994 - The Duchy of Ivrin is thrown into chaos as the warring houses of Starkweather and Bloodstone seek to gain the throne left vacant by the untimely death of Duke Meriwether. The House of Bloodstone, in a lightning campaign, quickly destroys both the political and military power of House Starkweather. 999 - Duke Gregory of Ivrin concludes a military alliance with the stronger orc and goblin tribes in the lands west of the Trin River. 1000 - In Ivrin, Duke Gregory institutes a new, oppresive government. Orc and goblin mercenaries join the army as they enforce martial law in the cities.
Opposition groups form almost overnight.
1003 - In the city of Numenor, a large opposition group calling itself the Society of the Rose is infiltrated and betrayed to the military governor. For twelve days, the streets run red with the blood of those executed. 1009 - The compass is rediscovered. 1011 - The astrolabe is rediscovered. Along with the compass, this allows ships to sail beyond the sight of land.