The Elemental Cataclysm

The Elemental Cataclysm is a cataclysmic event of great significance in the history of Eldoria. It was a world-changing event that reshaped the landscape, altered the balance of elemental forces, and had far-reaching consequences for the races inhabiting the world, being forced to live in the shadow of their former glory.

## The History of the Elemental Cataclysm

### The Catalyst

The Elemental Cataclysm was triggered by a series of events involving the uncontrolled manipulation of elemental magic. The first species (See Draconians) to roam the lands of Eldoria are known throughout history for their dominance of magic and arrogant ideologies. They saw the wondrous and resplendent world around them and in a time of dire circumstance sought to harness and control the raw chaotic energy that had been siphoned off at the dawn of creation (see Primordial Shards). In their search for an end to their civil war, Draconian scholars were driven to conduct reckless experiments in a bid for power, unaware of the great cost meddling with raw primordial forces would have.

These experiments disrupted the delicate equilibrium that maintained magic and natural phenomena throughout Eldoria, unleashing uncontrollable elemental energies. At the epicentre of it all was the Draconians' birthplace, and thus many of them were wiped out. To this day their numbers have not recovered.

### Elements Unleashed

The uncontrolled elemental forces manifested in various catastrophic ways. Earthquakes rocked the land, volcanic eruptions spewed forth rivers of molten lava, raging storms swept across the skies, and tsunamis engulfed coastal regions. The Cataclysm shattered landscapes, rendering once-familiar territories unrecognisable. Mountains crumbled, valleys formed, and vast chasms appeared where solid ground had once stood. The upheaval created a multitude of new geographical features, including towering elemental spires, unstable rifts, and enchanted domains. Elemental creatures and anomalies emerged from the cataclysm as well, adding to the chaos. New monstrosities roamed the land, causing further destruction, though not all of these new beings were wholly malicious... (See Shroomlings and Centauri)

### Cultural Impact

The Elemental Cataclysm affected all of Eldoria's races, disrupting societies and forcing them to adapt to a new reality. Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, and Merfolk all had to contend with the cataclysm's aftermath. Some races saw the cataclysm as a divine punishment, while others sought to harness the residual elemental energies for their own purposes and restoration, however these efforts ultimately proved to be futile, as each race fell into a state of chaos and ruin.

It is said the Draconians suffered worst of all, their once god-like empire reduced to rubble and ruin. What few remained of their kind were hunted down by the races they had unintentionally cast into a dark age of separation and isolation. In a desperate attempt at preserving their species the Draconians went into hiding, sealing away their true forms behind the disguise of Humans. To this day the Draconians dare not reveal their true form to those not of their species, lest they be hunted down in retribution for their arrogance.

### The Reassertion of Elemental Balance

The Elemental Cataclysm eventually subsided as the elemental forces gradually regained their equilibrium. However, the world had been permanently altered, with the elemental balance now in a state of flux. Some regions of Eldoria remained infused with heightened elemental magic, resulting in unique and volatile environments, as well as the emergence of new life and new possibilities. In present times each race must now face it's own obstacles, be that the re-founding of ancient settlements and technologies, or reuniting with those once lost.