Cataclysm (Cortex Collection)

**Cataclysms** are natural phenomena that occur when the Shaper Energy from Shaper Instruments clash with the Anthem of Creation

## Collection Details

A total of **39** cortex entries make reference to the Cataclysm (Lore).

The following excerpts from the Cortex give insights on various Cataclysms and how they affect Coda. Not every cataclysm is created the same.

## Festive: Freelancer Day (Challenges)

*See Cortex Entry: Festive: Freelancer Day (Challenges) for More Details*

It's time to celebrate Freelancers and all they do for Bastion.

Participate in this Festive Event by completing expeditions.

## Striders (1)

*See Cortex Entry: Striders (1) for More Details*

Striders are the bloodstream of Bastion. They are used to transport people, resources, and vital supplies for short distances or during lengthy expeditions into the wilderness. A strider can house an amplifier and up to four javelins at a time. Their massive size means striders can safely navigate most common dangers, but are vulnerable to certain chimera and coordinated attacks. Most striders can withstand being on the edge of a Cataclysm, but will not maintain structural integrity within.

## Agent Yarrow (2)

*See Cortex Entry: Agent Yarrow (2) for More Details*

I didn't know what it was... a crouching, massive form silhouetted by the Cataclysm, maybe three times as tall as my javelin. It was eating something. There was a flash of light. I saw it clear. It was nothing I had seen in my long years. Something that had crept out of a different place. Another flash and it rose up to its full height and howled. In pain? In anger? I cannot tell you. Another crack of light and it was gone, pulled back to that terrible place known only to Shapers. The storm disappeared. Silence.

I was the only person to see that monster. The only person that would *ever* see it. That is the beauty, the responsibility, of being a Freelancer.

There is much to discover out there. I tell these stories in hopes that those restless few in this new generation consider searching for what they are missing beyond the wall.

— Freelancer Yarrow

## Faye Navine (4)

*See Cortex Entry: Faye Navine (4) for More Details*

Easley: This place makes my skin crawl, Hawking. Are we getting close?
Hawking: Something is resonating in the depths of this ruin.

Easley: Tell me that "something" is the relic.

Hawking: Easley. I think it's not just the relic. Brace yourself.

Alhazen: The barricades aren't holding. They're—Walker!

Walker: We haven't lost yet, Alhazen. We just need to buy the others time.

Alhazen: You're hurt! You have to fall back.

Walker: No. I can still fight.

Alhazen: I'm getting you out of here.

Walker: Something… is coming.

Sound of an avalanche.

What Cataclysm was unleashed in the depths of the Arcanist ruin? And who will live to warn Antium of what's coming? Next time, on Dawnguard.

## The First Cypher (2)

*See Cortex Entry: The First Cypher (2) for More Details*

It was not long after the Cataclysm that the Engineer's daughter developed strange new abilities. She could see faraway things or talk directly into another's mind. Word of her gifts spread. Soon, Arcanists arrived and presented her with a bold experiment… to help them test a device that would amplify her gift. It started with great success, but eventually met with failure. The girl's mind ventured too far from her body and became lost to the music of the Anthem of Creation. To this day, cyphers swear they glimpse the engineer's daughter while in their amplifier. first cypher, they say, watches over those who travel without moving, guiding them back from where she can never return.

— Folk tale

## Scars (1)

*See Cortex Entry: Scars (1) for More Details*

A colonial swarm of insects that mimics the dominant life-form in an area. Scars first appeared from a Cataclysm in 413 L.V. At the time, Freelancers defeated a large, vicious creature none of them recognized. Later, unknown to Freelancers, the Scars regrouped and changed their mimicry to appear human.

As one of the first eyewitnesses stated: “This wasn’t just four or five insects. This was thousands! An entire colony working together to make arms and legs… to make heads and… eyes. They became people!”

Scars then hijacked striders, cobbled together technology from scrap, and searched for Shaper relics. Inventive scavengers, they left nothing behind. As Arcanist researcher Hanni Blythe stated, “Empathy towards Scars is foolhardy, for their primary concern isn’t domination or survival, but mindless, thoughtless consumption. They’re a scourge, a plague upon the world.”

