Coulburst

The image "Coulburst" was created in NightCafe using the Flux model.

Once, Kornax had a moon, which was called Coul. From the beginning, it was the companion of that world. It hung peacefully in the night sky, shedding light in its turn, then shifting to a new moon, to begin the cycle of light and dark, renewal and decay, of change, itself. Few much considered Coul in those days, save those afflicted by the dreaded curse of lycanthropy or the sailors who revered it for its ability to influence the tides. Coul was simply a pale orb under whose light lovers trysted and from whose light thieves and assassins hid.

That was the way things were. Until Coul exploded.

Summary

Kornax's only moon, during its full phase, exploded with blinding light.

Historical Basis

There is no doubt whether the Coulburst occured or when. The event is well-attested in the historical records of most of the contemporaneous civilizations of Tunsaccia at that time. The absence of Coul after the event is also recorded in the historical annals of civilizations globally, that would not have had line-of-sight to the celestial body at the time of its destruction.

Spread

Many claims have arisen about the Coulburst. Some say it was the rebirth of Tamahkarliq, who was bound since primordial times. Others claim Choris, true to his nature, chaotically brought elemental fire to Kornax, burning Coul. There are theories of Puava destroying the moon to weaken Threlved.

Regardless of religious or cultural tradition, all cultures on Kornax count this event as the beginning of the apocalyptic Godswar, the cataclysmic conflict that pited Powers against one another on the material plane known as Kornax. For this reason, Coulburst is observed globally as a day of sorrow and loss.

The effects of Coulburst were significant. The tides stopped and many estuary systems fouled and the creatures there became extinct. Weather patterns became significantly more unpredictable and extreme. Finally, the Shards of Coul fell to Kornax sixty-six days later, in the event called the Skyfall, which killed many and burned much of the surface.

Variations & Mutation

In some tellings of the tale, the moon contracted briefly, then burst into a brilliant sphere. Those unfortunates who were looking at Coul that night were struck blind for the rest of their lives.

Cultural Reception

The perception of Coulburst is varied, depending on the culture. Throughout Tunsaccia, the surface cultures see it as a day of judgement, though by whom and for what varies from people to people. Surface cultures elsewhere have more nuanced understandings of the event, some detailed and scientific in approach, others mystical, and still others magical.

The subterranean cultures of Kornax recognize Coulburst as a significant event, but do not give it great weight beyond the date of its occurance.

In Literature

Some writers have invoked Coulburst as a literary device to convey a sense of profound and apocalyptic change. Examples of this usage are not common, but they are widespread, occuring in plays, poems, and tales globally.

In Art

On the Tunsaccian subcontinent, artistic representation of Coulburst is taboo. Elsewhere, a few bold artists have depicted the event in paintings and friezes, but those works are often shunned by the general public.

Date of First Recording

Unknown

Date of Setting

25th of Clictuns in the 1430th year after the Fall of Dragons