The 40-Year Empire War began in 689 A.E. when the Song Dominion and the Celestine Ascendancy, long at odds with each other, erupted into full-blown war over a resource dispute, with both sides accusing the other of provocation. The war lasted nearly 40 years, until 727 A.E., and nearly ruined both of their economies. It is during this war that Scatterhome became a power to equal the Song and the Ascendancy.