Present Age

The Present Age is the third era in the timeline of the Eternal Universe, following the Age of Eternals. It began in the aftermath of the Calamity and extends to the present day. This era is defined by the long process of rebuilding, the formation of new civilizations, the discovery of magic, and the rise and fall of powerful empires. On Leo, the first communities emerged, leading to a series of conflicts that shaped the political landscape, culminating in the formation of the Aurelian Empire.

Rebuilding After the Calamity

In the centuries following the Calamity, the mortal races found themselves alone in a fractured world. With The Seven imprisoned in the Eternal Plane and the cosmic order forever altered, societies had to rebuild without divine guidance. The early years of the Present Age were marked by survival, as scattered groups of mortals sought to reclaim what was lost and establish new settlements. The remnants of the old world became the foundation for the first cities, where knowledge, magic, and governance gradually resurfaced.

Key Events of the Present Age

Discovery of Magic (150 AC)

The first major breakthrough of the Present Age came with the discovery of magic. Around 150 AC, the Magisters observed that certain mortals were capable of manipulating Eternal Essence, channeling it into powerful spells. This realization changed the course of history, as magic became a tool for both creation and destruction. Over time, schools of magic formed, training new generations of spellcasters and expanding the limits of what mortals could achieve.

Foundation of Heartspire (183 AC)

With the gradual stabilization of mortal societies, the first great city, Heartspire, was founded in 183 AC. A collaborative effort between elves and humans, Heartspire was built in the continent of Aural, in the eastern region of Leo. It became a center of culture, knowledge, and governance, attracting scholars, artisans, and warriors alike. The city’s towering spires and enchanted halls symbolized a new beginning for civilization in the Present Age.

Birth of the Aurelian Empire (270 AC)

By 270 AC, Heartspire had grown into the dominant power of Aural. Under the leadership of the elf Aure, a unifying force emerged, leading to the establishment of the Aurelian Empire. Aure was elected to power and brought together the fragmented territories of Aural and Dunelar, creating the first large-scale empire of the Present Age. The Aurelian Empire quickly expanded, enforcing order through military strength and political alliances.

First Imperial Civil War (395 AC - 401 AC)

Despite its rapid rise, the Aurelian Empire soon faced internal strife. By 395 AC, tensions between the ruling class and the enslaved races reached a breaking point. A rebellion erupted, supported by liberal elves and humans who opposed the empire’s oppressive policies. The war lasted six years, and by 401 AC, the rebellion succeeded in securing independence for the former enslaved populations.

Many outcasts fled westward to the continent of Drakthar, deep in the western lands of Leo, where they established the city of Drak. Others remained in Dunelar, living as isolated communities in the harsh desert, far from the empire’s reach.

Second Imperial Civil War (469 AC - 476 AC)

The next great upheaval came in 469 AC when Lucian Mordrake, a powerful warlord, discovered an Eternal Shard. Using its immense power, he declared himself the rightful emperor, challenging the ruling dynasty. The war that followed was devastating, as Mordrake’s newfound abilities made him nearly unstoppable. Despite fierce resistance, he claimed the imperial throne in 476 AC, reshaping the Aurelian Empire under his rule.

Birth of The Alliance (476 AC)

Mordrake’s rise to power forced those still loyal to the old imperial lineage to flee. In 476 AC, the remaining loyalists retreated to the northwest, where they formed a new faction known as the Alliance. Seeking refuge far from the empire’s grasp, they established a stronghold in the frozen continent of Frostheir, near the planet’s northern pole.

Creation of Frosthelm (483 AC)

By 483 AC, the exiled Aurelians had fully settled in Frostheir, constructing the city of Frosthelm. Built in the harsh northern tundra, Frosthelm became the capital of the Alliance and a symbol of resilience. Though isolated, it served as a beacon of defiance against Mordrake’s rule, and its people continued to prepare for the possibility of reclaiming their lost lands.

The Current State of the Present Age

The Present Age remains a time of uncertainty and shifting power. While the Aurelian Empire continues to dominate much of Leo, The Alliance stands as a formidable opposition. Magic has become an integral part of society, shaping both daily life and military conflicts. Meanwhile, ancient relics from the Age of Eternals continue to surface, hinting at secrets yet to be uncovered.

The future of the Eternal Universe is unwritten, and the Present Age is still unfolding. Whether through war, diplomacy, or discovery, the actions of today will shape the course of history for generations to come.