In this alternate universe, magic trumps might every time. The arcane has been assimilated into everyday life. Every citizen casts, coaxes, dabbles, or dares to dive into magic. Society is run by and for Wizards and Witches of all shapes and sizes, colors and creeds. The warriors of olden days have been replaced, or rather augmented. The scholars always have much to study. The leaders have more to delegate. This Civilization extends to every edge of one continent, which is also the largest on the world.

[hider=Dialogue]Everyone has their own means of living and place among the people. 

There is a formal caste system setting the stage for the portrayal of civilized society:
-There are The Severed, whom have no connection to anything magical and therefore any part of normal culture. If you were unlucky enough to be born without any sort of magical affinity, you are part of the severed, you're probably toiling away with manual labor with tasks too petty for the higher classes. And you are hungry, so very hungry.

-The Bright, who are young and novice mages recently out of apprenticeships that last until magical maturity, around the ages of 16-18. They live in small spaces, sometimes 2-4 at a time for more space, like those of college students.

-The Radiant, who are journeyman mages of all kinds of trades from architects to zoologists, they have simply performed a function befitting a better place of keeping among the people. They live in less modest quarters than the Bright, equivalent of upper middle class.

-Next are the Luminous, whom are senior most and typically powerful. They have an influence over civilizations through political standings they hold. They live very well with many, sometimes questionable, comforts.

-There is one more unofficial class, Named the Exalted, whom have earned a place of honor through great deeds. They live in perpetual bliss in the most wealthy regions.

Just because someone is of lower caste, aside from the severed, does not mean they may be less wealthy or less powerful. Young members of rich nobility are still part of the Bright at the start, they simply can afford more but haven't earned a better tier of living. A person of the Radiant can be an expert is his field and easily surpass the magical power of someone in the Luminous, they are just not as influential in society.

These Caste names work as titles, preceding the name of each and every citizen in the kingdom. Those of the same caste don't have to extend that courtesy, though when speaking up or down to another it is expected. 
Ex.
"Welcome, Radiants Isaac and Jacob," Greeted Tabor.

"Luminous Tabor is thinning on top more than graying, wouldn't you say, Jacob?" Jeered Isaac.

"Mind your idle-headed incantations, Bright Arthur, Before you lose your other sleeve as well!" Scolded Radiant Sarah.[/hider]

[hider=Will]There is nothing out of reach for a mage to take interest in. 

Heavy armor does not hinder an able-bodied mage. Poisons and Poultices will break down or bolster those who drink, as will alcohol. There are many magical devices that also are a common sight. Who would be able to get between work and play without a flying broom or carpet or anything else? Staves, wands, and other arcane apparatuses are not necessary tools. They are used to either augment a wizard's inherent capabilities or they are charged with spells that may not be in a mage's repertoire. Some are even known throughout history to not need to use certain fundamental casting actions, such as magical gestures or verbal incantations, but never has there been someone without both.

Spells have been around since before the beginning of recorded history. They are incredibly ancient and vastly numerous. They cannot be quantified, and only sometimes categorized. Each and every spell, after all, is entirely a projection of it's caster and therefore original. Children are raised to understand and learn spells of increasing complexity. While some things are general knowledge, like the simple cantrips of light or picking up small objects that are learned at a young age, Aspiring wizards learn from mentors and develop their own interests or inclinations in practice. Nothing is definite, defined, or limited in a true mage's eyes.

[center][u]Basic Spell Casting, Taught by the lovely Radiant Sarah Hemlock[/u][/center]
"So let us say that the gesture, dialogue, and the will of the caster make up the three major components of spellcasting." Sarah suggested to the class while dragging a line with a tender finger to each of three circles. Each had a symbol describing her lesson's subjects: Gesture, Dialogue, and Will. The entire display was made of vivid light that laid flat against a plain wall at the front of the room. Most were attentive to it, though eyes of some students fell to her shapely hips and legs as she faced away.
"In theory, this triangle of power allows the mage to perform most magical actions. Without one," she detailed with a flick of her wrist, expelling a line between Will and Dialogue. 
"there is still a connection that can draw up and expel power of all sorts. If two of these are missing," her hand twirled a finger slowly, and steadily lines appeared and disappeared according to her speech.
"you are doing nothing but dancing, talking too much, or daydreaming." The class rippled with quiet laughs. She waved the sigil away. That was the first time she looked at the wall since drawing it. Once it was quiet again she turned to the stoically.
"The most important and obvious aspect of this is that whatever you may do, never cast without Will. Be certain. Nothing could be more reckless and dangerous than that." 

Radiant Sarah proceeded to cite examples of criminal mages whom upon being captured would be gagged and have there hands bound to each individual finger. She then included that the simpler, and much more infamous method, was to cut off the hands and tongue. The class collectively scowled.[/hider]

[hider=Gesture]Every action made by a mage has consequences.

There are few social faux pas in the wizarding world. It has not yet been deemed impossible to become immortal, bring someone back from the dead fully, or change lead into gold. These are all stuff of legend. The ridicule should be expected from normal folk for your attempts though. Truly, only criminal action against other mages is demonized and punished. It is done so quickly by the words of the Luminous who govern different regions. The consequences can be (but not limited to) being removed from your caste, imprisoned, even made incapable of casting as mentioned above.

Clothes come in a huge variety for the benefit and comfort of each individual magician. If your style is robes that conceal or simply help you comfortably sleep anywhere, so be it. If you need lots of pockets all over for various things, go ahead and get it! Wear the armor that lets you get close to any adversary without fear. Just please wear something. 

Reputation breeds opportunity. Your prowess as a mage may be seen by your eccentric fashion, your rather bold words, or your rather destructive/constructive qualities. Friends are important to make, as are enemies sometimes.

There are tasks for all castes all over the continent. There are plenty of opportunities to gain knowledge, power, or fame out there. Guilds, Politics, Law, Crime, Good and Evil forces calling out. Just be careful you aren't that opportunity for someone else. [/hider]
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All participating in this story will start in the Bright Caste. The point is to evolve and move towards goals, whether knowledge or fame or power. There will be a starting locale to be drawn up later in my off time. Your starting abilities will be based on whoever brought you up and whatever training that included. The title will come into play, I promise. Does this catch your eye? Interested?

*Addition*
There is going to be a limit to accepted characters! I know what you're thinking. I will have to bust out something fast once I see the letters [url=http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/61634/posts/ic]OOC[/url]. But do not fret, this will be temporary. This universe, if started, will continue to grow! The players, who should only join if they are willing to stay involved, will become the later generation of mages and then pick THEMSELVES new mentees. This will create interesting relationships, alliances, and origins forever and always!