The Shattering

The Shattering refers to the chain of events kickstarted by Emperor Hancali of Valatia's insanity and outburst. Although he had long practiced high-level magic, Hancali lost control from sustained use. This outburst killed both himself and several top ranking government officials in a High Council meeting, as well as damaged significant portions of the palace and the downtown area. Hancali's in-depth use and practice of magic as well as the Palairic Temple were blamed for the event. Valats began to view magic as evil after the results of advanced use led to such insanity and bloodshed. A strong surge of anti-Palairic sentiment arose, and the well-established Palairic Temple was ousted from public support. Galandri of the powerful Velindia family was appointed as the next empress by the remnants of the High Council, as all trust in Hancali's family's ability to lead was lost. Seizing the opportunity to gain and consolidate power, Empress Galandri executed the rest of Hancali's family, initiated anti-magic measures, and propped up the then-minority Luonnic Church as the new state religion.

Due to the year of chaos and instability in Valatia, the Galdradic Empire seized the opportunity to attack in 235 4A. However, Empress Galandri's leadership and the formidable Valatian navy allowed for the Valats to gain control of the seas and push the war to a draw.