Year: 0 (3481 Galactic Standard Year)

It is assumed that our species arrived on Novum Domitros after a long and likely perilous journey through a Galaxy divided and in anarchy.

1-200

Historians describe these years as a “return to the dark ages”. Most of Novum society seems to have been restricted to smaller groups, villages, towns and regional cities.

Year: 279

The Resurgence was a period of cultural and economic renewal. The Confederation started out as an unofficial alliance, in the city-states of Mariavest (Modern day suburb of Martindale), Palatast (Modern day suburb of Leafside), and Meersoom (Modern day suburb of West Centrum). 

As the foremost nations of the so-called Aradhal Plains, these three cities were not only united in their trade and diplomacy, but also in their mutual defence against the dreaded Terrasullus tribes located south beyond the Terra Hills.

The first notions of the Confederation were led by the able King of Mariavest, Nirrum II. Under his watchful eye, diplomats and merchants worked to further the integration of the economies of Aradhal. Especially the abundant rare minerals of Palatast which brought much prosperity to the region, and the city was home to some of the foremost Mints of the world. Mariavest was the breadbasket of the entire region, known for its vast farmlands and agricultural innovation which stretched north towards the Bay of North Coast. Beyond this, Mariavest was one of the foremost military powers on the continent, with its extensive Royal Army and military academies. Meanwhile, Meersoom was home to the formidable University of Satu’Net, one of the most prestigious educational institutions on the planet. Furthermore, Meersoom stood at the confluence of the Aardin and Villasker rivers (later moved underground to support huge urban sprawl), offering ample space for ports and control of the waterways in the Central continent.

In 279, Nirrum II met with the oligarchic representatives of Palatast - known as the Council of Ten - and the Queen of Meersoom, Winanda. Together, they forged a new formal alliance, known then simply as the Confederation of States. This treaty not only solidified economic ties - such as the creation of a single currency and the elevation of the Bank of Palatast as a central bank - but also laid the foundation for a unified military. This was vital for the Confederation to repel the Terrasullus tribes from the south, securing the borders and ensuring peace and prosperity in the decades to come. 

In the two decades that followed, the Confederation gained shape. In 285, Nirrum’s son, Toton, instituted the first “Administrative Committee”, in which the representatives of all members were gathered to resolve disputes, declare laws, and sit in judgement. Over time, this committee evolved into one of an executive nature as well, strengthening regulations over trade, governing military affairs, and administrating foreign relations.

By 300, the Confederation had grown beyond its initial three members by the addition of multiple city-states. Raedal to the east (modern day suburb of East Centrum) renowned for its craftsmanship and production of luxury goods - especially ceramics and marble mined from the mountain further to the east - brought new prestige and cultural vibrancy. Integration took a long time, as the leaders of Raedal - the oligarchic Guild of Masters - were wary of losing their independence. But the promise of trade and the Confederation’s protection of its caravans persuaded their ascension.

The integration of the warrior cities of Lillal (later the town of North Coast) and Kasrut (later the town of Jasper) proved more challenging. These two cities, situated far north on the continent, had long been rivals and known for their fierce warrior traditions. Their reluctance to join the Confederation stemmed from a deep mistrust of external powers and a fiercely independent spirit. However, as a great north eastern threat from the Trinus tribes grew, both cities found themselves increasingly reliant on Confederation support to defend their vast northern territories. 

Through a combination of calculated diplomacy and strategic trade deals, the Confederation offered military aid. In 293, following a joint campaign to drive back a major Trinus tribe incursion, both Lillal and Kasrut formally joined the Confederation. Their formidable armies - Lillal's with their heavy cavalry and Kasrut's berserkers - became vital components of the Confederation's military strength. Both cities were ruled by Kings - Daren IV and Castan II, respectively - which saw the Committee be titled in the direction of authoritative representatives, a point of contention for several decades.

Year: 321

The Confederation was opposed, starting in 295, by the rise of the Visus Empire, separated from the continent by the Western Straight. This powerful naval empire of Visus was created by the formidable Razzan Taalf, the former Khan of the Ventinians, a nomadic people that dominated the southern peninsula of Yark. Razzan sacked the two major cities of Kasalin (modern day South Primus) and Olvana (modern day suburb of Sunnydale) - in 306, establishing his new capital in the latter under the name of Razzan. The following years, Razzan expanded his military force by utilizing the economic power of old Olvana, which had been the foremost source of iron and bronze production in the world. In 318, he expanded his empire towards the border city-states known collectively as the ‘Six Sisters’. 

This brought huge economic growth to Razzan’s new empire. It was in 320 that the emperor launched into the open waters of the Westen Straight and sailed towards the mainland. The sacking of Darkmere (modern day West Town) was the first indication on the mainland of a great threat. It was at least two years later after huge raids as far inland as Palatast that the Visus Empire besieged the capital city of Meersoom. 

Razzan, with his nomadic origins, prided his military philosophy, emphasizing mobility, unpredictability and total war. His armies, composed of his Visus cavalry, was supplemented by Kasalin infantry and the dreaded Ventinian siege engineers.

