The Cleaving

"The Calamity", "The Collapse", and so on. There are many different names for the event, but they all refer to the same thing: a cataclysmic event that caused the complete shattering of the old world, and simultaneously sent many of those who were not killed in its wake into Simuhay in a random manner. Families were scattered, cities were split up, and civilization was wholly reset. Interestingly, chunks and pieces of old buildings have also been relocated from the old world and embedded into various places in Simuhay. Historians would eventually settle on the name “The Cleaving” for this event once society had been re-established.

The causes of the Cleaving are not common knowledge, but the event is heavily linked to the machinations of Aarindal, who extracted pure magic from Arcanians in an attempt to fuel his dreams of godhood. The ritual Aarindal carried out set the Cleaving in motion, in many ways mirroring how the ascension of the Mana shattered the lands of Simuhay.

Surprisingly, many Simuhay natives don't seem to know this cataclysmic event even happened. Some might have reported a meteor shower on that date, but the people as a whole did not seem to be harmed by anything.

The events of the campaign (after the reset by the calamity) began approximately 6 moons after the calamity.

Excerpt from Kayde's Notes:

I kind of didn't realize just how much I've been able to learn since the Collapse… On the one hand, the Collapse was obviously a disastrous event that caused so much suffering. But on the other hand, I doubt I would've discovered any of this information if I were not thrust into this world and forced to become a traveling adventurer instead of being stuck in stuffy libraries all the time. I hate to say it, but the Collapse really has benefitted me, I guess as just a side effect of not being very connected to anything in the world before. Not sure I'll ever admit to that though, especially considering what brought it on.

Xena, on the Calamity

"I know it's a little fucked up to say but...in a way? I'm glad we're in this new world. Sure, it's not perfect, but...at least I have some hope finding everyone I grew up with. Still, we can't be idle. If we are, something awful is going to happen,"

Koebi's Journal

"I worked hard to earn my place at the Cascades, and I used my entire stipend to build my workshop. It was all mine... all ours. And then one day, everything broke. Swallowed by the ground and ruined. The cube may be the only reason I survived and ended up where I did."

Scattered personal notebook of Logan

"Ironically for how large an event it was, I was barely there to witness it! Sothe whisked me and Jackson away to safety just as it was started, then I end up waking up in a whole new place months later! Who knows what I missed in that time?

I had only just begun exploring the old world; had yet to do much or make a name for myself, this new world is just as full as opportunity as any other!"

Valefor's Archive / Valefor's Task

"There are some who yet survived, like you. Some by their own power, some by deity's grace, and others by luck.

...

You've already been paid, but you can walk regardless. But I can offer you... more, if you do remain in my service."