[OOC] Adelon [Closed]

[GambolMuse]

Adelon, a world dominated both by magic and technology. Until recently the lifestyles of its inhabitants was a fairly simple one, as magic was the primary way of life for many. Through worship of the 10 gods, known to their worshipers as Saints, magic was given unto the world for the people's faith, and the magic in turn could be used for virtually anything. Guided by the Church of the Ten Saints, people performed daily rituals or worship in order to provide power to their Gods, and in turn able to enjoy the fruit of their labors in the form of magic crystals. Created by the Church, these crystals are physical manifestations of everyone's worships, their hopes and dreams. Though modern commodities like electricity and running water exist, magic still made life easier. It could heal ailments, repair damage, the possibilities were endless. And as long as the people of Adelon continued to use magic and pray the Church would profit, and for many years magic was the predominate means of business for the Church. As it tends to however time changes all things, and soon technology began to develop at rapid paces. More energy efficient means of powering homes were discovered, efficiency in many commodities were introduced and soon the need for magic to make life simpler began to diminish. In two decades time technology had not only overtaken magic, but nearly drowned it out completely. With no need for it worship faltered, and the world's energies began to wane.

Seeing their claim on magic disappearing, the Church had a decision to make. They could either try to convince the populace that magic was still very much needed, or embrace the new surge of technology and throw magic to the wayside. Knowing full well the latter couldn't be allowed, as magic was needed to maintain the world itself, they continued their worship, albeit in much smaller quantities than before. Now, the Church concerns itself with nearly all matters involving technology, having some say or at the very least influence in its development. They operate on a double agenda; preserve magic just enough to maintain the world's balance, but promote technology in order to profit. For the most part, the general population is accepting of this change in dynamic and accepting of the Church's role in it. After all, technology is the newest, greatest thing, why shouldn't they embrace it? And the Church led them before, it only makes sense to follow them now. While near 97 percent of the populace welcomed the change, there were those who couldn't, whether out of sheer stubbornness or inability to adapt. This minority, making up hardly 3 percent of the population, are known as Magi.

The Church sold its crystals so that they could profit, this much is true. However, the reason for creating the crystals in the first place is simple; normal beings cannot manipulate magic. Magic itself is ethereal, never tangible and without knowledge cannot be used in any way. By focusing magic one can solidify it into gems and crystals, and it was by doing this that the Church made its living. The small portion of those who did not need the crystals, known simply as Magi, have a natural affinity for magic. For reasons not known to most they are able to pull magic from the world around them, using it in ways suited to their natural talent. Though these individuals could prove to be dangerous there was never any reason to fear them, as magic was plentiful and their lives peaceful. So long as they caused no trouble the Church did no harm and respected their natural talent, allowing to them to live as they pleased. When technology began to take priority in life however the overall magic pools in Adelon began to diminish, and so too did the magic that Magi could draw upon. Knowing that the Church could and did control the flow of magic some Magi grew furious, blaming the Church for what had happened. With their very existence threatened they did the only thing they could, fight.

Were the advancements in technology not so great, it is possible that the Magi would have won the battles. However, perhaps foreseeing the conflict the Church had prepared itself, developing weaponry capable of harnessing magic and combating the Magi. While the Magi had the advantage of natural talent the Church, in cooperation with the government, had the advantage of numbers. Inevitably quantity won out, and the Magi who raised arms against the Church were killed. Seeking to prevent further action, the Church began seeking out any and all people who were capable of using magic, killing them without question. Those who were smart joined the Church in their conquest, selling their souls as it were in order to survive and gain access to the stores of magic they possessed. The witch hunt for Magi continues, and slowly but surely the surviving members of this minority are being weeded out.

---

So, that's our world in a nutshell! Essentially the story for us boils down to our characters, all Magi, are trying to find out why it is that magic is drying up in the world. They know religion isn't the priority any longer, but there should still be more if it out in nature than there currently is. Our mission is a simple one; discover where all the magic is going and try and bring it back into the world proper. How we do this and how we go about it is up to us, but rest assured, however we decide to do things it's not going to be easy. With that out of the way let's get into the fun stuff!

[GambolMuse]

The World of Adelon

The world of Adelon has a lot going for it, and many terms which may seem unclear at first. Here is a summation of everything you need to know to delve into the world. (This is all WIP!)

