The Desolation refers to an event exactly 104 years ago where a great white burst of light came forth from the pinnacle of The Desolate Tower and blasted away the Magic Quarter, killing the vast majority of the Melokai and changing the world. In response to this horrible event, the Stoutsmen began the Inquisition - hunting down every remaining sorcerer or magical practitioner they could find. This has proven to be no easy task, as many escape to Rodash or more remote locations.
