The Thirteenth Age (5649 - Now (6003))

In the Thirteenth Age, 13 Icons struggle for the fate of the Dragon Empire, which rules the area where the Campaign is set. But for all their power, the Icons are not gods and mortal men have the power to shape their own destinies... or be ground underfoot by their own bad decisions.

It is 3 years since the 6000 anniversary of the Coronation of the First Emperor; many people predicted something would happen, whether a great blessing or a curse, or possibly the Orc Lord pulling the trigger on invading the Empire. Instead... the Empire held grand games in every city and a literal two week long feast in which everyone glutted themselves like mad. In the Great Cities, each day featured some dish from one of the Ages. On the final day, celebrants could sample dishes 'from Ages yet to come', prophesied by the Priestess.

Some pundits pointed to the time problems of the Third Age and the weird way the Twelfth Age ended to argue that we were a fair amount past the year 6000, and that's why the only thing of grand import was a giant party.

Many now expect when the Orc Lord does launch his kunitori, that will mark the end of the Age. But it's been a quiet enough one... by Imperial standards, that few want to see it go.

But if there is anything that 6000 years of history has taught the people of the Empire, it is this -- nothing lasts forever, not darkness nor light. If you persevere, good times will come again. The star of hope never sets.

But that won't help you if you become a footnote in the saga of the age. So go for the glory!

And ignore the distant laughter of those who want to see the Empire burn. Will you be the Heroes to determine how the Thirteenth Age turns?

The Icons

Heroic Icons:

• The Archmage: Maintainer of the mystic defenses of the Empire; many have held this office over the years. The current Archmage is clearly rather overworked and in constant need of agents to help keep everything running, even with an army of agents. The current Dwarf King's interest in things arcane has led to closer relations between him and the Archmage. The Archmage and the Emperor are allied against all enemies of the Empire, from the Orc Lord to the High Druid.
• The Emperor: Ruler of the Dragon Empire; there have been hundreds of Emperors since the first, sometimes vastly potent, sometimes empty figureheads. The current Emperor, however, is middle-aged and vigorous but beset with problems to deal with, problems where he could use a few good folk to help him out. Letting the Blue become Lord of Drakkenhall probably is going a bit far in that direction but it's worked so far. For some values of work. The Archmage and the Emperor are allied against all enemies of the Empire, from the Orc Lord to the High Druid. The current Emperor is Andreas X (5993 - Now)
• Great Gold Wyrm: Long ago, he trapped himself in the Abyss to save the world from a demonic invasion. Some still break through at hellholes, but he's doing the best he can. He's the source of the metallic dragons who keep the Empire afloat in its darkest hours. Surely you'll help out the greatest martyr of all? Unusually, the current High Druid has come to the aid of the Great Gold Wyrm several times.
• The Priestess: Every age seems to have at least one new Icon or the return of an old one. This one is new; the Priestess has united all the churches of Light into one, cooperating from her city of Santa Cora. The prayers of the Faithful pour in and she aids the faithful and calls on them to help her in turn. The Crusader and Priestess get on poorly for obvious reasons.