## Cataclysms (1)

*See Cortex Entry: Cataclysms (1) for More Details*

A violent, unpredictable disturbance created when the Anthem of Creation overwhelms a Shaper instrument. They often appear as an intense storm. While one Cataclysm may create bizarre new wildlife, another may shake the ground or force rivers to flow backwards. The only thing certain about a Cataclysm is that it cannot be predicted.

— From *Cataclysms and their Effects*, 1st Edition

## Cataclysms (2)

*See Cortex Entry: Cataclysms (2) for More Details*

Before them opened a great Cataclysm, and from it perils did emerge. But Helena Tarsis did not falter. She pressed on into the valley, though wind and debris and chimera all bit at her heels. When she finally reached the Shaper's great rings, she did not attack as Stral had, but observed that they needed repair. Through this, the General determined that the wound could be healed and their path to the fortress was restored

— From *The Volume of Tarsis*

## The Heart of Rage (2)

*See Cortex Entry: The Heart of Rage (2) for More Details*

This Cataclysm affects everything. Wyvern, once rare to this land, burn up the countryside. The Emerald Abyss is now the source of unexplainable disappearances and Shadowmark is sinking into the ground. And titans, creatures that nearly faded into myth, broke through the Shadow Lock and are stomping closer to Fort Tarsis. How soon until they breach the Antium Lock and destroy our city on a whim?

— From *The Heart of Rage: A Discussion*

## Elementals

*See Cortex Entry: Elementals for More Details*

Unlike chimera, which are fauna transformed by Shaper energies, elementals are sentient beings brought into existence by the clash between Shaper instruments and the violent energies of the Anthem of Creation found at the center of a Cataclysm. While the fire-spewing wyvern is commonly referenced as the example of an elemental, the most notorious and universally feared is the monstrous titan. Pioneering researcher Gelhold Fraf theorized that if we could unlock the secrets of an elemental's formation, we would gain profound understanding of the Shapers' design for this world.

## The Heart of Rage (1)

*See Cortex Entry: The Heart of Rage (1) for More Details*

An unending, violent Cataclysm created when the Dominion attempted to seize control of the Shaper relic known as the Cenotaph. The ensuing forces destroyed the city of Freemark.

The Heart Of Rage is like no Cataclysm we've seen before. The wind throws around enormous debris like children's toys. Striders have little chance of surviving the Cataclysm intact, and lancers have died attempting to travel inside. There is no immediate solution, but if its expansion remains unchecked, the creatures and destruction it creates will ravage the countryside. Shadowmark has already been evacuated. Fort Tarsis may eventually be next

— From *Cataclysms and their Effects*, 44th Edition

## Shaper Relics (1)

*See Cortex Entry: Shaper Relics (1) for More Details*

Instruments left behind by the Shapers when they abandoned the world they'd created. Varying in shape, size, and purpose, relics are powered by the Anthem of Creation, and are commonly believed to be the very tools that constructed the world.

If an activated relic becomes overwhelmed by the Anthem, it creates a Cataclysm, often causing fragments to break off the relic. Lancers have discovered through trial and error that returning these fragments to their rightful place can, in some cases, silence a relic.

## The Cenotaph

*See Cortex Entry: The Cenotaph for More Details*

A large Shaper ruin that destroyed the city of Freemark and produced the Heart of Rage (Cataclysm) Cataclysm when the Dominion attempted to seize control of it. Most of Freemark's population was unaware of the Cenotaph's existence until it was too late. How the Dominion knew that the Cenotaph existed remains a mystery, but there is little doubt they arrived at Freemark specifically to activate the ruin. It is not known if the Dominion expected the casualties on both sides that followed their attempt to control the Cenotaph. In 466 L.V., Freelancers entered the Heart of Rage to try to shut down the Cenotaph, but nearly all of them died in the failed attempt.

## The Tale of Tarsis and the Mountain

*See Cortex Entry: The Tale of Tarsis and the Mountain for More Details*

Nearly everyone has heard the story of General Tarsis battling the dread monster Fulminous at the top of a mountain. For centuries, scholars have debated where this battle took place—if it did at all. Historian Salix Wren collected and compared hundreds of versions of the story, and found a few landmarks in common which led him to believe the mountain was located in present-day Freemark.

