Epilogue
As the 13th Century came to its end, great changes swept over the continent of Talbeah. The cooling temperatures caused crop failures in Setraland, K’omani, Paqwachowng, and other various proto-states. This would be the main driving force behind further consolidation, as those proto-states that were able to withstand the changes in temperature were able to absorb their weaker neighbors (or simply enter their abandoned cities). Asgard fought a brutal war with Pawu, eventually taking the island and securing trade on the Keshigu River; however, the spread of disease rapidly made this potentially lucrative vein of trade much less lucrative, to where it was of little value and was mostly forgotten.
Now, as the 15th Century dawns, the situation in Talbeah has greatly changed. K’omani, binding together its fellow alliance members by religious tradition, has become a major force along the Kikadit River, dominating trade there and sitting at the end of routes to the developing states on the Pacific Northwest coasts. Asgard retains its dominion of the Lucayan Sea, but it is a power on the decline as internal divisions and centralization in Fjothrland conspire together to weaken their grip on the region. Paqwachowng and the Lenape continue to butt heads with each other, and also increasingly Setraland and K’omani, over influence of the smaller native states in the Ohiyo River Valley. South of the Paqwachowng, the young and hungry Ocevpofv Confederation gathers strength, competing for control of the Southeast and even threatening the Asgardian homeland of Myrwick. All the while, the tribes of the Horse People gather strength and influence on the plains, playing the role of trading caravan and raiding party.
The 15th Century will see the end of this fraught situation, and see Talbeah plunged into war that it has never seen before...
The Talbeahan Chronicles will continue in The Great Talbeahan War: A History of the Western Hemisphere, 1400 to 1550
(An Explanation may be in order.
Since about September of 2018, I have been building up to a titanic conflict between K’omani and the more Europeanized states of the East. This war has become more and more of a focus, especially as I read some very good biographies and got new ideas of how to write it out. However, I felt that I had to finish off this part of the story first. The more I tried, the more it felt like I was spinning my tires, however. It’s been 700 years of history, and that wears on a guy.
I came to the realization recently, though, that I want to continue this story- but where I want to take it. Therefore, the 150 year timeskip to 1400 and the name change of the thread. That being said, I am opening p this thread to questions- questions of what happened in Europe, what happened here, cultural questions, all sorts of questions. This, I feel, can help you guys and me get some better “closure” so to speak of this thread before the new one is posted.
Thank you guys for all your support and the Turtledove award! Hopefully the new thread will meet your expectations and exceed them!)