World News Flash archived on March 16th, AFS 053
In the late summer of AFS 052, on August 28th, reports came in from all around Pha that an earthquake had occurred. Reporters in Barbaroy reported a tremor was felt throughout all districts. Several buildings collapsed, and almost one hundred were killed with hundreds suffering injuries. Kinsley confirmed the tremor, however suffered fewer deaths and injuries. In the weeks after the shock, more reports came in that the tremor was felt as far off as Jar, yet no one was injured. This followed similar claims from New Zeal and Greachen.
Some scientists from Barbaroy conducted an investigation of the mysterious tremor, tracking its wake on maps and graphs. Their conclusions led them to central Pha. An expedition was launched simultaneously from Kinsley and Barbaroy to the epicenter of the quake. Barbaroy was the first to arrive. The epicenter was located at the Hobgoblin Stonescourge stronghold. The devastation was unbelievable. The scientists continued their investigation further, while the Kinsley contingent arrived on the scene. The Kinsley diviners began researching, while the other mages attempted to pick up the pieces from what had already gone under investigation.
Nearly six months after the quake the Barbaroy scientists had claimed that they had located the cause of the quake felt round the world. Under a mass of stone, buried almost a mile underneath the surface of Xadune, weighing more than three metric tons overall, chunks of metal with high amounts of gunpowder residue were located. After further research the scientists suggestion that a bomb was planted into the goblin city that closed off many of the passageways, obliterated many of the subterranean goblin and stonescourge hobgoblin populations, and triggered the earthquake.
The Bureau of Archeological Research and Development has chosen to continue the investigation into this massive weapon, partially funded by the world government and other private organizations.
We of compassion feel sorry for those that suffered loss on this fateful day, especially for the Stonescourge and the Subterranean Goblins and will forever remember this day as the Day a bomb shook the world.