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Lhazaar Volcano Erupts; Scores Feared Lost
REGALPORT -- Mount Cathanikau erupted on Mol, producing a fountain of glowing lava and an ash plume that could be seen from mainland Khorvaire. Tremors from the eruption caused high surf throughout the Lhazaar Principalities, and many low-lying settlements suffered minor structural damage.
A constant rain of embers and ejecta from the eruption has prevented ships from reaching Cathanikau Island, which lies some 500 miles northeast of Port Verge. The island has an indigenous population and is also home to an enclave of kalashtar refugees and a shrine to Onatar.
House Lyrandar and the Diresharks fleet anchored at Port Verge have assembled a joint relief convoy that remains at sea, awaiting the chance to move ashore and search for survivors. But glowing lava flows have already reached the sea on the northwest quarter of the island, and the eruption shows no sign of abating.
In Regalport, Hierophant Druid Tybalt Orenn said he was seeking magical assistance to end the eruption. "An eruption such as this one could last for weeks, but anyone still alive on Cathanikau Island won't survive that long," he said. "I'm communing with my fellow druids, seeking the power to calm the mountain. At the very least, we need to get the relief convoy onto Cathanikau Island and rescue any survivors."
This eruption marks the first significant volcanic activity in or near eastern Khorvaire since the 881 eruption of Jaurakhti Mountain in what is now the Mror Holds.
Cathanikau Island is frequently cited as a possible resting place for the famed Hoard of the Twin Drakes, a pirate treasure that was lost when both Drake brothers perished in 945. However, multiple expeditions in the 950s and 960s uncovered no evidence that the Drakes had ever been there.
About the Author
David Noonan is a designer/developer for Wizards of the Coast. Before coming to Wizards, he was a daily newspaper reporter in Washington state. Apparently the city hall beat is good practice for an Eberron campaign.
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