To the Lords Drag'o'bater and Xenarthan, to Baron Suchlauf Fenrir-Überraschend and the Writer-of-Sagas Leyrannsky. To the Salt of Sauce, Yascha-the-Dane, and Chancellor Lunaticovischtien, Greetings.
The 'Little Ice Age' (also known as the Cataclysm amongst scholars) began in the late 13th century, an international climatic alteration that has only recently been shed of its full dread force (see: Meteorology and Me, by Lei-liana, 2019, pg. 30989-31200). The peak periods of this event have been arguably spread across four centuries of impact, ranging from destroyed Alpine villages due to glacial activity to Ice Fairs held in Great Britain as late as the 1820's. In the purpose of creating a point upon which we may focus our efforts, we shall state that the height of the Little Ice Age occurred in the late 16th century, for a period of one century.
The effects of the Cataclysm are innumerable. Aside from the aforementioned urban devolution, three species of dragon were eliminated and the products from those extinct species rendered unfathomable. For example, a scrimshaw made from the fang of an extinct Langue lisse is an heirloom of any Noble household, displayed in a rightful place of honor (Les Rois Perdus [The Lost Kings], by Mage Empreur, 1790).
Crops in the realm of those without magic failed, driving entire civilizations south in search of heat and sun. Reasons for the occurrence of the Little Ice Age have been sought since the event began. Explanations vary from place to place, varying from volcanic eruptions to massive industrial practices throwing smoke into the sky and – most odd in this author's estimation – the actions of miniature green beings from outside Earth's terrestrial sphere (see: Muggles and Mayhem, Modern Muggle Thoughts, by Damon and Damon, 1892).
In truth, the source of these misconceptions can be largely attributed to the tireless efforts of the International Confederation of Wizards members. Without their unceasing devotion to duty, the truth would be revealed, and the Dark Ages of Witch Hunts and death to angry mobs would result. In this day and age, with the admitted advancement of muggle tools, we would indeed drive our greatest spellcrafters to madness seeking new ways to defend ourselves as we once were forced to do (see: Failure to Justify, the True History behind the Burning Times, by Vayne the Vainglorious, 1827). It is our considered opinion that that dark era for our people was caused in part by the Little Ice Age, or rather, the causation behind its inception.
Gaining a full mastery of this subject would require years of study, mastering the dead languages no longer spoken by living beings. In order to render it within a single reading, the full story shall be abridged.
During the short reign of Magnus II, of the House of Estridesen (1130-1161), an advisor (Trollkarl Liemannen) to the Court was granted resources to create a Doomsday weapon. Liemannen's sole instruction was to '…guide the foes of the Estridesen Line into that chilling gaol below….' (Svenskt biografiskt lexikon [Swedish Biographical Dictionary], Förtrollning Utgåva, 1999). The resources dedicated for his use were removed from the King's residence, and stored in Kunskap i sten, a redoubt created by the wizarding society at the time. Needless to say, the disappearance of what amounted to a prodigious amount of wealth did not endear King Magnus II to his people, nor were his short-term tactical capabilities sufficient to the task of protecting his new holdings.
Following the death of Magnus II, Liemannen continued his work. There is evidence some variation of a Vow was at work, since this wizard worked on the intricate Ritual for almost fifty years (Mörk Magi och Deras Tillverkare [Dark Magic and their Makers], by Ethelred Athelstane, 1652). Not only did this wizard continue his work, he utilized small segments of its creation to gain further funding, attracting other wizards to his redoubt where the scope of his weapon grew to unknown heights.
A collection of wizards (the Gardiens de la Connaissance) learned of his efforts by 1191. By now, a vast, growing empire of muggles had arisen from the ashes of Rome, and their order was determined to establish a kingdom for the sole purpose of ensuring magical safety. Hearing of a great weapon being created on the orders of a long-dead muggle, representatives were sent to negotiate its usage (Verstu leiðangrar í sögunni [Worst Expeditions in History], by Envalsson Sr., 1623). Unfortunately, the names of the wizards sent to this site, and their interactions are not recorded. All that is known comes from the single representative left alive after the cataclysm: that Liemannen refused to allow his creation to be used, and claimed its scope had changed from a mere weapon of mass destruction to a planet-killing device. He also stated it was not yet finished, and would be a weapon that would cause empires to fall if he so desired.
As was common in that day and age, disagreement turned to violence. The weapon was triggered, and vast quantities of chilling effects were directed upon the negotiators.
Initially, this seemed a minimal response. Cool air does not a weapon make. It is a method of atmospheric regulation in most wizarding households during hot months after al. But the effect did not stop. It grew from a minor meteorological phenomenon to include living organisms, specifically the local trolls, huldr, and wizards themselves.
Whatever magic was included in the Doomsday weapon Liamannen created, it is certain that necromancy elements were at least partial. Dementors (Osculum Mortis), so rare that the first recorded encounter dated mere decades earlier in 1066 (Anselm of Canterbury). After the Cataclysm – populations soared, sending rafts of the foul creatures across Northern Europe. Trolls became cunning, withstanding bright lights unlike their more stultified brethren, and moving with grace and stealth. Huldr, known beings of the forest that tend to remain alone and shy away from contact, became fierce and aggressive. The current werewolf strain is a copy of these huldr, reflections of a warped system by a deranged mind.
Creatures deformed by this magic became common. Many died, unable to survive the transformation.
The source of this devastating change became known to many, triggering irate reactions to local enclaves. The Gardiens de la Connaissance was disbanded in an attempt to reassure the general public that such a thing would not be accepted. Sadly this step failed to make an impact, and it became a top priority of the nascent International Confederacy of Wizards to remove all knowledge of this catastrophe from the public mind (Lettres de Cartanor, by Stacenweld III). Obliviators were sent out, carrying pamphlets bespelled with enchantments of forgetfulness. Taking the guise of 'hedge-wizards' and healers, these Obliviators systematically worked their way across Europe, removing all knowledge of Liamannen and his brilliant, yet tragic work.
Still more resources were spent upon countering the effects of Liamannen's Cataclysm, the program shutting down only within the last three decades (ICW Resources List, ICW, 2001). Some claim the efforts were too effective, turning the overall climate in the opposite direction. However, there are no Witch Hunts ongoing with any degree of effectiveness, and the Department of Public Information has reassured the International Confederation of Wizards that fallout from the Cataclysm shall not be attributed to magicals in any way, shape or form.
This, though greatly abbreviated, is the story of the Cataclysm. The 'Little Ice Age' was an accident, but of such incredible proportions that one cannot help but admire the genius behind its creation.
I remain yours sincerely,
Charles Levinhand, Scrivner of Histories, Practicing Time Lord, and Arch-Chancellor of the School of Hard Knocks
