country, poisoning and effectively decimating the ruby population. Those who survived the initial blast fled in all directions as toxic clouds blighted the landscape.

At Grellain's borders, the surrounding nations erected arc bubbles, massive walls of energy designed to keep the clouds from spreading. This effectively enclosed the radiation, and it would be over a hundred years before the fallout had faded enough, and magical technology had advanced far enough, to allow the first explorers to re-enter Grellain, protected by powerful wardstones to shield them from epcane radiation.

Though the slow process of recolonizing Grellain has been happening for over a nearly two decades, the cause of the Winter Event is still unknown, and the epicenter of the explosion is still too irradiated to approach with even the most powerful wardstones available.

As is, the heightened level of background radiation in the badlands is dangerous enough that those who leave the shelter of the arc bubbles erected around major population centers generally have to wear wardstones at all times, or risk the effects of exposure: lethargy, blindness, brain damage, and even death.