Ages
From Thought Police Interactive Fiction
An Age is an approximate period of time, usually in reference to a period when magic and supernatural beings are dominant. Ages are sometimes overlapping, with indistinct boundaries between Ages.
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Ages and time
Ages do not exactly match up with periods of human history, but rather roughly correspond to them. The corresponding human events can be "muddled" and/or "out of order" compared to the normal understanding of history. It is not so much that the recounting of the Ages and human history are contradictory, but rather a sign that the Reborn experience time and history on a large scale in a different way from normal people. Also remember that the Reborn, including knights, are creatures of high philosophy, devout mysticism and legendary myth. Their paradigm, their worldview and reality, is simply different. The exact order of events and their place in history are much less important than the place of events in legend and faith.
Known Ages
Age of the First War
Placed at the very beginning of human civilization. Very little is known of this Age, except that it was marked by a vicious war between the earliest of the Reborn and a later generation. It is believed that the common Indo-European myth of old gods coming into conflict with newer gods<ref>Such as the Norse Aesir and Venir, or the Greek Titans and Olympians.</ref> is based upon fragmented recollections and stories of the First War. The end of Harrapan Valley civilization in the Indian subcontinent is believed to mark the end of this Age.
Age of Rivers and Sand
Especially notable in early Egyptian and Sumer-Babylonian history. Believed to be the root of Western mystery religion and sorcery myth. The Tombknockers and House Viridis claim to have their origin in this Age. Said to have lasted until the Middle Kingdom of Egypt. Solomon and Gael Chu are believed to have become immortals at the end of this Age, marking them as the oldest of the deathless active in the modern age.
Age of Oracles
Particular notable in early Greek and prosperous Judean history. Believed to be responsible for the proliferation of oracles and prophets throughout the Mediterranean region during the period. House Templar claims its origins lie in this Age, founded by Solomon. The destruction of Solomon's temple and the Hebrew exile into Babylon is usually considered the end of the Age. Some consider the period to have ended shortly before the return of the Hebrews to their homeland.
Age of Conquest
This age began shortly before the birth of Alexander the Great. It was marked by drastic wars and a rapid expansion of Hellenistic culture. The blindingly fast proliferation of Koine Greek is attributed to a failed attempt to unify the world. House Pendragon would dearly love to know if this is true, and who is responsible, for they see it as an ill-omen; an attempt to undo God's work at Babel. This Age is generally considered to have ended around the fall of the Roman Republic and rise of the Empire.
Age of Roads
This Age rose with the rise of the Roman Empire. Associated with a significant increase in the role and complexity of government. The Engineers lay claim to their origin in this period, taking credit for the Roman works. This Age is believed to have ended after the reign of Constantine.
Age of Riders
This Age emerged after the fall of Rome and was defined by the struggle between old traditions and the spreading influence of Christianity. Houses Pendragon and Morrigan famously arose in this age. The Free Knights rose to prominence in this Age, sitting among the noble orders. After Arthur and Mordred slew each other, and were taken to Avalon, Lancelot ruled with the might of Excalibur and his son ruling without it after Lancelot vanished. After this, Camelot ceased and the Age came to an end.
The Dark Years
- See also: Dark Years inscriptions
For some centuries, but a few were Reborn at a time and those that were suffered horribly from ill omens and hideous visions. The tiny number of immortals not lost to the wilds or death-slumber left inscriptions proclaiming that two Ages failed to arise because of some great spiritual wound. Most inscriptions left in the modern day are incomplete. No immortal can remember what happened to them in that Age, or at least none will admit it.
Age of Secrets
This Age is known for its great advances in philosophy and the proliferation of mysticism. The Phantom Edge claims to have its roots in this age, saying they are responsible for the profusion of alchemical and Kabbalistic texts at that time. Very little is known about this Age, except that all of the orders appeared in forms and names distinct from those that came before or after. Some of the magi have said it was a period of adjustment, the cycle trying to reestablish itself after a period of disruption. A common legend states that Lancelot returned with Excalibur in this period to force the rise of a new Age. Some variations claim the Fisher King summoned Lancelot and the blade to awake from their death-slumber, and together they triggered a Rebirth.
Age of Hate
The rise of this Age devastated the shining foundations of the last. Two Houses alone were the noble orders of this time: The Regulators and the Scourge. Though it is generally believed that these orders were solely the creation of this twisted Age, some rumor that they were incarnations of Pendragon and Morrigan, respectively. Infamous for the Inquisition, and even moreso for slaughter of magi and fae by their knightly and noble "brethren" of the Regulators and the Scourge. Some knights and nobles fear the retribution of the will-workers and the Muse's children for what their predecessors did in this age.
The Silent Years
After the end of the last Age, a sort of silence fell upon the world. Occasionally, knights awoke and were great men and women. The immortals who were not in death-slumber mostly stayed to the far corners of the earth or immersed themselves in the seething sea of humanity as just another face in the crowd. Those few Reborn active in this age simply felt numb or disconnected, Many tried seeking after visions and clues, but none left any record of discovery. Few to no magi discovered their mystical potential in this time. The fae were near-completely absent, hidden in the wild places and "away to Arcadia, in the spaces between spaces". These years were simply silent.
Age of Lightning
The current Age, marked by the rise of Avalon. This is the first Age since the Age of Riders where Avalon has revealed itself. Many herald this as a sign that the cycle of Ages has finally corrected itself. None too few express a sense of dread, noting the war that began the Age, the absence of Excalibur, the forceful return of the magi and fae, and many other signs. Additionally, many are unsure of what their purpose is in this strange Age ... there are no demon hordes, the angels have not delivered a holy quest, this is not a time of lawlessness, no obvious signs of the apocalypse show themselves ... almost as though despite the clamor of the Rebirth, that the world around them is still in the Silent Years. Everyone is looking for answers to this Age and the one to come.
Notes
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