The Hegemony caused the Jaernian Refusion, a cataclysmic event that stripped Jaern of its magic on 04/15/10054. They then organized to slowly give Jaern magic back, and taint Jaern with demonic energy. This scourge lasted from the Jaernian Refusion until 03/16/10056, nearly two years, before the Hegemony were defeated.

The Jaernian plane is forcibly moved through the Planar Sea, causing all portals to immediately fail. All magic, from magic items to magical effects, malfunctioned or failed. The priests on Jaern were also disconnected form their gods.

A written report from a member of the Centralia Guild of Wizards details some events:

“Magic is, by and large, working again. This is mainly due to the actions of the Lojem Mages Guild (LMG). A gigantic ball of supercharged terisium crashed down near the portal farm. Representatives from the LMG and a party of adventurers were instantly dispatched to check it out. It was immediately obvious that standing near it gave you a limitless supply of spell units and that your items worked again. Less scrupulous people would have horded, but the LMG devices a plan to create a powerful magical explosion that would cause the magical energy to distribute somewhat evenly around our world. This plan was successfully implemented. After which mages started regaining EU and items began functioning again. Pre-established interplanar gateways did not restart and best predictions from those who should know, say that they won't. There is no word on where this ball of terisium came from.

Most of the gods have popped back up after this latest fiasco. Priests are assured that the rest will show up in the near future.

It is recommended that the use of dimensional/planar travel be limited. Specifically the use of Otherworld should be curtailed. We basically destroyed ourselves to save the world from the portals, do we want to do it over again? Sheesh. Secondly, we don't know how stable our current dimensional position or orientation is. Shifting will destroy portals. Don't waste your units. That said we have opened an Otherworld in basement 3 that goes to a barren world. Casting Otherworlds from that world is safe because we really don't care if we destroy it and it’s not likely to shift anywhere. So if you really must cast Otherworld, please do so from staging plane.”

This staging plane is the Alpha Site. The report continues:

“There is also rumor that dimensional researchers (and this has come from at least three guilds on Jaern) have stated that they are 95% sure that dimensional travel could no way have caused the affects that we were seeing (localized incursions, dimensional transparency, solar phenomena, etc…).

The Centralia Guild of Wizards, in conjuction with wizard guilds from Lojem, Liston, and Jersey, are sponsoring adventurer missions to adjacent planes in hopes of finding a commonality… some place that is recognized from Before. It is believed that once they have a point of congruence (3+ would be better) that they'll be able to produce direct portals back to previous trading partners and such.”

Worldwide events of note:

• Is'Damor seems open for business again. It was pretty dark there for a bit but life seems to be flourishing agan.
• There is a huge mobile island hovering off Serick's beach…
• All reservists in all branches of the Rhine military structure have been called to active duty. If this includes you, please report to your designated rally point.
• Prices on offworld items have risen steeply, especially consumables such as food items and recreational pharmaceuticals.

A continuation of the written report from a member of the Centralia Guild of Wizards from 04/29/10055:

“All gods are back and functioning normalish, this includes some presence from Vormaxia.

A couple of lucky breaks fast-tracked the finding of a dimension that we used to visit. From that, all former Otherworlds can be reestablished.

It is discovered that by porting to a known dimension and then back to Jaern, all dimensional memlocs start working again also (you have to make the trip).

People who should know have stated they are 100% confident that Otherworlds cannot destroy a world. That everything that was done based on that belief was, at best, unnecessary and, at worst, intentionally designed to screw Jaern. An off world mission has found evidence to support the worst case theory. As such it is advised that no Jaernian reveal their origins or the continuing existence of Jaern to off-worlders. People who were strongly for the closing of Otherworlds and shutting down of magic are being detained and questioned. The possibility of collaborators cannot be ruled out.

Based on the rumors, sales of weapons have been increasing.”

A few excerpts from a mage's journal, most likely a dimensional researcher:

“The old Portal Farm was devastated when magic went away. Stores quickly dried up and there were food riots which had to be forcefully put down. Some Barrios (like Little Lentri) shut themselves off for the duration. With some portals being re-established some normalcy is returning. These portals all pass through the off world site known as Alpha Site currently:

The Alpha Site is on a dead rock of a world. The atmosphere is breathable by Jaernians but any intense activity is likely to leave them hacking up a lung. The air has a sulphery smell and causes eye irritation in some. There is nothing living on this world. Gravity and air pressure are Jaernian nominal. There are a lot of portals at the site. They are laid out in a rather obvious order. The portal to/from basement 3 at the CGoW is labeled '0'. Portals to other planes are labeled with numbers in order of their creation. There is a guide posted outside Portal Zero. Portals to other locations on Jaern are also numbered in the order of their creation but use Roman numerals instead of Arabic (except, of course for Portal Zero which is Arabic but still goes to Jaern).