Razzan’s tactics were devastating: using deception, setting the city on fire with his catapults, and massacring the population. The city, renowned for its academia, was looted, and thousands of people were enslaved. 

The Confederation convened an emergency council, wherein King Nirrum III led a call for the mobilization of the Confederation Army. With the combination of Mariavest’s ample infantry, Lillal’s heavy cavalry, Kasrut’s shock troops, and Palatast’s Army, the Confederation lacked the numeric advantage, but had much more disciplined and trained soldiers. The Confederation left the bulk of the army to a formidable general from Kasrut: IIena Varrik. She was one of the best generals of her generation, and perhaps one of the few on par with Razzan.

The first major clash of the war came in the Battle of Sarand in 322. Razzan attempted to seize control of the strategic crossings of key trading routes between Meersoom and Palatast.  Varrik staged a daring ambush using artillery and infantry. There were significant losses on both sides, with the dreaded Visus cavalry charging into the Mariavest soldiers. But despite their numerical superiority, the Visus Imperials were forced to retreat, as the Confederate forces held the trade crossing for several days. This was the first victory for the Confederation, but Razzan did not relent.

Razzan’s adaptability and military might was on full display at the Battle of Venail in 325. General Ilena Varrik sought to halt the Visus advance by utilizing the thick forest to their advantage. However Razzan’s cunning and mastery of unconventional tactics turned the tide in his favor. Instead of a direct assault, he utilized guerilla tactics: deploying light cavalry and archers to feign attacks on Confederate defence lines, while his main forces stayed close to enemy lines, scouting and identifying gaps in defenses. As night fell, Razzan’s troops launched small, targeted raids to sow confusion. 

Using incendiary siege engines, he set the forest ablaze. As the dawn neared, he launched a coordinated assault. He sent waves of lightly armored infantry to engage the defenders head-on, drawing the Confederation forces out of their defenses. As the defenders focused on repelling these attacks, Razzan’s elite cavalry struck from behind, having quietly maneuvered through the forest during the night. The Confederation forces, caught between the collapsing defenses and the Visus cavalry, were thrown into disarray. Varrik attempted to rally her troops, leading a charge with Lillal’s heavy cavalry, but Razzan had anticipated this. Using spike traps and archers, he decimated the charging knights. Commander Varrik herself was gravely wounded and captured during the melee, further demoralizing the Confederation army. The Confederation suffered a catastrophic defeat. Over half their army was killed, and the remaining troops retreated in chaos toward Palatast. 

Varrik was captured, and imprisoned. Razzan paraded her before his troops in Razzan, later declaring his city Visus Primus. Despite her wounds and humiliation, Ilena became a symbol of the Confederation’s darkest hour. In the months that followed, Varrik was held as a prisoner of war in the Visus stronghold of Shanal Knos, deep within Imperial territory. While many Confederation leaders considered her a lost cause, Queen Winanda, a personal friend and ally of Varrik, refused to abandon hope. Winanda secretly dispatched a team of spies to infiltrate the Visus lands and orchestrate Varrik’s escape. Varrik, however, had her own plans. Using her keen tactical mind, she exploited the arrogance of her captors, sowing discord among the Visus guards and gathering intelligence on their movements. 

When a Confederation spy reached her disguised as a Visus merchant, Varrik orchestrated a daring escape. Under the cover of a stormy night, she and a small group of loyal Confederation operatives slipped out of Shanal Khos. They navigated treacherous terrain and hostile patrols, eventually reaching the relative safety of the Kasrutian Hills. Though physically weakened, Varrik returned to the Confederation onboard a merchant fishing vessel. Varrik’s wealth of intelligence on Razzan’s strategies, industry and people, would prove instrumental in the later stages of the war. 

Most troubling for the Confederation was the Siege of Palatast in 326-327. Determined to cripple the Confederation’s naval and economic power, Razzan laid siege to Palatast, using dreaded trebuchets and incendiary tactics. The city, while protected by stone walls and a determined population, held out for nearly a year. Queen Winanda, elderly by now, coordinated the defenses alongside Admiral Jorak Tanis. 

At this critical juncture, Varrik volunteered for the dangerous mission of rallying reinforcements. In her absence, the Siege raged. Razzan ordered his engineers to construct massive siege towers, and his artillery bombarded the walls day and night. The Visus navy blockaded nearby harbours, cutting off vital supplies and isolating the city from the rest of the Confederation. Inside the city, Admiral Tanis directed a desperate defense. Civilians were conscripted to repair damaged fortifications, while the city’s renowned navy launched fire ships in daring counter-attacks to destroy Visus vessels. 

Queen Winanda rallied her people, ensuring morale remained high despite the grim circumstances. Meanwhile, Varrik reached Raedal, where she addressed the city’s war council. Drawing upon her firsthand knowledge of Razzan and the dire state of Palatast, she delivered a fiery speech that swayed the leaders. She then traveled to Marivest, where she similarly inspired the city’s leaders to commit their forces to the Confederation’s defense.

