• SETTING OVERVIEW

♦ SETTING ♦

The current year is 327 Post War in the world of Skiagis. There is currently a fragile lull of peace across nations that comes with a new generation of citizens. However, this is 327 after the Ancient War, it is a new world of technology, myth and magic.

Ancient History: Year 0 is when the Ancient War occurred, a great battle of the lands was set upon the lands when all manner of creatures battled each other. This was in a time when there was little magic in the world, no creature could shape shift and there were no magical traits. When the war ends bodies stacked high to the south of Mistere forming the mountain ranges of Hisakawa, a mutagenous wave of chemicals spread across the land inducing a series of mutations. These mutations lead to animistic species being able to shape shift into more humanoid forms, and a common language being used. These species began to live together, over years they formed different countries and societies. Using their species specific traits to create a way of living so different from the wild uncouth life before.

Recent History: Year 214 Post war, 113 Years ago from current time a new energy was discovered. While for over 200 years races have been living in a harmonious lifestyle, the magical traits that species were born with now considered a normal part of life there had been great progress in technology as each nation worked towards prosperity. One dawn brought something more mystical to the lands, people found themselves with new power, innate talents and abilities that changed the balance of power with technology. Matching modern technology these talents were far from normal and very odd, there seemed to be no system or pattern of who was granted this magical strength. No one has been able to figure out the origins, different religions and groups have beliefs on the origins of this magical talent that any being is able to learn.

Mistere History: While the current government of Mistere is a democracy up until 287 Post War it was a monarchy, 40 years ago the monarchy was overthrown, this revolution built up over a decade of people gathering and forming a group of proud Mistere Citizens that were not happy with how the monarchy was acting. While the monarchy was not harmed and now live out their lives quietly running the numerous businesses they have as a source of income the revolution was not long ago. The monarchy loving generation is still alive and this has been known to cause strife within communities between the strong democrats and the royal family loyalists

Current History: Current year is dated at 327 Post War, the relationship of the countries although fragile seems steady to the general public due to life continuing as always.

♦ MISTERE

The terrain of the nation of Mistere varies based on where one lives. There are areas that are completely covered with greenery and forestry, however due to the deforestation of it for resources, it is becoming more and more scarce for areas like this to prosper like it used to. These areas that are being built up in place of it are very metro and urban areas, with skyscrapers outlining the skyline and buildings as far as the eye can see. Between each major city to the next, there are smaller towns akin to smaller cities that are connected by country roads and freeways. There is very little land that is left untouched by the people that inhabit the land but it is still prosperous with resources and the quality of the soil for farming. The weather is generally consistent but there is generally more of an overcast tone in the sky. It abides by the four season system as there is very clear times per year of what the weather should be.

The architecture of Mistere is modern in terms of style. However, it takes influences from both modern day, its roots, and various neighboring nations. It combined all the styles of traditional design as well as combining it with modern materials and building styles. An emphasis on design is placed with using metal and glass in order to provide natural lighting to leak into the building. While most of the skyscrapers are primarily made of metal and window with seldom wood, you can still run into the types of places that have an older building style as they incorporate wood. There is no one defined style of building of Mistere as they tend to adapt their methods to continually evolve but never go back to the same thing. They can appreciate it easily but in the end, they realize their flaws and try to make their next piece of architecture better.

Mistere is a democracy, however, only became this way recently after the absolute monarchy was overthrown. There are various political parties each with its own sets of motives, typical of a modern day democratic society, along with some monarchy loyalists remaining in a smaller and louder party. Within the heart of the capital, Mystopolis, lies Eldritch Academy, where students of all kinds, whether they be human, half-breeds, or pure-blood, no matter what they are studying, whether it be something with more of an academic focus or something that is even more mystical in nature like magic and its style of combat.
Mistere is neutral with Hisakawa and hold fragile and tense peace with Arka.

