Matters of Empire

The Twilight era stands apart from times previous and future as a crossroads of history. In this period, realms flourished which exceeded all historical precedent, save ancient Étunas. Corgastor’s domain, the Eurobasar sovereignty of Othos, and the Axodraharik realm of Yor’shagon all exploded onto the Qadayen stage around the same time- between 1150 and 1450. Discussing these things in chronological terms is the matter discussed above. What is important to explore in detail is what this sudden explosion of empires means and what factors were evident in their birth.

Foremost, the world evolved from one dominated by brave figures and rash actions to one bound to predictable action by SYSTEMS. New systems of government, economics, and religion each hemmed in the hithero wild nature of Qadal. In a certain, strange sense, the rise of numerous global empires compelled olundi to operate more like the Eshan, so bound by the Eshanic Mandate, by themselves being bound to treaties. The Corgastodmar could not just assail the Elivas, lest the Eurobasar invade, or the Axodraharik attack the Etayen without the Corgastodmar becoming involved. The list continues, but suffice to say that worldly forces now imposed checks and balances on one another to create a novel sense of stability. This was fine for the Eshan. It allowed them to secure and expand their faithful masses without numerous opportunities to be interrupted therein.

Equally important is that the peaceful conditions exhibited in Qadal helped to develop a greater sense of “worldly” identity. An Aemar or Etayen or Elivas or Odyrzid or Daorhu could look at themselves as denizens of Qadal, being unique and separate from distant Voryndal and sharing certain traditions. This was notable then, but far more important later during the chaotic years of the Second Feud. Olundi in Qadal now possessed an identity as Qadayen and desired to protect that domain from outsiders seeking to alter or destroy their greater half.