The Church of the Ten Saints

At the center of the worship of the Ten is the Church, controlling all matters concerning religion. They are led by the Emissary, a man who allegedly can speak directly with the Saints themselves. Beneath him are the 10 Bishops, one for every major church under their respective deity, and generally holding claim over large portions of land and its people. No church would be complete without its servants, and it is the priests that make up the lowest tier of the hierarchy, yet they still command a considerable amount of respect. The priests act as a liaison both between the Church and the people as well as the Church's military branch. Though the organization serves all of Adelon, its complete body of clergy makes up a very minute percentage of the population, numbering in the hundreds in total.

Up until recently the Church's activities were largely focused on promoting the religious worship of the Ten Saints as well as regulating the trade of magic crystals. With the diminishing trend in regards to worship however they have instead turned their sights to technological endeavors, using their large sums of coin to back promising inventions and trying to expand their influence elsewhere. Currently they do still offer services for those few faithful, but many churches have either been closed down or re-purposed into buildings used for some of the companies they back.

Ten Saints

A total of 10 beings reign over the world of Adelon, known to its people as the Ten Saints. Each of these deities, representing some aspect of the world, are thought to be omnipotent and all-powerful, though their involvement in the mortal realm, if any, is never seen. Each Saint has one element generally associated with them, and as such there tends to be a chief deity associated with each of the races. (WIP)

Suros, the Saint of Ruin.
Associated with decay of nature and the destruction of all things, as well as the Autumn season.

Xalia, the Saint of the Void.
Associated with darkness and the unknown.

Ferra, the Saint of Earth.
Associated with crops, construction and mountains.

Ralthor, the Saint of Fire.
Associated with cleansing, eternal flames and wrath, as well as the Summer season. Cheif deity of the Dimura.

Edos, the Saint of Steel.
Associated with the forge, warfare and machinery. Chief deity of the Mura.

Kedo, the Saint of Air.
Associated with the sky, mystery and fate. Chief deity of the Divined.

Lumiere, the Saint of Lightning.
Associated with storms and the fury of nature.

Oranoak, the Saint of Wood.
Associated with the wilds, plant life and nomadic lifestyle. Chief Saint of the Ydra.

Ginrei, the Saint of Frost.
Associated with the end of the harvest, isolation and the Winter season.

Genrei, the Saint of Water.
Associated with oceans and other large bodies of water, as well as navigation and the Spring season. Chief deity of the Varuna.

Magi

In contrast to the majority of the people of Adelon, Magi are capable of manipulating magic without the need for crystals. Far and few between, their aptitude with magic tends to vary from person to person, and generally a Magi can only really manipulate magic in any one form. Those who have practiced extensively can expand their prowess, but doing so requires a lot of work and natural ability. Some races are more attuned to magic than others, and as such will generally have an easier time learning to use their powers. Though Magi are capable of bypassing the need for crystals their abilities do not come without a price; casting magic freehand is very taxing on both the mind and body. The more an individual does so the better their stamina becomes and the more it can be done, but many a Magi have fallen ill or even died from over-exertion. For this reason extreme caution is stressed for many children, as its easy to overdo it when you're new to the practice.

Machina

An overarching, abstract term used to describe the latest wave of technology. Some of it is powered by magic crystals, others through power cells, these can be anything from simple appliances to machinery or even weapons. The materials that these devices are crafted from vary almost as widely as do their uses; synthetic fibers hard as steel, refined metals and carbonized cloth. Plenty of companies have begun dealing in this manner of trade, but only a handful have risen to prominence, with each holding a firm grasp over their respective fields.

[GambolMuse]

Magic

As previously stated, the world of Adelon is filled to the brim with natural magic energies. Or rather, it was, as now these energies are beginning to wane. Nonetheless, the properties of magic remain the same even if the quantity has diminished, and utilizing it is still perfectly possible.

For Magi, the use of magic poses a unique problem. Any non-Magi who wishes to use magic can do so through crystals, and there are no side effects; once a crystal is used through it simply shatters and vanishes, not causing any harm to the user whatsoever. To use magic without a crystal requires immense mental and physical ability, as well as discipline and plenty of practice. Mental prowess is needed in order to provoke enough willpower to shape the magic as one sees fit, and physical ability is needed in order to sustain the influx of magic and handle the pressure it places on the body. Over-using magic can prove fatal for young Magi, and even veteran casters are susceptible to illness or death if not careful. Like regular physical fitness, endurance can be built up over time to allow a Magi to cast more often, while also casting stronger spells and feeling less of the effects. It's not easy, but some of the best Magi in Adelon are rumored to be able to cast massive spells without breaking a sweat.

