Landfall-230 - The Great Dominion

#L230

Overview

The Great Dominion was less a unified entity and more a delicate balance of power among the various nations, factions, and players in Caldora. This era marked the emergence of ambitious political blocs, technological marvels, and cultural renaissances, yet these advancements were underscored by an ever-present tension. Lilarreich, Crazy Town, and others vied for influence, with no single group holding absolute control. Instead, the Dominion was defined by a precarious system of mutual accountability, where each faction's ambitions were kept in check by the others, fostering an environment of collaboration and rivalry.

This golden age saw unprecedented economic prosperity through The Guild's vast trade networks, revolutionary technological advancement spearheaded by organizations like DaemonWare Labs and XreaTech, and ambitious infrastructure projects including the monorail system. Cultural achievements flourished in cities like Cornflower, while diplomatic venues such as Chateau Fleur de Bleu attempted to maintain peace through dialogue.

Yet beneath this veneer of progress lurked darker ambitions. Secret organizations like Citadel Corporation operated in the shadows, pushing ethical boundaries in pursuit of power. The era's defining characteristic—its balance of power—would ultimately prove its undoing, as the development of the Divinets sparked a catastrophic arms race that destroyed the very civilization it was meant to protect.

Timeline

The Founding Era

• Establishment of Lilarreich
  • Lucius Ehrveil rises as Chancellor, establishing Lilarreich as the dominant diplomatic and technological force
  • Terranova is established as the administrative and cultural capital
• Formation of The Guild
  • Lucius Ehrveil founds The Guild, creating the economic backbone controlling trade routes, industrial production, and banking systems
  • The Guild operates as a quasi-sovereign economic entity throughout Caldora
• Integration of Fulcrum
  • Fulcrum, led by Robert Alvaldi and X Eclipsis, integrates into Lilarreich
  • Fulcrum's military prowess and technological innovations significantly strengthen Lilarreich
• Rise of Crazy Town
  • Crazy Eli establishes Crazy Town in the Crazy Cave
  • The faction becomes known for chaotic inventions and unorthodox strategies that disrupt the status quo

The Golden Age of Innovation

• Construction of the Monorail
  • A monumental infrastructure project connecting key territories in Caldora
  • DaemonWare Labs plays a crucial role in building the infrastructure
  • The monorail symbolizes the unity and industrial might of Lilarreich
• Formation of Shadow Organizations
  • Lucius Ehrveil secretly establishes Citadel Corporation as a clandestine organization
  • DaemonWare Labs is absorbed as a department of Citadel, specializing in advanced technology, weaponry, and artificial intelligence
  • LobsterCo, led by Lobbar Homarus, begins controversial experiments including the creation of the sculk biome
• Cultural Renaissance
  • Cornflower flourishes as a center for artistic and intellectual contributions
  • Chateau Fleur de Bleu is established in Cornflower as neutral ground for diplomatic gatherings
  • Crocky Silvaris founds Crockyland near Terranova, establishing a harmonious town connected to the capital by bridge

Rising Tensions

• Lilarreich-Crazy Town Cold War
  • A rivalry of ideologies and technologies develops between Lilarreich and Crazy Town
  • The cold war leads to major innovations but heightens tensions that nearly erupt into open conflict
  • Both factions push the boundaries of technology in an attempt to gain advantage
• The Chancellor's Banquet
  • An extravagant gathering held in Terranova, aimed at fostering diplomacy and easing tensions
  • While celebrated as a moment of temporary peace, it exposes underlying grievances between factions
• XreaTech vs. Walrus Luditus
  • Zee Bane of XreaTech files charges against Walrus Luditus for theft, trespassing, and airspace violations
  • The trial is presided over by Crazy Eli
  • Upon winning his case, Walrus Luditus detonates a bomb in the courthouse, ending the trial in chaos
  • Once Walrus was apprehended, he was compelled to construct The Asylum, where he would receive treatment.
  • The incident marks one of the most dramatic and destabilizing events of the era

The Final Years

• Dominion Summit
  • A crucial gathering of influential leaders held at Chateau Fleur de Bleu
  • Leaders discuss the future of Caldora and attempt to maintain the delicate balance of power
  • Tensions remain high as factions pursue competing interests
• Development of the Divinets
  • Citadel Corporation develops godlike artificial intelligences for Lilarreich
  • The revelation triggers a global arms race as each faction rushes to create their own Divinet
  • XreaTech collaborates with Crazy Town to develop a competing Divinet
  • Lobbar Homarus spearheads creation of a peace-focused Divinet through LobsterCo
• War of the Divinets
  • The catastrophic conflict sparked by the Divinet arms race
  • Factions turn their godlike AIs against each other in devastating warfare
  • The war's destruction marks the collapse of the Great Dominion
  • Civilization is shattered, leading to the dark age between epochs

Major Groups

Political Powers

• Lilarreich: The dominant diplomatic and technological force in Caldora, Lilarreich sought to maintain stability through structured governance and innovation, often setting the standard for others to follow. Led by Lucius Ehrveil, it served as the political and cultural center of the Great Dominion.
• Crazy Town: A chaotic but highly inventive faction led by Crazy Eli, headquartered in Crazy Cave. Crazy Town frequently disrupted the status quo with unpredictable inventions and unorthodox strategies, ensuring no single entity could consolidate too much power.
• Fulcrum: Once independent, Fulcrum became a vital part of Lilarreich. Co-led by Robert Alvaldi and X Eclipsis, it was known for its military prowess and technological innovations, contributing significantly to Lilarreich's strength.