At the Alpha Site there are now several tents selling adventuring type wares at roughly double normal cost.

Portals are very much operational, new trade is being established (carefully) so some restrictions are loosening. However it’s going to take a few months.”

A T'orite report on recent events:

Rumors are coming out of Centralia (based on burials and such)
that there have been some bad interactions in the new portal
openings and possibly some military engagements.

There are also rumors of people disappearing. Occasionally someone
will re-appear with no memory of where they have been or what
happened.

When Lock Kylar got re-energized there was, again, major prison
breaks. Discussions are ongoing to figure a better place to
inprison such people. In the meantime rewards are again posted for
the recapture or information that leads to such.

Disease on planets visited by Jaernians seems rampant. Several
missions have reported diseases of Jaernian origin killing
hundreds, perhaps thousands.

There was a major break-in at Sky Skimmers Inc. and a lot of
their propellant was stolen... Investigation is ongoing.

An additional T'orite report on recent events:

Many Jaernians found themselves unable to access the Kurago. 
Residents of the Kurago, have stated, if they can be bothered, 
that they don't want that "filth" here. 

It was discovered later that this effect extended to anyone who had any elemental units, or was carrying a regen or effect elemental item. This was not immediately obvious, but the archivists of the Centralian Guild of Wizards were able to track the effect to this date.

One of the escapees from Lock Kylar has been captured. He is 
being held in a blue field pending construction of a new magical 
prison.

There are now several confirmed stories of military engagements 
off-world.

People disappearing continues to rise. Fewer are showing back up.
Several high ranking members of various trade organizations, 
governments and guilds have gone missing.

Rumors of diseased worlds have also been confirmed. Confirmed 
body counts are in the tens of thousands.

In a memo from the Centralia Guild of Wizards to various other mage guilds for popular distribution, we learn that we have made contact with the enemy. The suspicion that Jaern was duped into causing the Jaernian Refusion is confirmed. Full details were not released as a matter of public record, but people were encouraged to keep a low profile and not to attempt any reprisals on their own.

A popular tabloid in Pregada has stated that none of the Centralian lordship has been seen since before the disaster on Jaern. They go on to say that they are operating from an off-world location because they have proof that more, and worse, is yet to come and they don't want a piece of it. They also point out that large numbers of servants have also left town in a hurry.

A poster was displayed at the Centralia Wizards Guild:

“Construction of the Rougtero Guild of Wizards has begun. This tower will work as a branch of the Centralia GoW and will initially be staffed by CGoW personnel. Initial plans are that it will house a portal to the Alpha Site. Future plans include a portal directly to the CGoW and a direct connection the Library. All Guild services will be available at this site. Membership remains 10,000sp/year (or two weeks designated labor for the Guild).”

A very brief memo written on paper marked with the symbol of the Rougtero Council reads:

“The Rougtero Council agrees to open talks regarding construction of a new magical prison.”

The memo is directed to the Centralia Lordship and contains no further information.

A few news snippets from different Jaernian news sources are compiled:

• Anyone possessing EU (including regen/effect items) still cannot enter the Kurago.
• Some people have done some digging into the disappearances. Some of the searchers have also disappeared, others are telling stories of people being snatched in their sleep by shadowy figures with no face who teleport in/out. A number of the people disappearing had commercial interests or dealings with otherworlds.
• Massive priestly and healing personnel have been moved off world to combat diseases on recently discovered worlds. It is believed that somehow Jaernians brought these diseases so a responsibility is felt. The temple of Isis is especially motivated and is urging all priests to take a month long position on one of these worlds to provide aid.
• It is estimated that more than half of the Centralian navy has gone missing. Dock reports and friends say that some ships haven't docked in more than two months. In the last week that number has increased drastically. Members of all other branches have likewise gone missing and it is assumed they are conducting missions on otherworlds.
• Several new worlds have begun shipping goods to Jaern including food, precious metals, medicinals, etc… Much of this is being diverted to plague worlds.
• A huge party was held last night at Lord Briss'. While the party was well attended, and the guard was dragging people home throughout the night, it was noted that Lord Briss was not actually present.
• There have been no Sky Skimmer flights since magic returned. It is rumored that it is possibly more than coincidence that they appeared in such a timely fashion just when magic collapsed.
• A load of bad meat was brought in from an otherworld. Half dozen people died and around 30 were ill before the source was tracked. Shipments of meat from that world have been stopped pending figuring out what was wrong with it. A citizens action group at the Great Rice Paddy has started a “buy local” / “Jaern First” campaign encouraging people to buy and consume Jaernian products as they are, by nature of being from the same world as you, better for you. A vocal group from Na'Roo (which got the worst of it) is calling for governmental regulations and inspections and standards of imported goods.