There is, of course, no mountain currently in Freemark. But the presence of large Shaper instruments in that area does suggest that both the mountain and the monster were the result of a Cataclysm—making the story of Tarsis and the Mountain the earliest known record of a human silencing a Shaper relic.

Was Fulminous a monster or a metaphor? A living beast made of lightening, or a fictional stand-in for a raging storm? We can only speculate.

— From *Dialogues*

## Mail: Issues 396: Features

*See Cortex Entry: Mail: Issues 396: Features for More Details*

In this issue of Arcanist Monthly:

Gear Review: Are Reverb Insulation Socks Worth the Price?

Phantom Memories: How a Cataclysm Creates Memories That Aren't Real

Shapers and the Grabbit-Ursix Connection

Tarran Snurt Talks About New Book Echoes of Dunar

Plus festive recipes, the results of our poetry contest, and more!

## Rolling Carnage (Weapon)

*See Cortex Entry: Rolling Carnage (Weapon) for More Details*

When the Cataclysm that brought forth skorpions and the destruction of Anshar happened, there was nothing to celebrate. The city was overrun, with only pockets of survivors making it out of the horror. One of the few weapons that showed any effect against the skorpion onslaught was the shotgun. This special weapon was developed as a direct response to the devastation of Anshar.

## Sanctuary Ruins (2)

*See Cortex Entry: Sanctuary Ruins (2) for More Details*

In 468 LV, the Spear, a powerful Dominion Valkyrie leader, tampered with Shaper instruments in the Bastion region—this resulted in the formation of a Cataclysm known as the "Echoes of Reality." As a side-effect of this tampering, the Cataclysm unleashed a wave of energy that caused Shaper instruments throughout the region to activate unpredictably. One such instrument obliterated the ancient ruins of Sanctuary in the Emerald Abyss.

## Praedean Falls (District)

*See Cortex Entry: Praedean Falls (District) for More Details*

While much of Velathra's history has been lost, the story behind “Praedean Falls” remains. Of all the Arcanists who lived and thrived in Velathra, none was more famous than Yerth Praedean, an astronomics disciple. Not only did he map the cycles of the moons, but he was notoriously clumsy, and was often tripping over himself. His mentor always said, “Praedean, one day you are going to fall to your death,” and then one day, while lunching at the particularly slippery waterfall, his mentor's prophecy came true. The Falls serve as a reminder that not every danger has teeth or comes out of a Cataclysm.

## The Bowl (District)

*See Cortex Entry: The Bowl (District) for More Details*

As one eyewitness attests, “The Cataclysm wasn’t that big. We’d all seen worse. But as the freelancers were working to silence it… the lake water began to boil. And we were standing in it! Didn’t even realize. If it wasn’t for that Freelancer, we’d have been cooked like phiranix in a pot.”

— From *Cataclysms and Their Effects*, 16th edition

## The Iron Serpent (District)

*See Cortex Entry: The Iron Serpent (District) for More Details*

The Iron Serpent (the colloquial name for the canyon) is home to the largest Shaper ruins in the entire region. Arcanist records show that the long serpentine arms were once the source of a great disruption in the area, upsetting gravity itself, and turning what was a flatland into canyons and cliffs. The Monument in the center of the canyon is currently active, though not cataclysmic. Arcanists and lancers alike have kept a constant surveillance on the area, ready to alert the nearby settlement of Fort Tarsis, should danger become apparent.

## The Watchtower of Arath (District)

*See Cortex Entry: The Watchtower of Arath (District) for More Details*

According to Garred's “The Volume of Tarsis,” Arden Vassa build the citadel of Arath along the High Road as a base of operations for lancers to keep watch over the strider path. While Arcanists place the time of the Citadel's destruction before the shadow fell on Anshar, there has been speculation over what could have demolished such a large structure, and while chimeric compound is present, there is not enough evidence to support the theory of Cataclysm. In recent years, there has been support for the idea of a titan having wreaked havoc, as stated in Dalathie's “The Freelancers Three.”

