Shortly after the end of the Great Blantonese Civil War, with the victory of General José Outon's armies, the notorious 'Law of Return to the Beginning' was decreed.
This law reset the entire calendar of the country of Blanto, making midnight of the first day of peace the beginning of year zero. This act symbolized a radical shift, reflecting the populace's desire for an era devoid of further conflicts. Resetting the calendar symbolized a 'spirit of renewal'.
The subsequent years were referred to as 'Post Mortem' (years following the death) to signify the nation's rebirth and renewal.
Despite causing great inconvenience for those who were unsure of when to celebrate birthdays or pay their electricity bills, the alteration of dates was not the most significant post-war change.
The most notable development was the movement later known as the Exodus to the Escapes. This name, seemingly tautological, refers to the places where a large part of the low and lower-middle class sought refuge and protection.
An 'Escape' is a large, usually surrounded by walls, self-governed housing complex, often operating under its own set of laws. Modern medium-sized Escapes house around 10.000 people, while the largest ones support hundreds of thousands.
By the midpoint of the second Post Mortem decade, the Era of Escapes had experienced substantial growth. Now, in year 54, despite the semblance of peace in the people's minds and hearts, some Escapes subtly dominate high public positions. There are also internal conflicts within Blanto's cities and states, causing political instability.
Nevertheless, the post-war economy is booming, with an unprecedented demand for entertainment and leisure arts. Works like 'The Fear of the Rain Dragons' have become best-sellers, with their authors achieving multimillionaire status thanks to their talent and a bit of luck...
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