Matters of Nations

The defining factor of the Imperial Age is not Eshanic intervention, nor is it malignant Vojûnic activity, but rather the creation of stable nation-states that persist for unprecedented centuries. It is a stark contrast with the realms of epochs past, which rose and fell with the same irregularity as the winds blow to and fro. Technological and cultural developments came into existence during this time that surpass the achievements of the past. Stability introduced sophisticated economic systems that broke from the barter trade of the tribal peoples; educational institutions spread to enlighten more individuals than ever before, albeit the wealthy before the poor; and cities expanded into habitable hubs of trade and local activity, rather than the cesspools of disease and poverty as once described. These were boons of the aforementioned stability of political entities in Qadal. The eminent importance of describing matters of nations is to highlight the extraordinary existence of this status quo. Indeed, ‘nations’ of this scale or profusion were entirely unknown for the previous 10,000 years of olûndari existence. Civilization was once an embattled patchwork of political and Eshanic allegiances, apt to invade and decimate once another in vicious wars of an existentially threatening character.

The nations that exist in the Imperial Era are the keepers of this prosperity. That is the reasoning behind the title of the era, for on each of the continents reign great empires. In Everos, the Ghetunbalastod ast Corgastor rules as overlord, controlling all but the farthest fringes. Othos boasted the great Eurobasar Empire, which ruled over centuries of expansion and glory. It suffered collapse at the hands of the rebellious Lohasars and Vestanir in 3397, angered by the policies of the late Tressonar Ayermar Mitras. Yet, memory recounts the astounding 1500 years of united rule for that disunified continent. In Nevan, the fall of the Draconic Theocracy led to the rise of the Neyasi republics. They quarrel among themselves in ways truly befitting the new era, not with blades and fire, but with plots and schemes. All the same, they forged the Neyasi Trade Alliance, which flourishes as trade passes between the islands. At its heart sits the megalith of Gesinya, a city built upon an island no longer visible beneath the marble with towering over it. These changes are unlike anything seen before in history.
Nations and laws reign in this era, but not true peace. In eons past things had been simple, the man standing against you with sword in hand was an enemy. Those who dishonored you were enemies. Those who you trusted were friends. Violence reigned, as once stated, but the opportunity for greatness and improvement loomed distant like the conclusion of a difficult journey. It was possible to achieve and an objective to strive toward. Now all is shrouded with uncertainty. Enemies take on new faces, as friends and allies, keeping themselves hidden until they can strike. Indeed, the dangers to these global empires are more fearsome than ever. By the era's beginning in 2304, Qadal's bloodiest war was past, for nothing to compare to the devastation of the Great Conflict, but geopolitical competition took form in other manners. Rulers play the game of courts and diplomacy to strike a precarious balance between the old glory of conquest and the desired peace of stability and order.
Despite the numerous opportunities for war and sudden collapse, the Imperial era is remembered fonted in the works of historians. Throughout that immense span of time, the three major empires of Qadal remained broadly peaceful with one another. Strange inventions such as papers of passage between countries became commonplace among notables and traders. Normalized travel meant the systematic crackdown on banditry and other dishonorable practices, making travel from one end of Qadal to the other a consistently safe endeavor for the first time in history.