The Cataclysm
The Cataclysm was a defining event in the history of Aed'jhelas. It effected the lands of Aesysreon and triggered the sinking of Ari'ielas, the shockwave from the impact fracturing the continent and forming what is now an archipelago. Prior to the event, the lands of the Uipa'tan and Laia'tan were ruled by the Kara'tal Empire, and were lush with life, fertile soil and allowed the Empire to flourish and grow into dominance on the continent of Aesysreon.
Effect
However, it all changed one peaceful night, when the planet was struck by a large meteor, which desolated the land. It struck outside the capital city, Ahrkan, and with the impact most citizens of the Empire were vaporised, as a explosion flame and fire tore across the land.
Not all perished, however, as the meteor itself possessed a particular magical quality, and introduced a new form of energy to the world. Those who were closest to the epicentre were studded with shards and fragments of meteor, which imbued them with an almost nuclear form of energy. This rejuvenated their bodies and kept them alive, while simultaneously kept them burning and lit on fire of blue flame. The energy from the shards was toxic and foreign, but each of these persons own life energy was able to feed off it, preventing death. Through the trauma and shock of the process, they inevitably lost their minds, crazed by the constant pain of burning and post-traumatic stress of being almost vaporised by the impact of the meteor. Unable to die, some wander listlessly through the desert, unaware of their surroundings. Others just lie in place, long having lost any purpose or meaning to their existence.
They are known as the Burned.
They call it Fyroc, the Fiery Wrath of God. On a warm, cloudless night it came from the sky with death and fire. It struck the lands of Kara’tal, turning what was once a prosperous empire into barren, ashen wastes. Those that were not killed by the crashing hail of fiery rock were Burned in blue flame. For one hundred and fifty-three years the land was purged by the embers of Fyroc. As their heat slowly faded, many attempted to venture into the desolate land over the years. None returned.
Not only were the lands of Kara'tal devastated, but the force of the impact sent a shock wave throughout the world, causing tsunamis and fracturing the continent of Ari'ielas, forming what is now known as an archipelago. Thus the Sunken Lands came to be, and the effects still linger on, as islands continue to sink with every passing year.