Varrik led the reinforcements southward to Palatast. On the 263rd day of the siege, with the city’s defenders near collapse, Varrik’s army launched a historical attack on Razzan’s forces. Lillal cavalry shattered Razzan’s supply lines, while the Raedal halberdiers overwhelmed the Visus light cavalry. Hearing the arrival of Varrik, Tanis ordered a sally from the city gates, catching Razzan’s forces in a devastating pincer movement. The Visus army, first presuming themselves invincible, were now struggling under the weight of a multi-front assault. 

Razzan took his navy and retreated leaving the remains of his army to perish and become enslaved.

The Relief of Palatast, which earned Varrik the title of ‘Hero of Pala’, was a defining moment in the Great War. Varrik’s daring mission and brilliant leadership not only saved Palatast but also reversed the tide of the war. Her triumph silenced her critics and solidified her status as one of the Confederation’s greatest commanders. The victory revitalized the Confederation’s morale and demonstrated the power of unity and cooperation among its city-states.

Year: 330

The outcome of the Visus War left the Confederation as one of the major players on the planet. The years following their victory marked its transformation from a regional power into a continental empire. The Confederation leveraged its newfound unity and military prowess to extend its influence across the central continent, shaping the political and cultural landscape for generations to come.

To the east of the Confederation, for a long time, lay the Halattin Mountains. Beyond the mountains sat the great Lacus Lake. It had been a region of contention for decades, but over time, hegemony was shared between two kingdoms: Bordak and Tarabersk. The former was known for its iron and stone, which the Confederation coveted to rebuild its cities. The latter was the regional leader in terms of trade, located at a pivotal crossroads. 

The Kingdom of Tarabersk was the first to fall under the Confederation’s influence. In 347, the Confederation offered the Tara Accord, a treaty guaranteeing protection and trade rights. With their borders threatened by desert raiders called the Walaki, Tarabersk’s King Rahmad III accepted the alliance as a way to secure his kingdom’s future. As a result, the Confederation gained access to its bountiful mining industry, which led to a rebirth of Confederate culture and arts.

Bordak proved more resistant to assimilation. The Boraki Lords, the nobles in charge of the Kingdom, were reluctant to give up their independence, satisfied with their commercial power. But the Confederation used this to their advantage: through a series of negotiations, it closed trade agreements. In 352, the Bordak Accords eventually saw the nobles agree to join as an autonomous province within the Confederation, ensuring access to Bordak’s strategic trade routes. Not three years later, precious gems were discovered in Halattin, elevating Bordak to a vital province for the Confederate economy.

Year: 370

This era saw a mostly peaceful time for the Confederation. It ushered in an era of prosperity and monumental achievements. This period marked the height of their cultural, scientific, and economic influence, characterized by great public projects, groundbreaking discoveries, and artistic flourishing.

Scientific Discovery

In science, there were three large revolutions: firstly, was the Astronomical Revolution. Led by Taren Arvis, the very first telescopes were created, allowing him to chart the heavens themselves. Under the patronage of King Bariss of Mariavest, Arvis and others established the Aegis Observatory, the first large-scale astronomical observatory in the world. In 386, Arvis accurately predicted a solar eclipse, solidifying the Confederation’s reputation as a center of scientific excellence. In following of this, the Aegis group produced the Codex Astrae, a comprehensive map of the stars that guided navigation and agriculture for centuries. Arvis also taught the talented Niala Koreth, who developed precision lenses that significantly enhanced telescope designs. Her discoveries and observations led to her development of the Theory of Planetary Bodies in 395, explaining the eliptical motion of planets, which became a foundation for modern astronomy.

Secondly, there were advances in medicine. Driven by the work of Sarina Velkar of Meersoom, who defied societal norms by conducting advanced anatomical studies. Her work “The Machine of Life”, was a groundbreaking treatise on anatomy that became the cornerstone of modern medical education. Velkar gained support of Eldrin Jase of Lillas, who specialized in comparative anatomy, studying both humans and animals to better understand physiology. His work laid the foundation for veterinary medicine and advanced prosthetics. Velkar also inspired Jorim Valcis, an apothecary from Bordak, who synthesized the first effective antiseptic solution from local plants in the Halattin Mountains, dramatically reducing infection-related deaths. All these events revolutionised surgery, extending life expectancy. In 405, the Committee established the first Confederation Medical Congress in Meersoom, where scholars shared techniques for advanced surgical practices and new medicine developments.

Thirdly, and perhaps most important, was the invention of the first Steam Engine. In 424, Korrin Halvek from Palatast, developed the first practical steam pump to power mills and irrigation systems. His Halvek Engine inspired engineers across the continent to explore the potential of mechanized industry. 

This engine was further improved by Marius Feldan from Lillal, who also invented the first mechanised loom. With the support of the Committee, Feldan and Halvek collaborated for the creation of the first full-scale steam engine, capable of powering early rail systems. Utilizing steam power for advanced mining allowed for a boom in metal production. With this, the Iron Spine was completed in 435, connecting Meersoom, Palatast, and Mariavest. 

