Age of Awakening

## The Age of Awakening

### Cultural Influences

This epoch was marked by a profound connection between the divine and the mortal realms. The stories and legends of this era were not just tales but reflections of a deeper truth where gods warred and mortals stood as their champions. Tales tell of chosen champions of this age and avatars of the gods, the "Dreamweavers", whose exploits were interwoven with divine will.

* **Divine Festivals:** Celebrations were held in honor of the gods, with rituals and performances that depicted the legendary feats of the Dreamweavers and other god-touched heroes.
* **Artistic Legacy:** Art from this period often depicted scenes of divine intervention and mythical battles, serving as a testament to the era's close ties with the gods.

### Technological Advancements

Though technology was in its nascent stages, the Age of Awakening saw the creation of divinely inspired artifacts and constructs. These items often bore magical properties bestowed by the gods or discovered through divine revelations.

* **Godly Artifacts:** Weapons, armor, and tools imbued with divine magic were common, each carrying a fragment of its patron deity’s power.
* **Sacred Structures:** Temples and monuments built during this era were not just architectural feats but also focal points of divine energy, often playing crucial roles in the rituals and festivals.

### Societal Norms

In a society deeply influenced by the divine, the line between myth and reality was blurred. Mortals sought to embody the virtues of their patron deities, aspiring to be chosen as champions.

* **Guilds of the Chosen:** Organizations resembling guilds or orders were formed, each dedicated to a specific deity, training and preparing their members for divine missions or the Festival of Ascension.
* **Everyday Divinity:** Common folk lived their lives under the guidance of divine teachings, with local priests and oracles serving as the bridge between the gods and mortals.

### Government and Politics

Leaders and rulers often claimed divine endorsement, with their authority being seen as an extension of their deity’s will. Political decisions and strategies were heavily influenced by religious doctrines and divine omens.

* **Rule by Divine Mandate:** Monarchs and council leaders were often those believed to be chosen by the gods, either through prophecy or divine signs.
* **Councils of Diviners:** Advisors to the rulers were typically seers, priests, and mages, individuals who could interpret the will of the gods and guide governance according to divine visions.

### Global Impact and the Festival of Ascension

The Festival of Ascension was not merely a tournament but a divine event, commissioned by the gods of Astraeon. It was the ultimate test of skill, wisdom, and favor in the eyes of the divine.

* **Divine Competition:** Champions representing different gods and realms gathered to ascend the Tower of Ascension, each level a trial set by the gods.
* **Blessings and Trials:** The challenges within the Tower were believed to be manifestations of the gods’ will, with each stratum reflecting the aspects of the deities involved.
* **The Divine Wish:** The true successor, upon reaching the summit, was granted a wish - a boon of immense power, bestowed by the gods themselves.
* **Legacy of Champions:** Those who ascended the Tower, whether or not they reached the summit, often became legendary figures, their stories told for generations.

## The End of An Age

As the Age of Awakening reached its zenith, the very fabric of the world began to shift, heralding an end to an era defined by divine influence and legendary feats. This period, rich in myth and magic, was slowly drawing to a close, paving the way for a new epoch in the annals of history.

### The Diminishing Divine Presence

In the twilight years of the Age of Awakening, the once ubiquitous presence of the gods began to wane, starting with the removal of Ygg'Athan, the Eternal Tree of Harmony, from the tangible realm. With it, the voices of the dieties, which had guided and shaped the destinies of mortals, grew fainter. Temples that once thrummed with divine power became silent, and the oracles, once clear conduits of celestial will, found their visions clouding. It was as if the gods, in their infinite wisdom, were stepping back, leaving the realm of mortals to find their path.

### The Final Festival of Ascension

The last Festival of Ascension became the epoch’s grand finale, a tournament so magnificent and profound that it transcended all that had come before. Champions from realms near and far gathered for what was to be the ultimate test of valor and wit. As the final champion ascended, their wish, imbued with the cumulative hope and dreams of an era, echoed through the cosmos. This wish, shrouded in mystery, is said to have brought about a change so profound that it marked the end of the gods' direct involvement in mortal affairs.

### Cosmic and Planar Shifts

As the gods receded, a cosmic event of unparalleled magnitude occurred – a realignment of the planes. This celestial upheaval altered the flow of magic, transforming the very essence of spellcraft and mysticism. The age-old rituals and practices of the Dreamweavers and their ilk, once potent and vibrant, began to fade, giving way to new forms of magic and exploration.

### The Rise of Mortal Autonomy

In the vacuum left by the diminishing divine presence, new ideologies emerged, championing the power of mortal agency and self-reliance. Philosophers and scholars debated the nature of fate and destiny, gradually shifting societal values towards autonomy and personal responsibility. This ideological evolution set the stage for an era where mortals would shape their destiny, unaided by divine decree.

### Legacy and Transition

As the age waned, there was a concerted effort to preserve its wisdom and knowledge. Great libraries were established, and orders of sages and historians were formed, dedicated to keeping the flame of the Age of Awakening alive. These repositories of knowledge became the bedrock for future generations, bridging the gap between the old world and the new.

### Dawn of a New Age

With the end of the Age of Awakening, the stage was set for the emergence of a new era. This new age was built on the foundations of its predecessor but looked forward with a different vision. It was an era poised to explore new horizons, driven by the evolving spirit of Astraeon’s inhabitants.