A contractor's notes regarding the Rougtero Guild of Wizards:

“Construction of the Rougtero Guild of Wizards has going well. They have a basement and a 1st floor of the tower built. There is a portal going to the Alpha Site (from the Alpha Site, is it 'XLI'). They are officially open for business although the Grand Opening and Semi-Open house will wait for the towers completion.”

The following article was published in a Centralia tabloid:

“Some nomads and priests are claiming that elemental magic has somehow been tainted. Nomads possessing this tainted magic (in the form of EU or items) cannot enter the Kurago. Nothing actively forbids it, they just cannot enter. Some are now believing that the massive ball of terisium that was exploded to re-energize Jaern was itself tainted. A few are now calling that act irresponsible. Prominent researchers are looking into it. In related news, 2 of the top researchers have joined the ranks of those people who have been disappearing (or who have been disappeared as now seems the case).

Priesthoods are still sending support personnel off world to combat disease. Those that have returned to take a break or to get more resources return bearing tales of horror. They just don't have the resources to even keep up let alone get ahead and stop it. Segregation and Isolation do not appear to be halting the spread. Anyone coming back from these worlds is subject to a spectrum of magical cleansing before being allowed onto the Alpha Site at large. The gates to these worlds are easily recognized as they are enclosed in massive decon structures.”

A T'orite's report was received:

“On the 4th, the Sky Skimmer facility was ransacked. Some parts and files were taken. The parts were later recovered.”

A rumor has popped up in multiple places saying that elemental magic now has a Demon “taint” to it because Jaern is now located in a more demon-centric location. Experts say ,“it’s possible, but we can't know for sure.” In any case, this demon taint is what is preventing any mages or items that contain that energy from entering the Kurago. If you regain your spell energy on another world, the Kurago seems to allow entry.

The Grove of Rougtero has announced progress in their off world disease fights. The spread on one world has been reduced to near zero. Only a handful of new reported illnesses in two weeks. They attribute this to new processes of isolation, cleanliness, and an influx of new drugs. They are sharing their findings with other temples and local authorities on these worlds and believe they may have the edge now.

A large number of severely damaged Centralian naval vehicles came into a secluded port two days ago. No official word from the Lordship other than whoever saw that must have been mistaken. The person who saw and reported this has allowed the memory to be shared multiple times and hundreds have paid to see it.

The big news of the week. The enemy now has a name: The Garizian Hegemony. It is made known that this is a tight federation of worlds. The seat of power is Garizia (pr. “Gar-eeze-ya”). The main worlds are: Burgenland, Karnten, Salzburg, Steirmark, Tirol and Voralberg. However it is estimated that there are as many as 35 member worlds all providing resources (including soldiers) to the Hegemony. Additionally it is reported that they control hundreds of affiliate worlds that provide industry, agriculture, and manpower in exchange for Hegemony protection.

One source, who shall remain anonymous, has also made it public that there is another multi-world force called “The Kingdom” that is also somehow involved. This entity has no relation to the government on Geleia.

A notice is posted around Centralia and Lojem:

“While not complete yet the Rougtero Guild of Wizards IS operational. People may come for any of their wizarding needs. Grand Opening celebration still planned for 09/05/10055.”

Breaking news was published in The Centralia Journal:

The demonic taint of magic has been confirmed. All elemental magic on Jaern 
definitely has a demonic feel to it. Anyone possessing this taint cannot 
enter the Kurago. If you dump your EU and heal up off world then you are 
fine... no taint. Same goes for regenerating and effect items.

An Isisite's condition report follows:

“Diseased worlds seem to be under control. Based mainly on the contributions of the Rougtero Grove the spread of disease has all but stopped. Many priests and other medical personnel have returned to Jaern confident that the end is in sight.”

A Rougtero T'orite's report about breakouts at Lock Kylar:

“The Rougtero Council is attempting to setup extradition agreements with all possible governments that exist on Jaern, as well as any off-world ones they have access to. They have hired out a group to actually do the prospecting and negotiations with the governments and will pay any costs along with a reward for the criminal. All of this was discussed at the public council meetings, so it is public record.”

A few notes from an adventurer's notebook:

“A sign in Rougtero displays that the dock fees in Rougtero have doubled for non-Rougtero based ships.

