The Great Divide

After the Grim Covenant was complete, the Baronies retreated within themselves for generations. No trade, conflict or official contact of any kind was experienced for approximately 80 years. In the political arena, the Baronies had weary eyes and only rare backdoor diplomacy.

On the social side, the Baronies used this time of peace and isolation to cement their unique values, develop their cultures, improve their crafts and strengthen their fighting forces. This era marked the true start of specialization. Mastery of skills such as information gathering, archaeology, crafting and construction became highly valued and the target of major investment. Scholars and explorers were given funds to find and delve into ancient ruins in search of knowledge and magic to augment the inherent lack of numbers. Master craftsmen created sharper weapons, sturdy defenses and reliable tools. Practitioners of magic, rare as they were, were cultivated with care and freedom of creativity.

The hierarchy of governments was also clearly defined during this era, which likewise took the route of efficiency. Excess lords and vassals, along with their holdings, were systematically dismantled. The recaptured resources were used to invest in the early stages of today's elite combat groups and also gave birth to the Arae.