Spoilers Years 1501-2000
Summary: Fifteen centuries of peace have made vigilance feel unnecessary. The Tribunal still meets, but investigations are perfunctory. Champions are selected based on political connections and family tradition—not because anyone is corrupt, but because when threats never materialize, why not reward loyalty and service?
Natural political tensions emerge: Caernast and Verdant Reach have trade disputes over tariffs, Lenthir’s mages compete for research grants, Khalgrod Deep clans argue over mining rights, but these are normal, manageable conflicts handled through established diplomatic channels. This is what healthy kingdom relations look like.
The kingdoms are at their geographical and cultural peak. Institutions are mature and stable. The arts reach new heights. Innovation continues. Life is genuinely good for most people.
The Second Era is now ancient history, studied by specialists. The Covenant of Divine Order is taught as “the system that ended divine wars,” not as an active defense requiring constant vigilance. The question shifts from “how do we prevent catastrophe?” to “how do we maintain prosperity?”
In Udugmar, Zoroth, the Hollow Prince completes the The Heptarchy of the Damned. Seven perfect beings, each embodying a fundamental vice, ready to be deployed. But still he waits. The world is not yet complacent enough.
Key Developments:
- Institutions remain functional but increasingly routine
- Natural political competition between kingdoms (healthy variety)
- Covenant viewed as permanent solution rather than active defense
- Champion system becomes hereditary/traditional rather than divinely guided
- Cultural memory of Second Era fades to academic knowledge
- Zoroth completes crafting the Heptarchy but keeps them in Udugmar