## Academy Ruins Overlook

*See Cortex Entry: Academy Ruins Overlook for More Details*

Silenced a Cataclysm, then had lunch at the falls. Did not fall in. Ha ha. Do not jump off the tower!

— The Skorpion Killers

## The Emerald Overlook (2)

*See Cortex Entry: The Emerald Overlook (2) for More Details*

Dominion scheming in the region set off a Cataclysm that activated a number of Shaper instruments throughout Bastion— one of which obliterated a wide swath of the Emerald Abyss.

## The High Road Overlook

*See Cortex Entry: The High Road Overlook for More Details*

Freelancer Bowden Klass killed by skorpions while silencing a Cataclysm. Remembered by Freelancers Vendren, Falk, and Korlia.

— Bantam Ursix 4

## On the Next Dawnguard...

*See Cortex Entry: On the Next Dawnguard... for More Details*

Will the Freelancers be turned to stone? Will Bianca be eaten by an ursix? Will Henley and Braxton close the Cataclysm in time? How can anyone live in this crazy world? Find out on... DAWNGUARD.

Dawnguard features Jenwal Brill, Kels Flynn, and Kennik Farth.

## I am in the Deepest Trouble… (1)

*See Cortex Entry: I am in the Deepest Trouble… (1) for More Details*

Maris and I were investigating a Shaper ruin, when the earth opened up and swallowed everything in the area. Suddenly we were underground, and the Cataclysm was threatening to suffocate us with dirt and rocks. I am no Freelancer, and my modest javelin is not equipt to carry echoes... but I had to silence it, lest it kill us both. I succeeded, but my javelin suffered irreparable damage. Then the water started pouring in. Maris, her suit intact, found an exit, but I could not follow, for the water had grown too deep. She has left me here while she goes to Velathra for help. I can only pray that she returns before the water swallows me up. HURRY MARIS!

## I Think It Had Wings

*See Cortex Entry: I Think It Had Wings for More Details*

So wild, but when we were silencing the relic, I could've sworn I saw something in the energy flashes coming at me.

I've heard the stories. I know what happens when a Cataclysm is about to start. I'd never seen it before. It felt like... someone had ripped open reality. Didn't like it one bit.

And yet, I had to look through the rip. Curiosity. They say the Anthem creates all the time. I wanted to see what it was trying to push into our world this time.

It looked like fire. Fire and wings. I think it had wings. And then Oskar found the last echo and it was gone.

## Rifts

*See Cortex Entry: Rifts for More Details*

Rifts are spots where Vara's Cataclysm is weakening. Hit them to create a temporary safe zone from the storm.

## Events

*See Cortex Entry: Events for More Details*

Inside the storm, Vara controls the Cataclysm by focusing energy through seven crystals. Over the course of the Cataclysm, events to destroy these crystals become available. Completing the events and smashing the crystals increases your Stability Bar, adds to the timer, and increases your score multiplier.

## Fort Tarsis (4)

*See Cortex Entry: Fort Tarsis (4) for More Details*

Fort Tarsis' walls are thick, its lancers are loyal, and the people are strong. But we're far from invulnerable. Danger comes in stranger forms every year… Like that Cataclysm that brought lavender snow. Lavender snow! Everyone thought it was beautiful until it started to burn. So we set up fire watches and doubled patrols to stop the damage. And I thought I'd seen everything.

—Sentinel Derian Barr, Sentinel report

## The Vault (1)

*See Cortex Entry: The Vault (1) for More Details*

Nothing ever stays buried in this world. Nothing is sealed forever. Black secrets that should remain under the earth come whistling back to plague us. This place ain't done spewing forth darkness. This is cursed dirt, you mark my words.

—Lasseter San, trader

## The Vault (3)

*See Cortex Entry: The Vault (3) for More Details*

Known to wander, titans can be found almost anywhere on the continent. For this reason, many believe them to be natural creatures. However, every recorded Titan can be traced back to a Cataclysm as its point of origin. This proves that titans have a direct relation to Cataclysms, though the details are merely hypothetical at this point.