Alnara Karthon also improved the Halvek engine by the creation of powerful valves, which allowed precise control of water flow. Her innovations were instrumental in transforming the plains around the Centrum Bay into fertile farmland, greatly expanding food production.

Cultural and Artistic Developments

The foremost revolution in the Confederation, on cultural terms, was one in literature: in 401, Alain Mevrek from Mariavest created the first rotary press. This allowed a vast expansion in mass printing. This not only revolutionized the efficiency of book production but also transformed the way information and culture were disseminated to the masses. What began as a tool for producing academic and religious texts soon became a vehicle for connecting people across the Confederation through news, literature, and ideas. 

The first newspapers, known as broadsheets, emerged in the 420s, initially catering to merchants and urban elites. However, advancements in paper production and printing efficiency made them affordable to the broader population by the 430s. The creation of month, weekly and yearly magazines, which focus on specialised topics such as science, the arts and culture would follow. 

The Luminary, established by writer and poet Marin Valcette, became a widely-read magazine that featured serialized novels and critical essays. Magazines also gave rise to serialized storytelling, where authors published their works in installments. This innovation popularized the works of Rellan Vorst, whose romantic adventure novel Across the Halattin became a sensation. 

The proliferation of these magazines and affordable books available with the rotary press also saw the rise of book clubs and poet societies in both urban and rural areas. A notable movement were the Reading Circles, informal gatherings in coffee houses or libraries to discuss novels, histories, and philosophical texts. 

In Mariavest alone, over 200 such clubs were documented by 440. One of the foremost poets was the Poet’s Guild of Meersoom, founded in 433, a hub for aspiring writers and playwrights. Its members included Valcette, as well as Tharun Estek, whose epic poem The Siege of Palatast brought the events of the Visus War to life with vivid imagery and patriotic fervor. 

The Time of the Great Works inspired a flourishing of art, music, theater, and architecture across the Confederation. It was a period of unparalleled creativity, where artistic expression became a central means of celebrating the unity, victories, and prosperity of the nation. 

Cities like Lillal and Kasrut embarked on extensive canal-building projects, led by engineers and architects such as Ilan Torvik, who designed intricate bridges adorned with carvings depicting the local flora and fauna. The urban planning of Palatast in this period included the creation of vast public gardens and squares, fostering civic pride and creating venues for festivals and performances.

There were also developments in monumental sculptures, with the Committee commissioning the preparation of statues and public art to commemorate its achievements. Artan Delis created the Statues of Unity: massive bronze figures, each representing one of the major city-states, were placed along the Grand Unity Boulevard in Mariavest. These sculptures depicted the ideals of trade, knowledge, resilience, and diplomacy. 

Music also underwent a major development in this time. This included significant advances in music theory, as scholars and composers worked to formalize and expand the understanding of harmony, rhythm, and orchestration. Foremost in these were Alaron Farka, who wrote foundational texts that codified the use of counterpoint and advanced the concept of tonal modulation. These treatises became the standard for music education throughout the Confederation. He was supported by Riven Palaman, who developed the Halattin Method, a method that introduced precise rhythmic notation, enabling more complex compositions. His theories on dynamic contrast revolutionized orchestral scores. 

Composers began experimenting with polyphony, layering independent melodies to create rich and intricate textures. Inspired by poets and literature, composers like Lalan Maevor created programmatic pieces, such as The Storm over Parell, which used music to evoke vivid scenes and emotions. These theories were supported by new technologies in instrumentation. The Harsichord was first developed by Faeris Kildon from Mariavest in 427, featuring a dual-keyboard system that allowed players to shift between tonal registers seamlessly. The Forteclavia, a precursor to the concert piano, was crafted by Jeram Dasaka, who introduced a hammered mechanism that allowed for greater dynamic range and expressive performance.

There was a large development in art, driven by innovative techniques, new materials, and an unprecedented focus on realism and symbolism. This era saw painters, sculptors, and muralists elevate their craft to new heights, reflecting the cultural and scientific achievements of the Confederation. Foremost of these was Caspin Velim. His development of advanced glazing techniques allowed for the layering of thin, translucent paint to create depth and luminosity. He was followed by Ilvan Senn, who utilized the dramatic interplay of light and shadow to enhance the three-dimensionality of their portraits and religious scenes, emphasizing emotional depth.

Economic Developments

The economic prosperity of the Confederation during the Great Works was underpinned by groundbreaking theories and practical reforms that laid the foundation for a thriving and integrated economy. The introduction of the gold standard in 395, replacing the Palatast silver standard, marked a significant leap toward economic unity. Lorran Devala, an economist and advisor to the Committee, advocated for this new standard, backed by new gold mines from Halattin. His treatise, On the Foundations of Trust in Commerce, became the cornerstone of financial policy. Mirandor Fylis, his contemporary and merchant-scholar in Meersoom, developed the Theory of Comparative Advantage, emphasising collaboration among city-states, advocating for the specialization of industries to maximize productivity. The Bank of Palatast, strengthened by the gold standard, established new Trade Banks in major cities, revolutionizing commerce. They introduced letters of credit, a vital development in capital and trade. 

