Eras of Ruartei

Overview of Eras Since The Great Star Storm

The historians of Ruartei split the years since The Great Star Storm into four distinct eras: the Exploration Age (EA), the Imperialist Age (IA), The Rebuilding (RB), and the current age — the Grand Society (GS).

Exploration Age

The Exploration Age starts with the Great Star Storm and ends 6415 years later. During this time the space faring peoples of Ruartei explore this area of the galaxy, discover new worlds, resources, and other peoples.

This age consists of uncounted events showing the fluctuating advancement and decline of multitudes of civilizations formed by the diverse peoples of Ruartei. Governments rise and fall. Cultures are born, change, and sometimes die. Trade routes and alliances are established. Wars, conflicts, and hostilities begin and end or last for generations. Eventually powerful and imperalistic alliances exert control and establish relative peace and stability.

Imperialist Age

The Imperalist Age is characterized by expansionism, colonialism, and imperalism and marks the reign of The Imperium. Lasting 1565 years, this age ends shortly after the collapse of the interstellar economic system following the disastrous Invasion of the Surnay.

From among the many technologically advanced space-faring peoples of Ruartei Space, The Imperium forms and spreads its influence and control over the majority the worlds. Within The Imperium, Caelus and its sister world, Tellus, outmaneuver the other powerful worlds and install their monarchy and court as the Grand Ruler and Imperial Court. Eventually, decadence and complacency set in, leading to a slow and incompetent response to the Surnay Invasion. During the chaos following the war, major worlds and many central worlds are exhausted and overextended from the war effort. They blame The Imperium for the economic collapse and withdraw their support. Its power and influence diminishes, resulting in its official demise.

The Rebuilding

A few years after the Imperialist Age ends, the leading worlds of Ruartei begin the long and slow process of rebuilding interstellar commerce and society. They primarily focus on patrolling trade routes, reconnecting with minor worlds and major colonies, establishing favorable and profitable relationships, and forming a stable social structure. This period, known as The Rebuilding, is often interrupted by wars, disasters, and unsuccessful attempts to return to imperialism. Eventually, 465 years later, it results in the Grand Bargain which establishes both a stable interstellar community and a consortium-style governance, purportedly impartial but still based on ingrained imperialist ideals.

Grand Society

The central and major worlds sign the Grand Bargain treaty, establishing the Grand Society with consortium-style governance. They formally select the Ruartei calendar as the common calendar and choose the first day of the Ruartei year for the official inauguration and celebration. (They agree to continue using the Juridical calendar for various legal and contractural matters.)

Although there is no ruling star system, The Caelum, a confederation containing many of the most power star systems from The Imperium, assumes overall leadership and establishes its own class-conscious culture as the primary standard for societal behavior. The old Imperial Court, located on Vecu in the Caelus star system, becomes the Grand Society's political and economic center.

Key Juridical Dates

1.1.1 JS Exploration Age begins
3999.14.24 JS Exploration Age ends
3999.14.25 JS Imperialist Age begins
4477.12.13 JS Imperialist Age ends
4477.12.14 JS The Rebuilding begins
4738.8.17 JS The Rebuilding ends
4738.8.18 JS Grand Society begins