The world was in ruins, its people slaughtered, and its culture destroyed. The seas were as blood and the earth became dust. The remaining Magi could have used their knowledge and power to repair everything, but it would start the cycle all over. Instead, they learned from their mistakes and so set in motion a new age.

The Magi traveled about the world assisting those that wished for help. They did not use the full power of the essence; instead they relied on the more mundane magical arts. The pure essence had corrupted the good nature of people and they vowed this would not happen again.

As the world slowly recovered the magi took on students and taught them to use this new form of magic — these people became known as magicians, or “Students of Magic”, in the language of power. These magicians taught others their craft and slowly the world began to recover. The Magi retreated to the far corner of the world and allowed the world to progress naturally.

This was a difficult age, but things were progressing. Enough area had been cleared so that people could work the land and raise their children. The first few cities were being built again, this time with the help of all the races of Miranda. Since there was so little land available, the races had to live in close proximity to each other. Old hatreds and blood feuds took a long time to die out, but eventually those that couldn’t adjust just fled to the wastelands.

The magi knew that no golden age was coming, but instead a test of their deepest convictions. They sensed the Celestial Dragon had gone to sleep and the gods were coming to Miranda again. With a powerful burst of power the gods had returned to Miranda, and what they found displeased them greatly

Unlike the masters that first studied under the Magi, these new students were taught the fundamental laws of magic but given no access to the power of the essence. The word “magician” literally means “Student of Magic” in the ancient words of power; although some linguists believe it more closely resembles “Child of Magic.”

The Magi taught the first magicians directly, then watched as they taught their skills to the next generation. When the third generation was beginning their studies, they constructed large towers and academies where the new teachers could instruct more students. While few of these academies remain, those who study the art revere their history.

It was during these budding years that early magicians formed most of the magical laws. They increased the sum knowledge of all magicians be gathering in great conclaves and teaching their peers. As their knowledge expanded, so did their power — for the Magi had discovered that power left unchecked by knowledge was uncontrollable.

While not all magicians became successful at their craft, many went on to become the top advisors of the small towns that would become cities. In fact, most of the major cities that still survive from the Age of Magic were centers of magical academies.

History does record some tyrants using magic to subjugate their neighbors, but the local academy soon put a stop to their actions. Even the most infamous of the tyrants, Archmage Kallidus’s rule lasted for little over two years. The magicians had learned to keep their members in check and to work with society; instead of lording over them.

Huge stretches of the world were still completely inhabitable. These areas became known as the wasteland as nothing grew there but the specter of death. Twisted and evil creatures that survived Gelin’s rule lived in the wasteland and fed off those foolish enough to travel unprotected. Those people that didn’t find solace in civilized society often went into the wasteland to find their destiny.

These people formed bands of bandits or rovers that struggled against both the local guard and monsters for survival. Most didn’t last too long, but several grew large enough that they formed their own town for survival. This new town would attract pioneers looking for a new chance and magicians looking to further their studies. Eventually, it became that which its rulers escaped from years ago, but by then the wealth of taxes and land ownership long since cooled their travelling spirit.

Slowly, but surely, the wasteland was being pushed back and civilization was rapidly growing. No scholar knows exactly why the Magi just didn’t make the roads between towns safe for all travelers, but it is generally accepted they were preparing for the upcoming battle.