Daniar Valcen, who led the trade bank in Mariavest, pioneered modern accounting practices. He introduced the practice of double-entry bookkeeping; created bills of exchange; developed standardized ledger books with pre-printed columns for income, expenses, debts, and credits. 

Merchants began using investment journals, which documented risks, potential returns, and ongoing project statuses. This led to the development of the first financial services. This was all aided by the development in Bordak of the first crude mechanical counting devices and abacus tools that sped up calculations. 

The Committee began the so-called Great Roads Initiative in 425. It was a vast network of roads and bridges, which would facilitate trade and communication across the Confederation. The project relied on groundbreaking technologies, skilled labor, and visionary leadership. 

Much of the project was led by Velaran Kostas, the chief architect who oversaw the design and construction of many major bridges and roadways; Lystra Melvan, the leading engineer, a pioneer in hydraulic engineering, who led the tunneling efforts, and known for her meticulous surveys and ability to rally local labor forces; Gorran Thyves, the lead administrator, who coordinated resources and workforces, ensuring timely completion of projects; and Talia Farthen, a leading foremen who ensured the safety of laborers and artisans, and invited major guilds to support the initiative. 

Utilizing the steam engine, advanced systems were developed for drainage and irrigation, ensuring roads remained usable during heavy rains. 

The initiative included major projects, such as the Continental Trade Network, a series of paved routes connecting the Confederation.

Political Developments

The era also saw transformative political changes that laid the foundation for the modern nation state, in governance, law, and foreign relations. These developments emphasized unity, efficient administration, and philosophical underpinnings that shaped governance across the vast territories of the Confederation. Political philosophy saw much development. Renar Thalos wrote The Balance of Powers, arguing for a government divided among legislative, executive, and judicial branches - the foundation of the modern Trias Politica. This treatise deeply influenced the further development of Confederation law. He was supported by Lina Myres, who wrote The Citizen’s Covenant, advocating for individual rights balanced with civic duties, laying the groundwork for early concepts of representative democracy. These developments emphasised the “social contract”, where governance derived legitimacy from the consent of the governed. 

These philosophical developments saw radical changes in law and administration. The Great Charter, written in 407 by Valerius Korin, reformed the Administrative Committee drastically. The mostly hereditary representatives from each city-state were replaced by elected officials. While at that point, only property-owning men and women could vote, this was a drastic movement towards democracy. Korin also established the office of High Chancellor, who led the Committee for a period of four years. He successfully limited the powers of this office, despite protests from notable leaders such as King Polon of Lillal. Lastly, it outlined the judicial system, culminating in the High Tribunal, an independent court responsible for adjudicating disputes between city-states and interpreting federal law. 

Korin became the first High Chancellor with an overwhelming majority of the first elected Committee. He set out to unite the disparate laws of the Confederation. In 409, he presented the Codex Civilis, a comprehensive legal code that standardized laws across the Confederation. These included trade regulations and tax laws; laws protecting individual freedoms, such as the right to a fair trial and property rights. 

Furthermore, to support standardization, Korin established the Tax Office, responsible for collecting taxes fairly across the Confederation. Gidan Tarrak, the first head of this office, devised a new Tax Code. This included new philosophies, such as progressive taxation; and administrative techniques, including double-entry bookkeeping, ledgers, and vetting and auditing of local tax collectors. He created a network of tax collection offices, which streamlined tax collection. His philosophy also stretched to spending: through his efficient systems, his work allowed for many of the Great Works, including the Great Roads. 

Korin also established the important Census of 410, the first demographic survey. It provided data for taxation and infrastructure planning. It was led by Rerin Krisk, one of the foremost mathematicians of his time. He divided the Confederation into regional sectors, each managed by a subcommittee responsible for collecting data in its respective area.

Thousands of local field agents were deployed throughout the Confederation to gather information at the grassroots level. These agents were trained in survey techniques and carried out door-to-door visits to families, businesses, and landowners. Krisk created written forms, utilizing the rotary press, which were standardized and contained vital questions of demography. The census also used ledger bookkeeping, and independent auditors checked the accuracy of the data. The census provided an in-depth understanding of the population and its economic activities, enabling Tarrak to establish more accurate and fair tax rates.

Year: 460

The accession of the Filadan Conclave, a rugged region to the east of the Confederation hidden by vast forests and towering mountains, was a remarkable instance of cultural and diplomatic integration. The process was led by diplomats, scholars, and economic visionaries, who sought to bring the independent state into the Confederation through trade, shared governance, and cultural exchange.

Filadan was a fertile region with ancient volcanic tendencies. The ancient city-state had long maintained their independence through isolation and a decentralized system of governance. The region was historically known for its rich traditions of literature, philosophy, and natural sciences, as well as its flourishing artisan industries, particularly in metalworking, textiles, and fine craftsmanship. By 450, internal divisions among the state, coupled with economic shifts, created an opportunity for peaceful integration into the Confederation.

