The Upheaval

A few hundred years ago, Terra Nullius went through a global event that changed continents, countries, and civilizations forever. The most powerful earthquake in known history rocked the world and continued for hours. After the earthquake initially stopped, it resumed shortly thereafter and continued for an entire week off and on. Superstitious folk likened the event to the world ending while scientific minds still struggle to this day to understand the causes behind the earthquake. The event was referred to as the Upheaval.

The Upheaval shifted continents, shattered mountains, and changed the very face of Terra Nullius. The denizens of the continent of Augustus found themselves no longer isolated. The mountains that had previously separated Ezra, Montezuma, and Ramesses now had paths in them. Human, dwarves, and elves all met for the first time. This first contact was resulted in skirmishes between the races. Eventually, diplomatic resolutions came about and the three countries decided on a peace treaty. With the mountains acting as borders, the countries all staked their claims. Some land was also exchanged between the countries and Ezra went as far as to try and purchase land from Montezuma and Ramesses.

With the Upheaval, a new race emerged on Augustus. Believed to have come to the continent on boats, the hengeyokai arrived in droves. Others theorize that the hengeyokai always lived on Augustus and that the Upheaval merely allowed them access to the other countries. This theory can’t quite find an answer as to where on Augustus the hengeyokai would’ve been located at. The hengeyokai insist they sailed here from an island called Musashi. These initial meetings with the hengeyokai were much more peaceful as they offered gifts along with goods and services to trades. Due to their usefulness, the hengeyokai caravans were encouraged to stay. Since then various hengeyokai caravans travel across Ezra, Montezuma, and Ramesses.

The Upheaval had several downsides to it that have not yet been discussed. First, it did take a severe toll on life in every country. While no one knows for sure what the accurate death count is, it is thought to at least be in the tens of thousands. Entire towns and cities were swallowed up whole and disappeared underneath the crust of the earth. Secondly, the ecosystem changed. Rivers dried up in some places while rivers were formed in other places. Dust storms terrorized many of the countries for years after. People had to adapt. Entire towns migrated to new places. During this time, the Genesis Corporation benefited significantly as they were able to locate new sources of mana and other materials.

The people of Augustus fear what a second Upheaval might do to their lands. As such, many people have taken to preparing emergency kits and trying to find ways to prevent future disasters. Only time will tell if another disaster like this will strike Terra Nullius.