For a thousand years, the gods spoke through the oracles and directed the Domdur Empire's growth from a quiet little city-state to world government. It's hard to defeat people who really do have the gods advising them, and who are led into battle by a divinely-selected champion with supernatural abilities. Eventually, however, the world has been conquered and is at peace, and the gods decide their job is done. The oracles fall silent. The gods largely withdraw from direct contact with mortals, though Baranmel will still turn up at certain weddings and celebrations to drink the best beer and dance a few turns with the prettiest girls.
Nobody needs the divine champion around any more.
The gods still choose one anyway, just in case, but hardly anyone knows who or where.