The Cataclysm was the decisive victory of Sorimmar, which caused the Ravinian Empire to collapse and forced western civilization into an age of anarchy.
The Cataclysm is regarded as the single most destructive event in the history of Corwyn.
The event is sometimes called the "War of the Cataclysm," which lasted from 621 to 625/5 between the Ravinian Empire, a rebellious Gwynnish army led by Malachar Vilmartine, and an alliance of Drakhara, Vilzar, Üthrar, Kurand, and Thûle.
The war began with the murder of the Empress Ravinia, the theft of the Orenthir, and the simultaneous invasion of the Empire from the north, east, and south. Within a few weeks, the capital of Arynäe was besieged and sacked.
After their initial victories, the armies of Sorimmar had less success. His army’s attempts to breach the Melinar Forest were unsuccessful, and in the south, his siege of Eldarand and Rin Falar failed as well. Over the next several months, the armies of Drakhara marched west until they were stopped along the eastern banks of the Eldir Vaas by Imperial forces and their dwarvish allies at the bloody battle of Fessenden.
Over the next three years, Sorimmar’s armies were forced back until they were annihilated at the Battle of Harkalad. During this final battle, Sorimmar and his allies were ultimately defeated but the Empire was destroyed and an age of anarchy fell upon the West.
This terrible war not only ended the Ravinian Empire, but destroyed seven royal bloodlines as well.
The following seven Kings were slain in the War of the Cataclysm: