Great Bloodshed
The grim sight of the Lifeless Pass left a deep impression on Kieran.
It served as a clear reminder that even the greatest could fall one day. If Cardinal Weiss had only been a soldier during the Great Bloodshed, then many more like or stronger than him must have fallen.
That was likely a crippling event where many powerhouses were lost. But that was to be expected. Today's order was not built upon rickety shoulders but rather on the firm and compressed backs of the dead.
Every power that existed in the modern day had participated in their fair share of wars in some form.
Whether it was through directing its economy through supplies, soldiers, and information or being a direct participant. That was also why the War Deity Temple had become the prominent force it was.
Most of that power and influence was gained through the act of war — by abiding by the principles of their deity.