Catalyst

Appearing for the first recorded time after The Cataclysm , Catalysts are sudden and severe magical storms that pummel an area with untamed magical energies that can result in jets of fire streaking the sky, buildings suddenly having their foundations teleported kilometers away, or any other event possible through magics. The wild and unpredictable nature of the events makes them extremely dangerous and nigh impossible to prevent.

Manifestation

The build up of magical energies that precedes a catalyst's produces a few reliably measurable precursor phenomena. The time between these phenomena appearing and the Catalyst manifesting can last from minutes to days:

• Any body hair will stand on end
• There will be a tingling sensation along your spine/shoulder blades
• Any spells cast in the build up before the catalyst fully manifests will see their effects empowered

Grlys flys down from their perch overlooking the newly constructed Lurentian Embassy. They greet Anthea with a nod "My Lady"
"The people of Dunlorn thank you for not subjecting them to the sight of me trying to scale a building. I'll have a medal made or something" quips Queen Anthea. "Did you happen to speak with our visitors?"
"No, I do not like visitors. Did you expect me to?"
"No, they asked some very odd and pointed questions and I was afraid you'd had the same treatment."
"I do not think they even noticed me"
"I've been remiss but I think it's time I asked you about this place. Like, before."
"I see. I have been here long, but even when I was new this place was a ruin. Though in those days that Catalysts energies were still present, and more of the old buildings were still standing" they gesture towards the ruin sprawl north of the fledgling Dunlorn "I remember a tower used to stand over there. I made my first roost there until it fell"
"Catalyst?" asks Anthea
"A Catalyst brought the Nathair to ruin. The energies left over from the Cataclysm long ago still sometimes coalesce into storms of destructive magical energy. The older members of my former flock taught me about the warning signs. Do not worry."
Lady Anthea stares at the old gargoyle. "Just hypothetically what might those warning signs look like."
"A tingling feeling at the tips of your wings. Pockets of wild magic building up in the area. Your spells feel stronger, harder to control. The small animals flee the area."
"And at that point how long exactly before Dunlorn looks like Nathair?"
"Days, weeks. I am told it depends. I have not witnessed a Catalyst myself. Just the aftermath" They look out over the ruins.