Thera was a world much like the one we know, a land of vast forests and wind swept grass lands, wide deserts covered in golden sands and snowcapped mountains. Great trade fleets ferried their precious cargos across the length and breath of the great oceans. That was until one fateful day 222 years ago, a day when great natural calamities were unleashed and the world known as Thera was broken asunder. A day when entire generations were lost. A day when histories ceased and life was changed forever, a day when the dead out numbered the living. Terror in untold portions now stalked the land of Thera; it is said on this day the cries of pain and fear could be heard to echo across the heavens.
What exactly happened to cause these calamities is not clear; theories were thick in the air as to why these calamities had struck Thera, priests slaughtered animals and willing, or not, human sacrifices to determine why the Gods had turned on them. Blood ran in great rivers from the temple doors even as the wailing holy men were crushed as the temples fell to powerful earthquakes. Churches were packed as the Christian peoples of Thera sought shelter from the wild storms that rolled across the lands, only to find these buildings offered no protection as roofs were ripped away and wild winds tore people into the swirling maelstrom above. Each culture describes the causes and the effects within their own cultural and belief frameworks striving to provide answers for their leaders and the terrified population.
What is clear is that the planet suffered earthquakes, entire cities swallowed by the heaving ground, volcanic eruptions, an almost worldwide tidal wave, thousands perished at sea as ships disappeared without a trace, bodies littered the coast line for weeks to come, all with the same expression twisted on their faces, terror, pure terror. Huge wild fires ripped across many lands, a ruddy glow painting the skies of Thera at night and smoke so thick it blocked the sun for days. There were reports of fiery objects seen in the skies, causing more mass hysteria amongst the many peoples of Thera. This day became known universally as the 'Great Torment'.
In the years following the normal tidal and seasonal patterns became erratic. Many regions suffered great storms, lightning would tear apart the land and thunder rumbled so loud some went mad as the sound would not cease. The storms lasted weeks, months and in some areas years. The effects were so great that most people believed that this was truly the end of time. Almost every culture reset their calenders to mark these world changing disasters.
This lasted for over a century and the population of Thera was decimated, cities became tombs for lost kingdoms. Many formerly great nations fell, as starvation and disease ravaged the lands. Some nations locked their borders in an attempt to safeguard what they had, some nations looked to their gods for salvation, others turned to science.
It is now 222 years since the day of the 'Great Torment'. Many cultures believe this to be an auspicious date for a myriad different reasons, the reoccuring nature of the date, the alignment of the stars, the return of the herds, or simply because they feel strong again. The Legacy of the Great Torment is a world inhabitied by many small nations which have been forced to develop in near isolation, a world of large desolate, depopulated lands, which are ripe for development by a wise and powerful leader. Are you such a leader ....... .
It is time to sound the horn, it is time to call your people too war. Raise your banners and sharpen your sword for the land of Thera is ready for the taking, stand up and rewrite the history of Thera.........
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