thomas.berubeg
Wandering the World
I was thinking that a primitive despotism led to the War of Survival, i.e., a very aggressive and hot headed king. He cooled real quickly and had to rely on his trusted advisors, captains rising from the ranks, distant family members and small, allied client states to survived. After securing his kingdom, he made the first High Lords which led to the more modern feudal system of the Second Age.
A different prompt for reformation could be interesting too.
outside invasion? or a climactic change.