The Old World cataclysm is an unknown even in the history of the Badlands which led to the collapse of modern society and the eventual formation of the Badlands and the Outlying Territories.
History[]
The exact circumstances surrounding the cataclysm is unknown, but it is stated that it took place following the creation of the Meridian Chamber and the new existence of the Gift creating Dark Ones. Whether the Gift itself caused the cataclysm or other factors were involved is not known, but it is known that The Black Lotus cult warned the people of Azra that the world was being put in danger by the harnessing of the Gift, and Magnus claims that what the cult warned of came to pass. Bajie himself theorizes that the the cataclysm wasn't a single event that collapsed society, but instead the existence of the Gift which led to armies of Dark Ones killing each other until modern society no longer existed. The event is discussed between Bajie and Cressida when she explains Pilgrim is going to activate the Meridian Chamber, and Bajie states that the last time the Meridian Chamber was used 500 years prior was right when the Old World collapsed, and therefore the Gift is a power humans should not have.
Effects[]
The following is a list of effects that the cataclysm had on the world:
- The majority of Earth became uninhabited, with only North America still remaining and being split into the Badlands and the Outlying Territories.
- Dark Ones began roaming the Earth, with many children being born with the Gift even after the Meridian Chamber was lost.
- In response to the cataclysm a dangerous cult known as the Black Lotus was formed and began hunting Dark Ones.
- Firearms were lost due to the Barons of the Badlands outlawing them.
- The Border Wall built by members of the Old World remained in place and served as a barrier between the Badlands and the Outlying Territories.