The Fading is an unexplained deterioration spreading across Athosia, weakening the land, disrupting nature and threatening the peoples who call the Old Lands home. Its continued spread has driven many to abandon their ancestral homelands and make the dangerous crossing of the Great Sea in search of safety within Umbria.
Overview
The Fading is an unexplained deterioration spreading across Athosia that is weakening the land and disrupting nature. Its continued spread has driven many to abandon their ancestral homelands and make the dangerous crossing of the Great Sea in search of safety within Umbria.
Beginning roughly a year before the present day, the Fading was not immediately recognised as a single threat. Failing harvests and dying forests appeared across different regions of Athosia before it became clear that the land itself was deteriorating. Despite attempts to understand the phenomenon, its true cause remains unknown.
Effects of the Fading
The Fading manifests differently across Athosia, but its presence is most clearly seen through the gradual deterioration of the natural world. Fertile soil loses its nutrients, crops and forests wither away, waterways stagnate and even stone and minerals deep beneath the earth have shown signs of weakening.
Its effects can also be seen among living creatures. Wildlife often abandons affected regions before visible decay appears, while prolonged exposure has left lasting marks upon some peoples. Among the Elfin these changes are seen in the Fadewrought, while some Elthari who remained within the dying forests of Elyiore became known as the Duskmarked. The Fading progresses gradually rather than striking all at once, allowing some regions and communities to endure its effects far longer than others.
The Exodus
As the Fading worsened across Athosia, remaining in the Old Lands became increasingly uncertain. Different folk resisted leaving for as long as they could, often unwilling to abandon homes and lands held for generations.
Eventually, expeditions began crossing the Great Sea in search of lands untouched by the Fading. The discovery of Alphos within Umbria offered the first true hope of refuge, and further migrations followed as Humans, Elfin, Merrinfolk, Grokon, Elthari, Turuks began establishing new homes there.
The Old Lands have not been completely abandoned, and crossings between Athosia and Umbria continue despite the dangers of the journey.
Current Status
The Fading continues to affect Athosia, and its true cause remains unknown. No reliable method of stopping or reversing its spread has yet been discovered.
While many have fled across the Great Sea, others remain within the Old Lands, whether through duty or hope for their homes. For those now settling Umbria, the fate of Athosia remains uncertain, and the Fading continues to shape the future of its displaced peoples.
Fading at a Glance
Quick Reference
Location: Athosia
Began: Roughly one year ago (Rapid Development)
Status: Ongoing
Cause: Unknown
Known Effects: Deterioration of land, nature, wildlife and living beings
Major Consequence: The migration of peoples across the Great Sea to Umbria