The first steps toward integration came through economic agreements. The Confederation’s expanding industrial economy created a growing demand for Filadan wool, timber, iron, and rare minerals, while the state sought access to the Confederation’s advanced manufacturing, banking institutions, and extensive trade networks. High Chancellor Adrien Calladros spearheaded these trade accords, establishing joint financial ventures between the Confederation and the Filadan Conclave. He was aided by fabled economist Seraphan Hollas, who developed trade policies. 

Another vital development was the growing cultural exchange between the Confederation and Filadan. The Confederation saw philosophers, poets, and historians actively engaging with Filadan scholars. The University of Satu’Net, in modern day Novum Centrum, created the prestigious Filadan Exchange Program in 465, allowing Filadan historians, linguists, and scientists to follow education at their facilities, cementing a shared academic progress. This was followed closely by the publication of Union of Mind, by Lacus Averan, in 466, which outlined how Filadan and Confederation thought complemented one another, influencing public sentiment in favor of accession. 

The Confederation eventually recognised the region as an equal member.

Year: 550

Industrial Developments

At the start of the era, the Union already had early steam engines and primitive locomotives - mostly isolated to the Iron Spine - but they were inefficient and unreliable. Railways were regional, short-range, and mostly used for hauling coal and goods. But this changed soon. In 565, Antan Laerte of Trinus Point developed the first high-pressure steam engine. His invention was two-fold: firstly he developed a compact, high-pressure cylindrical boiler with wrought iron reinforcements, replacing low-pressure boilers for superior efficiency. He also invented the double-acting cylinder, which allowed for direct linkage to machinery and made it far smoother, faster, and more powerful. He was also aided by Edwan Malur, who invented the first high-pressure sliding valve and used wrought iron to create heat-resistant piston seals. Lastly, the invention of the direct gear drive by Malas Kalorn allowed for the creation of the very first steam-powered looms and saws.

The consequences were immense: across the Continent, factories appeared, with industrial centres arising in Novum Centrum, Visus Primus and Lacus. There, heavy industry and mechanised factories produced massive amounts of textiles, iron goods, and early machine tools. Vital in this process were also the invention of the spinning jenny by Garav Rellmar in Novum Centrum in 569. This automated spinning frame allowed for one worker to operate eight or more spools at once. His work was further aided by the invention of the water frame by Ilana Tangis in 575. This was closely followed by the invention of the power loom in 580, by Claudin Meissar. Both inventions revolutionized textile production, with the price of clothes dropping drastically, making it affordable to the wider populations. 

In metal production, the invention of the steam-powered rolling mill by Hugh Valtir saw an explosion of iron and steel production. Replacing hammering techniques with steam-driven rollers to shape metal sheets and bars allowed for much stronger production. This in turn led the development of railways, machine tools, and shipbuilding. With steam-powered tools, the mining industry also exploded, with the ever-lasting hunger for precious metals such as silver, gold, and copper fuelling the growing production of luxury goods. The first interchangeable parts were produced by Renatus Kesslon in 585. His invention of the automatic lathe allowed for the first precision machine parts, standardizing production across the continent. The discovery of the Cokes method by Leontis Vorlan in North Lacus in 591 allowed for the first reliable production of high-quality steel. His use of coal-powered blast furnaces allowed for this vital construction material to be mass produced. Lastly, the first steam-powered rotary printing press was invented by Emilien Duvras in Visus Primus in 598. His use of a steam-powered press allowed for a continuous, high-speed printing of books, newspapers, and pamphlets. 

The expansion of industrial railways in the Union marked a turning point in transportation, logistics, and industry. Early locomotives were slow and heavy, but crucial technological improvements and government-backed infrastructure policies enabled railroads to become the backbone of industrial expansion. Maxil Gessar redesigned locomotive pistons, using the high-pressure steam engine to create the first reliable locomotive, capable of 20 km/h. Whereas the first railways were built with cast iron rails, engineers at Werala Ironworks pioneered steel rail production, which were stronger, more durable, and allowed for higher speeds. Another important development was the first iron bridge, built by Vasilis Karnat, in 564. The Intercontinental Bridge spanned both sides of the Western Straight, linking the Novum Continent with Primus Island.

Social Developments

The rise of industrialization not only transformed the economy but also reshaped society and politics, giving rise to new social classes, labor movements, and political ideologies. This era saw the birth of organized labor, industrialist politicians, and intellectual breakthroughs, all of which shaped the governance of the Union.

With the rapid expansion of factories and mining, working conditions became a concern, with accidents in iron mills, textile factories, and coal mines causing thousands of deaths yearly. Public outcry and the rise of the Workers’ Union - the very first trade union, created in 508 - pressured the government to act. Nicander Valcieri, a notable Representative, advocated for industrial reforms, with one of the most memorable citations in Union history: “The sweat of laborers oil the machines of progress, but it should not be their blood as well.” 

