The First Land Herald/449-05-30

Article Number: 86

Dateline: 449-05-30

MAGIC STOPS, CAUSES WIDESPREAD DISRUPTION For nearly a decade, magic users have experienced occasional anomalies while casting spells -- strange sensations including watching the mana streams behave oddly, sudden smells or tastes, the sound of laughter, and more. Despite some research, the cause remained elusive due to the infrequent nature of these occurrences. One public experiment conducted by Mazrian had no tangible results. However, in recent days, the frequency and violence of these disruptions escalated dramatically, affecting all magic users regardless of mana type. Recently, while attending a celebration for Tirost Armagna's 200th circle accomplishment in the Warrior Mage guild, I and other attendees felt that magic had inexplicably ceased to function. Attempts to access magic resulted in complete failure and a feeling of coldness. We soon learned that the anomaly was widespread. Reports flooded in from across Elanthia, detailing the complete disappearance of magic. In response to the crisis, a contingent from our group traveled to Shard to convene with others at the Town Hall meeting. There, Court Mage Miskton Ramahk shared visions potentially connected to the magic disruption. One vision suggested Throne City as a possible lead, prompting the formation of an investigative party. Sir Madigan De'Mascus led a group to travel to Throne City, including Thanataar, Melindrha, Saragos, Dantia, Urbaj, Crobin, Dame Betlind, Leayne, Lelly, Navesi, Rileos, and myself. During this time, some reported briefly regaining their connection to magic, only to lose it again moments later. However, the trip yielded no concrete answers. During the return voyage, attunement appeared to have been restored but felt erratic and uncontrollable. Suddenly a mana surge appeared near Navesi -- a swirling vortex of brilliant light -- which caused havoc and confusion among the group. The surge dissipated on its own. Navesi reported that it left her feeling bruised and cold, bereft of attunement. Shortly after we arrived on the mainland, Shard, Riverhaven, and the Crossing were attacked by vile plague wraiths, creatures normally found in Forfedhdar. While the reason for their simultaneous appearance in major cities remains unknown, courageous adventurers successfully repelled the attacks. The cause of the magic disruption is still a mystery. For now, it seems that magic has once again returned to the realms, though it now operates in a changed and volatile form. Some are calling it "wild" magic. I urge magic users to exercise caution while attempting to cast spells until the situation is resolved. Several deaths have been reported due to these instabilities. Some intrepid adventurers are trying to research the situation, but everyone I have spoken to reports that such research comes with some danger, amplifying the wild nature of their attunement. Sometimes they also find themselves with knowledge of new, sometimes dangerous spells. Sir Madigan summed up the situation pragmatically. "Meh, there is always something bloody trying to blow us up in this realm. Good thing we have stalwart defenders who don't give a flip about whatever it is and run towards the bloody thing." Tirost, whose party was unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately?) interrupted by the event, remained optimistic. "In a way, I'm glad we were all together when it happened. It was good to be in such company when seeking answers to such a mystery, and we were ready when the plague wraiths attacked." The mystery of the magic outage remains unsolved, but the dedication of these investigators shines a light in these dark times. We eagerly await further developments and pray for a swift resolution to this unprecedented crisis. Until then, Illiya Assistant Reporter of the First Land Herald

Real Date: Unknown Date

Subject(s): Attunement Crossing Elanthia Forfedhdar Magic Mana Riverhaven Shard Throne City Vile Plague Wraith Wild Magic

Author(s): Illiya