Following the end of the previous threats, a Golden Age of peace overtakes the Realm. That is, until a discovery is made that changes everything.
Story[ | ]
Thanks to the efforts of the Warders and the Paladins, the Realm was no longer subject to the threat of the dragons or the Goblin Scourges, and could now finally enjoy a period of peace. The Warders assumedly would leave for their island home of Warder's Watch, while the Stagalla that had been created to assist the Paladins would enter a deep slumber until they were needed again. The Paladins themselves, would disband, seeing no need for a group of warriors during a time of peace.
Many Paladins went back to live regular peaceful lives, while others joined the Magistrate, a newly created group composed of former Paladins and powerful magicians; led by the former Paladin Karne, the group would govern the Realm as the Golden Age of peace continued for nearly a century.
However, a new discovery would soon change everything. A new form of magic focused through crafted crystals that offered power rivaling that of the Magistrate itself; their uses were near limitless, and a crystal-powered revolution overtook the Realm. Many different inventions and tools were created, notably a pair of crystal-powered wings and a crystal-powered goblin mining suit were created by the dwarven inventor, Barik. Though not everyone had the best of intentions with this new discovery.
There were accidents, tragedies, horrible misuses of power, such as entire buildings being destroyed in massive explosions. Karne feared this would threaten the peace of the Realm and risk sending them back to chaos and war once again, as had been the case nearly a century ago. The decision was made: crystals would be banned from public use to ensure peace remained. Some individuals, such as Viktor, agreed with Karne, believing this choice would allow the Realm to remain peaceful, while others, such as Tyra, disagreed with the Magistrate, be it out of fear or distrust.
One notable individual opposed to this decision was Valera, the leader of the Paladins who had previously fought alongside Karne. Many individuals rallied behind Valera, who believed crystals had the potential to improve everyone's lives.
Meanwhile, the Magistrate had begun to set out collecting as many of the crystals as they could. In response, the newly formed Resistance weaponized crystal magic with the intent of using it against the Magistrate. Valera would also reawaken the old Stagalla and make them fight for her cause. When the Magistrate came to collect more crystals, the Resistance struck.
At first, the Magistrate soldiers were easily overpowered by the Stagalla known as Terminus, but things soon changed once Ash, the War Machine, appeared, easily destroying and seemingly killing Terminus in a single shot, shattering not only the Stagalla, but the Resistance's morale as a whole.
However, the remaining Stagalla, Inara, angered at having witnessed her former partner destroyed, rallied the Resistance, restoring their resolve to fight. The group would find others willing to join their cause, such as Ying, Sha Lin, Cassie, and Tyra, with Valera urging the group to take up the flag of the old Paladins. Meanwhile, the Magistrate also made their own preparations, calling on all loyal houses such as House Aico to assist them in their battle. With this, the Crystal War had officially begun.
The war continued to escalate, drawing the attention of various individuals joining the battle to protect their people or to protect nature itself, such as Grover, Moji, Makoa, Grohk, and Willo. Other individuals joined for more selfish reasons, such as taking contracts from both sides to maximize profit, such as Kinessa, Maeve, and the Thousand Hands Guild. Finally, there are those that despite the escalating conflict, seem to largely ignore the war.
Sources[ | ]
This information comes from the A Realm Divided lore cinematic (linked below), this dev statement, Imani, Barik, Inara, Lian, Fernando, Grover, Moji, Grohk, Willo, Kinessa, Maeve, and Zhin's bios, this loading screen tip, one of Rei's teasers, this dev statement, and the Trials of the Realm description for Brightmarsh,
Gallery[ | ]
Dragons rule the Realm with their immense power, few could hope to match them in battle. 
But due to the efforts of the Paladins and the Warders, this chaos would begin to come to a close. 
With no more threats, the Realm was finally peaceful. 
The Paladins disband, seeing no need for a group of warriors with no more threats to the Realm. Valera steps down, with her fellow Paladin Karne taking over. The Magistrate - comprised of ex-Paladins and powerful magicians, headed by none other than former Paladin Karne, is formed. After a century of peace, a new form of magic via crafted crystals is discovered, with power that rivals that of the Magistrate itself. Deepwerks, a Magistrate run facility, further propels the advancement of crystal-powered technology. A crystal-powered revolution overtakes the Realm. Many machines are invented, such as jetpack wings and goblin mining suits. However, not everyone had the best intentions with these crystals... Self-serving and power-hungry individuals start to abuse the crystal magic as a means for personal gain. The Magistrate decides to ban crystals among commoners in order to ensure peace. Some, such as Viktor (Commander of the Sentinels), agree with Karne's decision. Others however, such as Tyra (also one of the Sentinels), disagrees with Karne's choice. Valera too was notably opposed to this choice.. Citizens rally behind Valera against the Magistrate's choice. Karne meanwhile, orders a recall of all crystals, soldiers do what they can to obtain as many crystals as they can. A resistance forms, the rebellion weaponizes crystal magic, reawakens the ancient Stagalla, and stands against the Magistrate's choice. Terminus easily defeats several Magistrate soldiers. But is ultimately defeated. Ash having destroyed Terminus. Inara mourns the loss of Terminus. But her sadness soon turns to anger, causing her to rally the Resistance from dissipating. Other individuals are recruited into the Resistance. At Valera's urging the Resistance takes up the flag of the ancient Paladins.
Videos[ | ]
Trivia[ | ]
- It was initially stated that the Magistrate was created several centuries ago, and that the Golden Age lasted for a similar amount of time, as well as further implied in the Siege of Ascension Peak lore cinematic, however, it was later stated to have only been almost a single century since.
- The conflict being known as the "Crystal War" was originally a fan-made title which was eventually made canon with the Trials of the Realm description for Brightmarsh.[1]
- It's been implied that the Magistrate compensates those who give them crystals or have their property destroyed as a result of the war.[2]