He later entered public service as a trade administrator, until gaining traction as the leader of left-wing politics in Parliament. He was aided by Hilana Vosgarth, a philosopher and early socialist thinker, who argued for labor protections in her seminal work The Chains of Industry (576), which was one of the first attempts to define a socialist ideology. Eventually, she became the head of some of the first worker strikes in 580, and later organised the first worker cooperatives. In 582, however, she was arrested for inciting public disorder after a coal miner protest turned violent. Both of these developments led to the signing of the vital Charter of Labour in 585. This Charter mandated basic factory regulations such as mandatory ventilation, emergency exits, and fire suppression; introduced mining safety laws such as mandatory hard helmets, face masks and emergency escape routes; and restricted child labor under twelve years. While this was a far cry from halting child labor or long work hours, it established a legal precedent for future worker protections. 

Political Developments

The rapid industrialization of the Union brought not only economic, social, and scientific changes, but also a complete transformation of its political landscape. By the early 600s, three major ideological blocs had emerged, each with distinct visions for the Union’s future:

1. The Industrialist Party (later the Prosperity League) representing the aristocracy and upper-class, with many industrialists;

2. The Progressive Union (later the Nova Coalition) composed of liberal reformers, intellectuals, and the majority of the clergy;

3. The New Coalition (later the Polaris Association) led by worker unions, early socialists, and radical reformers. 

The Industrialist Party was initially the dominant political force as Parliament was formed, composed of landed nobility, old-money merchants, and industrial magnates who sought to maintain social hierarchy and limited government intervention in the economy. 

The Progressive Union emerged as the major opposition to the Industrialists by the 530s through the works of early liberal philosophers such as Edvard Lorran, who wrote the seminal The Right to Vote. The early liberal movement focused mainly on suffrage and civil rights. 

The New Coalition had limited success during the early industrialization. With radicals in its ranks, including Hilana Vosgarth, the Industrialists were mostly successful in suppressing worker rights. Nonetheless, by 570, the first socialist Representatives in Parliament through the limited recognition of worker unions. Their focus was not only on expanding labor rights, but also nationalizing key industries, and providing universal social services.

Year: 600

Industrial Developments

The discovery of electricity and the invention of electrical motors kickstarted the construction of the very first electrical power stations, fuelled by coal. These stations first started with powering factories, replacing steam-powered machinery with electrical ones. In 613, Edman Sorel invented the very first electric light bulb. His invention of the vacuum-sealed bulb, and utilizing carbonized bamboo filament, gave these new bulbs an edge over existing electric arc lamps, which burned out frequently. Gas lighting was quickly replaced on streets, and in homes, candles were replaced by light bulbs. The resulting Sorel Lighting Company had an impressive monopoly on producing these bulbs for almost a century. In this company, subsequent improvements were made by people like Julas Brennan, who utilized tungsten instead of carbon, as well as argon gas, to improve the light bulb. 

The discovery of crude oil saw a surge in the interest in oil-based products. While petroleum had been used for centuries, including in oil lamps, tar for waterproofing ships, and as lubricant for early machine parts, crude oil burned poorly and contained many impurities. Alessan Verani was one of the first to experiment with fractional distillation of crude oil. In this way, he first discovered naphtha, which became a part of the very earliest internal combustion engines. He also discovered lubricants that became essential for locomotives and factory machinery. In 623, he built the first oil refinery in the newly created city of Stella, producing naphtha for lamps. In 632, Elis Dournay experimented with heat-treated catalysts in distillation to further refine oil, producing the first-ever gasoline. Engineer Caspan Farell built the first experimental gas-powered engine, using naphtha vapors. His engine injected vaporized fuel into a cylinder, burned it with an open flame and used it to move a piston. However, his gas engine was inconsistent, the flame was unreliable, and the output was too weak. 

Nevertheless, his design spearheaded the further development of true internal combustion engines. Tomaso Alveri improved upon this design by utilizing gasoline, which had much greater outputs. He also created the first spark ignition system, and compressed the gas. He later also built the first two-stroke system, to create a reliable output. 

Lucis Patill revolutionized the internal combustion engine by improving on this design, and creating the four-stroke cycle in 645. His internal combustion engine utilized a mixed intake of air and gasoline, as well as a sealed combustion chamber. His engine was first used in mechanized pumps, and slowly replaced steam-powered factory machinery. But perhaps most important was Alveri’s use of it in the first-ever motorcar. 

In 652, he utilized the Patill engine to create the Alveri Carriage, a three-wheeled modified horse carriage. With a top speed of 20 km/h, it was heavy, and the roads were not yet suited for such vehicles. Nonetheless, Alveri pioneered a revolution in transportation. Dournay collaborated with Willam Frevel to create the first real motorcar: in 658, the Dournay-Frevel Automotor was built, using a four-wheeled chassis with a transmission system that allowed for different speeds. 

To support the spread of motorcars, Parliament began upgrading roads and construction of new so-called ‘highways’ to connect cities. Utilizing oil-based asphalt and tar, new paved roads appeared across the continent, providing safer and more comfortable roads for motorcars.

