Spoilers Years 3201-3700
Summary: The corruption accelerates, but slowly enough that each generation normalizes what would have shocked their grandparents. The kingdoms develop serious problems:
Aelarion’s sophisticated diplomatic culture grows indulgent in some circles. Scandals multiply. Kingdom of Vanguard Reach’s strength-worship edges toward brutality, military discipline becomes aggression. Kingdom of Lenthir’s agricultural abundance shifts from generosity to hoarding mentality. Caernast’s commercial ethics erode toward pure profit motive. Khalgrod Deep’s clan disputes intensify dangerously. The Greenfell withdraws from continental affairs entirely.
But each problem is explained away. Aelarion’s scandals are “sophisticated people being sophisticated.” Verdant Reach’s aggression is “maintaining strength.” Lenthir’s hoarding is “responsible management.” Caernast’s ruthlessness is “competitive business.” Khalgrod’s feuds are “honor matters.” Greenfell’s isolation is “protecting our way of life.”
The Heptarchy of the Damned doesn’t cause these problems directly, they nurture them. Midas Ashworth advises on profit maximization in Caernast and elsewhere. Scarlett Lovejoy orchestrates romantic entanglements that destroy alliances in Aelarion’s circles. Castor Hollowmere hosts elaborate feasts that celebrate excess in Lenthir. Ivy Blackwater breeds resentment and competition in magical colleges and military academies. General Ares Cindermoor keeps historical grudges alive in martial cultures. Lysander Restwell promotes “careful consideration” that becomes paralysis. Lady Narcissa Ravencrown works everywhere, making people too proud to admit problems.
Each kingdom’s problems are seen as internal political issues, not coordinated corruption. The Tribunal of Balance investigates when asked and finds no The Covenant of Divine Order violations. The Heptarchy aren’t divine beings, just influential mortals.
Maethys (The Underdark) stirs in the deep places. Passages that were sealed open again. Miners report whispers. But these reports are dismissed as superstition or natural phenomena.
Key Developments:
- Each kingdom develops serious problems over these centuries
- Changes attributed to politics and social trends, not corruption
- The Heptarchy operates through influence and advice, seen as helpful
- Maethys begins waking, passages opening
- Approximately 33% of The Nyx now allied with Zoroth
- Tribunal finds no violations because technically there aren’t any
- Some aware individuals notice patterns but are dismissed
- Inter-kingdom relations become tense over “normal” disputes