The Eruption of Heixue

In the year 2257NA the mountain that would be named Heixue erupted. Volcanic ash spewed into the air and molten rock billowed from the top and streamed down the mountain’s steep slopes in rivers of fire. Several villages near the base of the volcano were wiped out mere hours after the initial eruption and tremors were sent through the earth, causing terrible quakes through much of the northern reaches of the eastern continent. As black smog fell down from the sky and began to choke the various nearby villages and threatened to sweep down to the lowland valleys near the capital.
Eight sages who lived long lives as mountain hermits responded to the disaster. Though separated by miles they wielded their magic and used their mastery of fire, stone, and metal to throw back the endless streams of lava and erect barriers to keep the nearby towns secure. But the day was not yet saved as the toxic smog continued to spread and more and more lava spouted from the great mountain.
The eight formed a plan and marched together toward the mountain using their combined knowledge of magic to purify the air and protect each other from the scorching heat. In time they made it to the base of the mountain and there the eight gathered their combined magic and worked a great spell that calmed the ancient behemoth of earth and fire from a violent eruption into an angry simmer.
Soon a group of mages from the capital arrived only to find the volcano had been stopped. In awe of the power of the eight sages they fell to their knees and begged to be taught their ways of magic. The sages accepted. On that day the Order of the Metal Paths was formed. This organization of wizard-monks would go on carve out tunnels and build great forges into Heixue. The eruption had upturned massive quantities of iron and precious metals all but littering the surrounding countryside with metallic treasures that the wizards used in their construction. In time the Order of the Metal Paths would spread their teachings and form the basis of the major religion of the eastern continent and eventually evolve into the College of Arcane Metallurgy that is responsible for many of the world’s greatest feats of magic.