1654 Caldera eruption

1654 Caldera eruption

The map above shows the locations of major micrasquakes that occurred around the time of the eruption. Information below is for the largest tremor, labelled D on the above map
Magnitude	Mw
Epicentre	[1]
Areas affected	Brettish Isles
Casualties	Unknown but substantial

Occurring on 13.X.1654 AN, the caldera eruption on the island of Cornwallis in the Brettish Isles prompted a humanitarian relief effort and rescue mission spearheaded by Nova England, and prompted a collapse of the international order in the northern portion of the Great Western Sea that would, together with the War of Lost Brothers, facilitate the rise of the Sea-Reavers under Shirerithian and Raspur Pact sponsorship.

Native account of the eruption

(Original source)

The ancient city of Caldera, built along the outskirts of an ancient massive volcano long thought to be extinct, aptly lived up to its name when it erupted early in the morning hours. The Caldera volcano is considered one of the largest on Micras, but was thought to be extinct. But due to its size it misled scientists, as it was active after all, simply much deeper than other active (yet simmering) volcanoes. As the Brettish Isles are volcanic in nature, Caldera is also connected to several other volcanoes scattered throughout the islands. The surprise explosion of Caldera triggered a chain reaction among the other volcanoes, destabilizing the soil strata due to vibrations triggered by the explosion and successive land shifts. This resulted in a quick series of explosions across the Brettish Isles, effectively destroying the country in one fell blow.

While there have been isolated reports of survivors on the very utmost outskirts of the isles, the end result has been total destruction of the Brettish nation on a scale of monumental proportions. So sudden were the explosions that there was little time for anyone to seek safety. Due to its close proximity to Caldera, Westminster was almost immediately buried in ash, killing the entire royal family except for Princess Alexis, who had been vacationing in the Skerries. The entire government was also lost as a result. But of an even more epic tragedy was the loss of the Brettish people - millions were suffocated under ash clouds, or killed by the explosions themselves. Molten lava burned its way across the landscape, wiping away centuries of civilization. No corner of the isles were spared, and the ash cloud itself has extended for some hundred miles in radius around the islands. As a maritime nation, those who were in ships fled as quickly as possible. Many were overtaken by the advancing wall of ash, but still much of the Brettish fleet has survived with its crews. They are milling about on the open seas, seeking temporary refuge in the nearest safe port.

From the ancient city of Lighthouse, Princess Alexis (now Queen Alexis) convened an emergency session of the government and has urged all Brettish nationals and vessels to make for the Skerries where they can obtain safe port and reconvene. Here they can obtain food and shelter while the Princess tries to make order of what remains of the Brettish people. An alternate stopover exists at Port Goose, which due to its diminutive size can only serve as a refueling station. Until the volcanoes abate in the isles, rescue operations cannot commence, and the true death toll tallied; but officials speculate they will find few, if any, survivors. The isles themselves, buried in ash, will not be habitable either, making the Skerries the most probable place to re-settle refugees. Right now, however, too much chaos ensues for any sort of direction to be clear. With the reigns of the nation firmly handed to the young princess, she will need all the help she can get to ensure the survival of her people.