After years of hiding, the survivors will lose most of their skills. Then in 2570 they will finally find their way back to Silan and the Continent.
I realize the devs are scrambling to extend the story line in a credible way, but it is currently 2562. We wouldn't naturally lose skills acquired over the past 40 yrs (game time) of our lives in a mere 8 yrs. Sure we might be a bit rusty and lose 10% or something, but not all.
Perhaps they should introduce some effect (magical perhaps) to explain skill loss. Something like, "A bankrupt group of weary space travellers from the planet Capricious, happen upon Atys. They might be broke but they wield tremendous technologies. They demand huge tribute from the homins of Atys. Despite threats of annihilation, the homins refuse to pay. In retribution, the god-like travellers blast the ancient tree with a massive amnesia ray before returning to the depths of space." ~tongue in cheek~