Remember that every thousand years a Leveller comes along and destroys at least 75% of the world, so I doubt technology has advanced very much. In fact I can guarantee that the Cath Bruig empire at it's height had technology beyond the wildest dreams of the citizens of Alric's current empire.
By the way, does the Cath Bruig empire now include the western provinces since Alric commanded those before the reemergence of Soulblighter?
-Milk Man
P.S. I almost feel sorry for Madrigal.. they get Sacked a lot... poor suckers.
