During the Cataclysm, the far Northern areas are spared the worst of the earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that shattered most of the continents to the South. The people of the mining settlement, like most of the survivors swear eternal fealty to the Immortal Emperor in exchange for his magical protection from the legions of vengeful spirits and other horrors released upon the world. The safeguarded settlements salvage what they can from the ruins and begin the long process of rebuilding.