The discovery of electromagnetism also led to the invention of new methods of long-distance communication. Already in 590, Albard Fursk had successfully transmitted a single pulse of electricity through a wire, proving that information could travel via electrical signals. This was later used by Julas Eckard, who experimented with electrical signals moving through wires. In 606, he built the first functional telegraph system, using the newly-invented electrical motor to control pulses, with a new electromagnetic relay to boost them over long distances. He devised the Eckard Code with short and long pulses to represent letters of the alphabet. In that year, he was successful in transmitting a message over 5 km, with the now legendary words: “Success! Message Received!” In the years that followed, Eckard and Fursk collaborated to convince Parliament to construct major telegraph networks across the Continent. The resulting Telegraph Act of 614 saw the very first cables laid, with the first ones between Novum Centrum, Terra Cibus, and North Coast. In 620, the Eckard-Fursk Code became standardized, simplifying Eckard’s code. In 626, Ottan Mayir invented the first electromagnetic sounder, which translated pulses into sounds, allowing operators to work far more effectively with the telegraph. The subsequent invention of the paper tape recorder by Hanrik Volkos in 632 automated telegraph messaging, which allowed for continuous operation. By 640, all major cities in the Union had at least one telegraph station, with cities like Novum Centrum having multiple. In 645, the first underwater telegraph cable was laid to Primus Island, utilizing new waterproof cable insulation invented by Volkos. By 650, the telegraph had revolutionized communication, allowing instant long-distance messaging.

The development of the first telephone closely followed that of the telegraph. In 630, Ihan Salingis began experimenting with the newly-invented electromagnetic sounder by utilising vibrating reeds. In 639, he used electromagnetic induction to create the very first ‘harmonic transmitter’, which could send simple tones over wires. Rinas Audet used this discovery to invent the very first working telephone. 

By 660, the telegraph networks had been upgraded to allow for telephone communication. The invention of the manual switchboard by Maxilan Durer in 662 allowed for operators to connect calls, creating the very first telephone networks, with the first switchboard exchange opening in Novum Centrum in 665.

The construction of the Novum Centrum Metro network between 640 and 680 marked a transformative period in the city’s development, aligning with industrial advancement and the newfound potential of electric trains. It played a vital role in connecting the expanding districts of Novum Centrum, supporting both industrial growth and the rising urban population.

Social Developments

The late industrial period saw massive shifts in public life. The earlier philanthropic efforts in education and healthcare gave rise to public organisation of social services with massive state-run programs. The growth of public education largely eradicated illiteracy and created a new class of educated workers. The discovery of new medical technologies and the development of new drugs vastly reduced mortality rates, increased life expectancies, and exploded the population as a result.

The Charter of Labor had created the very first restrictions on Child labor. In 604, Prime Minister Amile Bordan (602-614) proposed the groundbreaking Education Act, which established mandatory primary education for children under 16; established government funding of public schools; and created a standardized curriculum for basic literacy and numeracy.

The Public Health Act of 632 did not only create mandatory vaccinations, but also saw the first state-run hospitals rise up - such as the Novum Centrum Public Hospital in 635. The act also created mandatory medical training for doctors and nurses, with accreditation and standardized examinations.

Cultural Developments

The invention of telephones had a profound impact on the communication of people across the world. However, it was the invention of photography, film, and phonograph that led to the creation of mass entertainment and new forms of cultural expression, revolutionizing the social fabric. This was closely coupled to the rise of political awareness and growing interest in science and nature. 

The invention of the steam-powered rotary press, later electrified, allowed newspapers to be printed by the millions each day. The invention of the automatic paper machine by Arnat Kaspelar in 609 revolutionized paper production. The Novum Herald, known for its comprehensive coverage of domestic news, focusing on political developments and social events, with an extensive journalistic investigation corps; The Meersoom Gazette, supportive of the Industrialist Party and a leading source of information on economics; The Union Times, a key source for news with a focus on businesses, commerce, and innovation; The Green Leaf, notable for its support of the Progressive Union and in-depth coverage of rural and cultural affairs; the Domitros Review, catering to intellectuals and academics with a focus on science and the arts; The Worker’s Voice, the personal newspaper of the New Coalition catering to the working class; and the Evening News, renown for its concise summaries of the day’s most important events.

Trask opened the very first public cinema, the Trask Film Theater, in Novum Centrum in 668. The oldest newsreel, World News, started performing there weekly in 675, making the cinema a vital source of news and information. It became customary for Trask’s films to be accompanied by live orchestras, which popularised the use of music in film.

The development of film had a profound impact on the world of theater and opera. With cinemas opening across the world, opera houses and theaters saw their attendance dwindle. To counter this, theater companies began making use of innovative new technologies, made available by the discovery of electricity. The invention of the electric light bulb led to the subsequent development of the first theatrical lights by Arnad Saldakim in 618. Electrical lights were introduced in theaters and opera houses, allowing greater control over stage environments. 

The mass production of instruments also made them available for the working class, popularizing folk music and festivals. This led to the very first emergence of popular musicians, including piano virtuoso Lennar Aseton, who blended classical training with emerging early jazz influences; singer Mala Dovelin, who became the first folk singer and achieved popularity through her performances in music halls; trumpet Branfar Minrof, whose brass band gained immense popularity with its early jazz style; and opera singer Rina Cordell, who popularised affordable classical music to the middle class through her performances.