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The Shattering was a catastrophic event that forever shaped the modern Aether. It was caused by a corrupted ritual performed by the Arcanians in an attempt to bind their mana to the Aether and ascend. During the ritual, a critical failure corrupted the process, triggering a chain reaction that detonated all the rune towers on Podphai, permanently disrupting the balance of mana within the Aether.

The Shattering was the main cause for the fall of the arcanian empire

Origins
- The rune towers were created by mana attuned rune-smiths and were able to chanel the latent energy of the aethers mana
Development/Key Events
- The failed ascension of the arcanians marked the beginning of the shattered age setting most regions back several millenia in their capabilities
- the latent corrupted mana that was left by the shattering created and attracted new creatures to the aether from the cragorians and mana touched to the magic eating demons

The Runestone of Containment is a jagged crystal, glowing faintly with blue and silver hues. Pulses of unstable mana radiate from its core, distorting both time & reality around it.

The Shattering is considered the turning point in Podphai’s history, leading to the Age of Fractures and the decline of inter-shard cooperation.

List notable figures.

Arkan: A visionary Arcanian who warned of the ritual’s flaws and ultimately sacrificed himself to contain the mana surge within the Runestone of Containment.

The Shattering resulted in fragmented shards, chaotic mana fields, and the rise of numerous factions vying for control of scarce resources.

It is said that the Runestone of Containment whispers to those who approach it, conveying Arkan’s final warnings and fragmented thoughts.

The ruins of the rune towers remain scattered across the shards, serving as grim reminders of the Shattering. The Runestone is believed to rest in the Forbidden Depths.

The Shattering caused an irreversible mutation in local wildlife, resulting in the creation of mana beasts.