The Twilight Pact

At a Glance

When: c. 2,700 AC
Where: Orethar
Who: the Kingdom of Imperion, the Sylvan Conclave, the Dwarven Clans of Ulfheim, the Mage Council of Shenyun, and various minor powers
Outcome: High magic restricted continent-wide

Overview

The Twilight Pact was a historic agreement signed by the nations and major factions of Orethar to limit the use of high magic. It was enacted after a series of magical disasters and near-cataclysms that shook the foundations of their societies and spread widespread fear of uncontrolled arcane power. The Pact aimed to prevent further disasters by restricting the most dangerous forms of magic, especially planar manipulation, necromancy, and other high-risk practices.

Signatories

The Pact was signed by representatives from many factions, including:

  • The Kingdom of Imperion: A powerful human kingdom and a strong advocate for the Pact, which it saw as essential to stability and security.

  • The Sylvan Conclave: An alliance of elven communities committed to preserving natural magic and the balance of the land.

  • The Dwarven Clans of Ulfheim: Who sought to protect their underground realms from the collateral effects of magical experiments.

  • The Mage Council of Shenyun: A coalition of scholars and wizards who recognized the dangers of unchecked magical study.

  • Various minor powers: City-states, smaller kingdoms, and influential guilds that relied heavily on trade or magic.

Restrictions

The Twilight Pact prohibited:

  • Planar Magic: Especially attempts to open rifts or gateways to other planes, which could invite invasions or destabilize reality.

  • High Necromancy: Raising armies of the dead or binding souls for extended periods.

  • Chronomancy (Time Magic): Any manipulation of time, since even minor alterations could have catastrophic consequences.

  • Forbidden Summoning: Calling entities from beyond known realms, particularly those poorly understood or undocumented, which was heavily regulated or outlawed.