—From "Cataclysms and Their Effects", 30th edition

## The Well (2)

*See Cortex Entry: The Well (2) for More Details*

"Obviously, Shaper ruins serve some purpose. Purposes, rather. They don't all behave the same way, and no single instrument seems to carry out just one task. They contain multitudes of purposes. It's just that nobody truly knows what they are. For some of these old Shaper relics, the difference between a Cataclysm and normal operation is purely a matter of perspective."

—M. Sumner, Arcanist

## Freelancers (1)

*See Cortex Entry: Freelancers (1) for More Details*

Independent lancers who chose to follow General Tarsis and the Path of Valor. They silence cataclysms and aid those in need beyond the safety of the walls. Freelancers act without direct orders from any central organization. Though there is no official code, the modern perception of Freelancer values is attributed to Dalathie's The Freelancers Three.

Valor to serve the people, regardless of their station.

Courage to bring silence when the Anthem sing.

Faith to keep my word and the word of my brethren.

Trust that the free answer when called.

Strong Alone, Stronger Together.

## Echoes

*See Cortex Entry: Echoes for More Details*

Pieces of the Anthem of Creation that often exist as semi-animate globes of energy. Echoes tend to hover around the Shaper relics they escaped from, and can be used to silence Cataclysms, though how and why this is possible is purely theoretical.

Raban Maur's *Theory of Amplifonic Force* proposes that when an echo is put into an active Shaper relic, it provides the relic with enough power to countermeasure the Anthem, effectively using the Anthem to silence itself. Arcanist Boyan Hull believes that the Anthem cannot stand coming into competition with other creative forces and retreats back into the relic. Neither theory has been effectively proven.

While echoes are not as volatile as the Anthem, attempts to use them in human technology have had catastrophic effects and is generally avoided. Over time, echoes deteriorate and aid the formation of chimeric compounds and alloys in soil and groundwater.

## Shaper Relics (2)

*See Cortex Entry: Shaper Relics (2) for More Details*

While Cataclysms have been a constant in our world, we have chosen not to experiment with the Anthem of Creation. Scars have no such reservations. They seek out Shaper relics for their own purposes. The Scar Luminary who led the attack on the terraces used a relic to charge its weapons with extra firepower. In a separate attack, Junkhead sought to use a relic to make itself physically stronger. While a tempting experiment, Antium has declared that relics are simply too unstable to be safely manipulated by humans. As always, every effort should be made to keep Scars from accessing relics.

— From *Cataclysms and their Effects*, 41st Edition

## Shaper Relics (5)

*See Cortex Entry: Shaper Relics (5) for More Details*

One commodity remains valuable to certain black market brokers, despite political strife, geographical upheaval, and even Cataclysms—stable Shaper fragments. While most—with the dubious exception of Freelancers—would leave well enough alone, there are those fringe elements of society that would risk annihilation for the promise of power.

— From *Ancient Goods, the Shapers' Role in the Economics of Modern Trade* by Arcanist Bach Jamoon

## The Sanctuary of Dunar (District)

*See Cortex Entry: The Sanctuary of Dunar (District) for More Details*

Though the Sanctuary was built long ago, it came to societal prominence in the 150s, when Arcanists from Anshar relocated there to accumulate the written history of humanity. It soon became the primary Arcanist academy in Bastion, and its library the primary source of history and knowledge. It attracted many famed Arcanists, notably Mederines, who would engage in long discussions about the nature of existence in the courtyard, as documented in the philosophical masterwork, “Dialogues.” In 297, a young Arcanist brought a relic into the library, and the ensuing Cataclysms resulted in hundreds of deaths and the loss of the library and its contents.

## Weather Phenomenon

*See Cortex Entry: Weather Phenomenon for More Details*

Jak,

Has anybody asked Yarrow about the sky thing? I mean, he has to know, right? A Freelancer as old as him, he's seen a zillion cataclysms and weird Shaper things by now.

It's creeping me out. If there's a way to silence or get rid of... whatever that is, I want in. Or at least I want to hear about it afterward. In the enclave. Indoors. With no view of the sky

— Ellers