Aetolian Saga

The Aetolian Saga was a dark time for Achaeans, which began in 287 AF with the return of Phaestus to the realms. The Smith spoke of a mysterious being called "the Other," who had imprisoned Him inside His hammer for many years. Soon after the Gods began to lose their memories, denying recent events and confusing Achaeans. Those of the Order of Valnurana were the next to hear of the mysterious "Other," whose arrival seemed imminent.

Initially killing Achaeans at random and changing the races of many to that of Satyrs and Sirens, the Other revealed himself with force, causing great disturbances to the weather in the land. Soon a gilded chest fell from the sky. The key to this chest was discovered in the possession of the Great Mhunna, and after many casualties Shakti Devi was able to obtain it and open the chest. A great flaming arrow then flew from the sky, headed for Shallam, where it struck with fury, demolishing the Chrysalis Basilica and leaving a gaping hole in its wake. A second chest fell from the sky, and after retrieving the key this chest was opened by Charlotte Vouivre, releasing a fiery vortex over Hashan and causing the deaths of all gathered there.

At this point the Other revealed himself to be Varian, a being from outside creation whose intent was to make Achaea his own. To prevent this from happening, since he was unable to simply destroy Varian, Sarapis created a mirror image of Achaea, to which Varian was banished. This new world was named Aetolia.

Lasting effects of the Aetolian Saga include the founding of the Shamans, the rediscovery of Cyrene, and the founding of the Runewardens.