While in the 3rd era, the Gods would generally help the humans in their care and make an effort to make their lives easier, in the 4th era, people began to fear their Gods.
It was terrifying to humans living in the city states to see Gods and strange beings with superpowers, using technology they did not understand, fighting above their heads. They felt helpless as they watched their houses and their lives being destroyed. They lived in fear, knowing that a small group of people were manipulating everything behind the scenes.
The insanity of the Gods was not constant. In times when the energy was strong, they were more crazy, but in times when the energy was receding, they often impose a more sensible rule.