The Rougtero Council is requesting to assistance of adventurers for the various patrols in the city. The adventurers are to sign up at the Torite Stockade and will be paid 20sp per day. They will be given flexible hours to account for last minute “adventuring.”

It’s getting wicked cold in Centralia. The freeze looks like it'll come early this year. Local merchants are gearing up for the Festival. Children and sportsman are already strapping on skates.”

A news report from The Centralia Journal:

There are rumors abounding that Jaern is about to launch a strike on the homeworld of the people behind the so called Jaernian Refusion. These rumors hold that this attack will be massive, killing millions of people on that world and rendering it lifeless (much like they attempted to do to Jaern). It is said that this plan has been in motion for a while and is about to be activated. It is also rumored that this attack is powered by demon technology and will be paid for with the souls of that destroyed world.

There is no proof of any of this. However, various priesthoods have stated that there is truth here that their deity has shared with them. These proclamations have become widespread and public causing all manner of discussion, argument, riots, etc… Jaernians have very strong feelings going both ways on this. Many local governments have believed enough to issue proclamations for or against such an act were it to occur. Temples have likewise stated their opinions. The tally on these is listed below.

Other Events from this week:

• The temple of Isis in Centralia and Rougtero has said it will not be providing any assistance to Adventurers or any military entities until this matter is settled. At that point, depending on the outcome, that may change. Adventurer's and guards employed by the Sanctuaries are exempt from this. Isis may also have said that the people behind such an attack are probably at the end of their lifespan.
• A group has widely announced that the “tagging poison” that was given to the target world has also been introduced into the food and water supply of several Jaernian cities. They warn that if Jaern activates their doomsday weapon they will take a chunk of their own people out with it. Officials say if they even knew what this poison was they would be inspecting for it but so far deny knowledge of its existence. People are urged to take precautions anyway.
• Another group has announced that they have successfully destroyed a Tag production facility.
• Several adventure notices looking for people to help the target world were actually traps. There are a number of missing adventurers and half dozen time stopped areas around Centralia and the Lojem Portal Farm that seem to be lasting more than 24 hours and seems pretty resistant to revocation.

The Tally:

Centralian Lordship - Against (but are working toward it)
Centralia GoW - For the attack
Rougtero Council - For the attack (narrow vote, one member resigned)
Rougtero GoW - Neutral (but is preparing for the counterattack)
Jersey GoW - Neutral
Galaeia - Neutral (more or less)
GRP - For the attack

Rudri - Neutral (believes people do what they gotta do to survive)
Orus - Neutral (mortals will be mortals, if they feel strongly)
Anubis - Neutral (the souls are outside his dominion)
Osiris - Neutral (again, outside her dominion)
Tarus - Neutral (with regard to attack)
T'or - Neutral (really wanted to go one way or another but couldn't)
Neptune - For the attack
Isis - Strongly against
Ra - Strongly against
At’ena - Silent

Neutral gods have pretty much universally said that their followers and priests are not bound to that neutrality and they will, of course, back them when possible and where it doesn't cause conflict between two followers/priests. All gods have come down against any dealings with demons on penalty of excommunication or death.

An excerpt from an adventurer's log:

“A group of adventurers happened to be present on the Hegemony home world on 3/16 (on an unrelated matter). Around lunchtime in the city they were in, everyone present just dropped. Possibly 1 in 10,000 didn't go down immediately. Approximately 20 minutes later the world seemed to sparkle and the adventurers noticed that they no longer had any type of magic. Incants all went up in a poof of smoke. They also witnessed some of the survivors seemingly talking to themselves and then falling. One of the party (before magic stopped working) was able to determine that those people who dropped were still alive but their souls were gone. The party stayed on the world for another 2 days, during which, they saw the population dying due to exposure and also noticed that animal and plant life had started dying as well. Projections state that, within a week, there would be nothing alive on this planet. The Hegemony blames Jaern for this and has declared their intention to put an end to all things Jaernian.

At the same time, a few hundred people on Jaern likewise fell down around this period. It was determined that most were either Hegemony supported or those that were extremists against the Hegemony slaughter.

Jaernian elemental magic has been declared free of any demonic taint that it had.

Jaernian forces engaged several small portals that opened up on Jaern which fed soldiers, possibly Hegemony. Centralian officials have acknowledged engagements on several adjacent planes also. All military posts and personnel are on high alert. Citizens are urged to report anything odd ASAP.

Lastly, there are rumors that one of the Hegemony's largest trade cities on one of their other worlds was vaporized.”