The Linfield Event
From Vanathul Wiki
Description
The event that caused a large forested area to become the now blasted and inhospitable Linfield Badlands. Historians have determined the exact year to be 333 p.o.
The event occurred soon after the return of the elves, and mark the first onset of the decline of The Ashen Empire. It was caused by strong and dangerous magics cast by Magi of the empire, in a bid to eliminate the raiding elves, and push back the attacking crusaders from the Mistwreath.
In a way their plan worked, but at the cost was a majority of their own cities and villages. This only hastened their spiraling collapse, as internal societal and political reactions scattered internal cohesion
Consequences
In the terms of game mechanics, the area is under the effect of various nasty conditions. Making travel through it challenging and unpleasant.