Era 10: The Time of Prophecy Year 9980 - Onward

Foretold Events and Prophecies: Signs and omens foretell significant events or impending cataclysms. Societies grapple with cryptic prophecies, seeking to decipher and prepare for looming portents. Amidst these premonitions, an ominous shadow looms from the conflict with Zhdan.   Conflict with Zhdan: A devastating conflict erupts between Nordrest and Zhdan, sparked by misunderstandings and provocations. Prophecies hint at the significance of this clash, hinting at an alignment with foretold events.   The Battle of 500 and Its Aftermath: The Battle of 500, a pivotal engagement, unfolds in the north, claiming many lives. Its impact echoes in the prophecies, embedding the conflict's legacy within the foreseen future.   Mystical Portents and Imminent Change: Oracles and seers interpret mystical portents, linking the conflict's aftermath to forthcoming changes or disruptions. Prophecies converge, hinting at a time of upheaval and transformation, leaving societies in anticipation and uncertainty about what's to come.   This period of prophecy intertwines with the conflict with Zhdan, with omens and visions intertwining with the ongoing events, hinting at the conflict's profound implications and its alignment with future foretold occurrences.   Over the previous decades, the North Eastern kingdom has increasingly looked to the west. The flat, fertile plains leave them vulnerable and so they are fiercely defended, not with arms in the traditional sense, but with advanced weaponry and technology that hold their main rivals, the Nordrestians at bay.   The Ice Ocean to the north is impossible to pass effectively. The main trading route for the North Eastern Kingdom is through the straits controlled by Nordrestia or south through the Golden Pass. Neither is ideal and so the North Eastern Kingdom (Zhdan or the Zhdanese) plotted to use their technology and land forces to conquer the Nordrestian empire.   They were partly successful.   The dowager of the current Kharzak (emperor) raised him from a very early age to be emperor. He spent much of his childhood fascinated with the technologies of the rival empires in the west and has since led the empire through a rapid revolution in technology. It is rumoured he spent much of his youth touring the shipyards and smithies of the west, searching for ship building technology, knowing it was his nation’s weakness.   As such, they were the first to develop airship technology. A technology that has led to a scramble of spies and traders, more than the empire can handle. The new technology, meant to be a leveler in the balance of power in the continent, has further upset the balance, leading to an overwhelming interest in the new technology. Ironically, defeat against Nordrestia, led to the leaking of the airship technology to their rivals, who have been quick to adapt the technology to their own interests.   The airship technology has several main purposes:

Transportation over long distances/ difficult terrain. Especially necessary for Zhdan, with huge stretches of the empire being inhospitable and hard to navigate.

Trade with other nations safely – by being in the air, it keeps products safely away from pirates and thieves.

Reconnaissance – airships give unprecedented advantage when viewing the terrain from above.

Exploration – the exploration of the Desert Lands to the south and across the Sunset Ocean may now be possible.

Warfare – while use in warfare has yet to be tested, they provide a great opportunity for bombings, troop movements. Their lack of finesse means they have yet to be a gamechanger in warfare, however. They can be vulnerable at low altitudes.

17 years ago – Invasion of Nordrest. Battle of 500   10 years ago – End of Northern War.   Airship technology in its infancy – too early to be used in warfare. Some engineers captured by Nordrest and used to develop technology for Nordrest. Led to an arms race. Nordrest, however, lacks the raw materials of Zhdan. Means their airship technology is limited. Increases the importance of the North Western kingdom and exploration south of the desert lands for any raw materials.   3 years ago – Rebellion in Nordrest. Slowed the development of airship technology. Oskuldur sent on exploration mission south of the desert lands in new airship. Returned as the uprising ends.