Industrial and Economic Powers

• The Guild: The economic backbone of Lilarreich, controlling trade routes, industrial production, and banking systems. Founded by Lucius Ehrveil, it operated as a quasi-sovereign economic entity that facilitated the golden age of prosperity.
• Rotatus Incorporated: A valuable industrial force that built much of Caldora's infrastructure, including the monorail system. Rotatus played all sides to its benefit, maintaining independence through economic necessity.
• Citadel Corporation: A clandestine organization founded by Lucius Ehrveil, operating through various "Fronts" or departments. While publicly unknown, Citadel's influence pervaded industrial and technological development, eventually leading to military contracts that sparked the War of the Divinets.
• DaemonWare Labs: A cutting-edge research organization and department of Citadel Corporation, specializing in advanced technology, weaponry, and artificial intelligence. Their pursuit of technological advancement often pushed ethical boundaries.
• XreaTech: A technology corporation led by Zee Bane, which became embroiled in one of the era's most notorious legal battles against Walrus Luditus. Later collaborated with Crazy Town to develop a Divinet during the final years.

Research and Experimental Organizations

• LobsterCo: A mysterious and controversial organization led by Lobbar Homarus ("Mr. Lobster"). Known for experiments that pushed the boundaries of science and morality, including creation of the sculk biome. In the final years, LobsterCo spearheaded creation of a peace-focused Divinet.
• Chateau Fleur de Bleu: A luxurious estate and vineyard in Cornflower that served as a neutral ground for diplomatic gatherings and cultural events. Its refined atmosphere made it ideal for fostering peace between factions and became a symbol of the Dominion's cultural achievements.

Significant Locations

Major Cities and Territories

• Terranova: The administrative and cultural capital of Lilarreich. As its nerve center, Terranova hosted important diplomatic gatherings such as The Chancellor's Banquet and served as a hub for innovation and governance.
• Cornflower: A picturesque and tranquil city, renowned for its artistic and intellectual contributions. Cornflower became a sanctuary for Caldora's elite and a symbol of cultural sophistication during the golden age.
• Crazy Cave: The heart of Crazy Town's operations, carved into a mountain and home to the infamous Crazy Cannon. This location epitomized Crazy Town's chaotic energy and engineering prowess.
• Alexandria: Lilarreich's furthest military outpost, serving as a defensive stronghold. Its strategic position allowed it to monitor external threats and serve as a staging ground for military campaigns.
• Crockyland: A picturesque town founded by Crocky Silvaris near Terranova. Built with focus on beauty and harmony, it became a friend of Lilarreich with a bridge connecting it to the capital.
• Rotatus Island: The industrial headquarters of Rotatus Incorporated, where much of Caldora's infrastructure was designed and manufactured. A testament to the era's industrial might.

Government and Diplomatic Locations

• Lilarreich Legislature: The seat of Lilarreich's government, where laws were debated and diplomatic accords were signed. Also home to the Chateau Fleur de Bleu vineyard.
• Chateau Fleur de Bleu: A luxurious estate in Cornflower serving as neutral ground for diplomatic gatherings, including the crucial Dominion Summit. Its refined atmosphere fostered dialogue between competing factions.
• The Bunker: Built by LobsterCo, the Bunker served as a secure location for high-stakes diplomatic summits, representing both the Dominion's ambitions and its underlying tensions.

Notable Establishments

• La Poo Poo: A fine-dining establishment located within Crockyland, known throughout the region and frequented by travelers and diplomats, despite it's unusual name.
• The Asylum: A mysterious location that played a role in the Dominion's darker undertakings, the nature of which remains obscured by history.

Key Figures

Political Leaders

• Lucius Ehrveil: The visionary Chancellor of Lilarreich, whose leadership held the Dominion together through diplomacy and innovation. His strategic foresight laid the groundwork for the Dominion's initial success. Also founded The Guild, Citadel Corporation, and DaemonWare Labs. His dual legacy as both builder and shadow architect defined the era.
• Robert Alvaldi: The pragmatic and resourceful leader of Fulcrum, who played a crucial role in integrating his state into Lilarreich and advancing the Dominion's military and industrial capabilities. Co-leader alongside X Eclipsis.
• Crazy Eli: The unpredictable yet brilliant leader of Crazy Town, responsible for some of the Dominion's most daring technological experiments and its most disruptive internal conflicts. Presided over the infamous XreaTech vs. Walrus Luditus trial.
• X Eclipsis: Co-leader of Fulcrum alongside Robert Alvaldi, whose expertise in industrial development and logistics was instrumental in realizing the Dominion's infrastructural projects, including the monorail system.

Industrial and Scientific Leaders

• Zee Bane: Leader of XreaTech who became famous for filing charges against Walrus Luditus in one of the era's most notorious legal battles. Later collaborated with Crazy Town to develop a Divinet during the arms race.
• Lobbar Homarus: The enigmatic leader of LobsterCo, known as "Mr. Lobster." Always seen in his purple mask and tan trench coat, he pushed the boundaries of science and morality with controversial experiments. In his later years, he spearheaded the creation of a peace-focused Divinet in a final attempt to prevent catastrophe.

Other Notable Figures

• Crocky Silvaris: Founder of Crockyland, who established a harmonious town near Terranova that became a valued ally of Lilarreich. Known for dedication to beauty, harmony, and cultural development.
• Walrus Luditus: The defendant in the XreaTech vs. Walrus Luditus trial who shocked Caldora by detonating a bomb in the courthouse, marking one of the most destabilizing incidents of the Great Dominion and foreshadowing the violence to come.