ARKA ♦

Arka is a flat land not much smaller than Mistere, however, much of it is abandoned due to the lack of resources. It shares a desolate icy border with Hisakawa, where the lands are frosted over with a thick layer of ice. The terrain does vary as the ice melts to reveal a desert like land of harsh rocks, sharp mountainous spires of stone and strong winds. Across this rocky landscape there are hovels and shacks of those living out their limited days without resources, money or power. However towards the south, grass starts to grow, marshlands turns into plains as small villages and settlements become more common. These areas are more lush yet nothing compared to the natural wealth of Mistere.

The landscape is flat and empty, small shacks made of debris litter the abandoned lands, while on the marshy terrain small villages have been built with basic carpentry. Both of these areas are often forgotten when compared to the three cities in this land. The first is simply known as MT Academy, the entire city is for young magical persons who are training as cadets. After graduating they will often move to live in the Capital, with architecture of great domed stone buildings this city is simply known as 'The Capital' for any other name has been lost over time. Powerful members of society and the army reside here, controlling the academy and the nation alike. The third city is one that no person of class and status would mention. On the edge of The Capital it is a place known as the slums, those too old to have wealth or power, people hiding away fighting over what scraps they can. The only visitors they get are slavers from the capital, taking away people to be forced to fight in arenas or work until they die of starvation or worse.

Arka is an oligarchy, a small number of wealthy or magically powerful upper class citizens lead the school, army and country. The entire country revolved around the Military Training Academy which trains soldiers in the art of magical combat from young age, enrolled enter the military after they leave the students have an upper class life of power before them. Those who do not have the innate talent or power to enter the academy are cast out from the cities and villages, leading a life of suffering in the empty stone desert.
They hold fragile and tense peace with Mistere and are neutral with Hisakawa.

♦ HISAKAWA

Hisakawa is a fairly secluded country, both figuratively and physically. As if to elude to the people's way of life this medium-sized land mass' borders are dotted with an overwhelming number of snowy mountains both big and small, especially at the country's connection to Arka, proving deadly to even the more experienced climbers. However, once you get past these natural walls the inner beauty of Hisakawa truly shows. Being mostly untouched by outsiders has allowed the country to grow very lush forests and humid jungles which are homes to many unknown creatures which are still being discovered to this day. Though a few civilized cities and towns have been developed over a few years most of the country still refuses to give into the new ways, meaning tribes and clans are still very much present. The great river, Wakeru, splits the country in half directly down the middle.

The ice-capped mountains that surround the borders of Hisakawa are very much uninhabited besides a few creatures that can withstand such cold and harsh conditions. Though a failed attempt that building a city can be seen to the east, half built and well frozen over. The center of Hisakawa holds the capital city of Kogane no Toshi, surrounded by four smaller cities to the north, south, east, and west. These five cities are the wealthiest, as they hold both the emperor, his family, and many of their friends and business partners. They're fairly wealthy due to their growing interests in industrialism. Smaller cities and towns can be found elsewhere over the land, though they are nowhere near as clean or wealthy-looking. The further you are from the capital and closer to the snowy mountains, the poorer you are.
If a person is not in any city or town, then they are most likely living off the land as a tribe, either in one of the thick forests or lavish jungles. There are various tribes that rebel against the changing times, wanting to keep their traditions. Though these tribes are rapidly decreasing in number due to their homes being in danger.
One of the newer additions to the country is Chishiki Academy, held within Kogane no Toshi. Though new to the idea of magic schools, Hikakawa shows great promise with a lot of their students.

Hisakawa is a monarchy. Emperor Nao-Zia currently rules over Hisakawa along with his wife, Empress Yu-Feng. The royal family's word is law, meaning as long as you have royal blood running through your veins your commands actually mean something. Though depending on who you actually are your words may mean more or less than other's. Disobeying the emperor's will usually means harsh punishment, or death for especially bad deeds. Once an emperor dies his wife will become ruler. If there is no wife, the eldest child will inherit the throne.
This nation is neutral with Mistere and neutral with Arka.