All magic has a yin and a yang aspect to it, with the yin portions being displayed in the chart below.



Like two halves of a whole, every yin magic displayed above has its opposite, as listed below. In most cases it is easiest for a Magi to access their respective yin and yang magic as opposed to reaching outside of their usual pairing.

Fire's yang aspect is Ruin.
Metal's yang aspect is Void.
Earth's yang aspect is Air.
Water's yang aspect is Lightning.
Wood's yang aspect is Frost.

Any element can be used with the proper training, though some races have an easier time with certain elements than others. For instance, Mura, who are aligned to metal, have an easier time of using either metal or void magic compared to the other 8.

Spellcrafting

All but the most experienced Magi are only capable of utilizing any single form of magic. There are various ways to exercise one's power even in only a single element however, so just because a Magi is limited to one type should not imply they are inferior. From imbuing or creating tools with the element, to summon beasts attuned with the selfsame power, spells can have a wide variety of uses. Some magic is even capable of creating materials using the world around them, though this is extremely difficult, as often it requires changing elements. It's not easy to attain this measure of prowess, but any Magi given time can reach that point.

Every spell consumes some degree of energy, and it is pertinent to a Magi to know their limits. Generally speaking, single target, quick attacks such as a firebolt can be used repeatedly, with little wear on the caster. If one is to shapeshift entirely however, or even summon a beast, then things become more difficult. It is also important to remember that if a Magi uses a spell such as a summon they are continually drained so long as the entity exists, so summoners, particularly in young Magi, are quite rare. Generally speaking, the more powerful or potent a spell, the more taxing it is on the caster.

If you can think it, you can cast it. Magic in regards to a Magi is literally the manifestation of their willpower. If they wish to form a weapon then they can, or they can create brilliant strikes with their respective affinity. To this end magic seems near limitless in capability, but there are restrictions. While a Magi can indeed form whatever they please, if their ability falls short then the spell will fail, either just vanishing or exploding in their face, sometimes literally. This circles back to the idea of knowing ones limits, lest their spells backfire.

[GambolMuse]

Races of Adelon

Over the course of centuries, people settled in various locations across Adelon. As magic tends to manifest in various ways based on the environment, different people were exposed to different things, and the result of which led to changes in physiology. Numerous races, from the human-like Mura to the alien-like Divined populate the landscape, with the Mura being by far the most plentiful of them all. Every race is unique in their particular affinity for magic, meaning that one race tends to excel in a certain element above all others.

Mura

The Mura are the humans of Adelon, and the most numerous race currently. They are the most technologically advanced of the species here, and are at the forefront of the technological boom that is taking place. Having originated from the sandy, barren wastelands, the Mura have since expanded to every climate in the world, erecting large cities in their wake. Though they outnumber most other races they are not malicious, usually cooperating with and respecting those around them. Where they lack in sheer physical strength or potency in their magic they make up for in resilience, flexibility and ingenuity. They are capable of using their technology to adapt to any situation, and can overcome great hardships. Their elemental affinity is metal, and they utilize it in nearly every aspect of their lives.

Strengths: Technologically advanced, adaptable.

Weaknesses: Unimposing physically, have a harder time than other races at learning new magic.

Divined

Once an innumerable race, the Divined are a much smaller community now, almost to the point of extinction. Tall and slender in appearance, their skin has a white, almost luminescent appearance to it. They are an androgynous race, their facial features seemingly never to be overly feminine or masculine. They are hairless, and more often than not covered in a long cloak; due to the Church's particular scrutiny of the Divined for being so resistant to change, they are often treated harshly, hence the cloaks. Their elemental affinity is wind, yet due to their irregularly high ability to use magic they can utilize at the very least one other element as well. Even the youngest of the Divined are capable magic users, being the only race who are all considered Magi. They are more closely in tune with the natural energies of the world, and as a result are most affected by the changes. Many cannot leave their homelands due to just sheer lack of magic, and those who do walk a precarious path.

Strengths: Most magically gifted, can seemingly learn any element.

Weaknesses: Physically weak, more reliant on magic for combat than other races.

Dimura

Born and raised in the fiery reaches of Adelon, the Dimura are a half-breed of Dragons and Mura. No one knows how the unusual race came to be, but the power that these people control is formidable. Attuned to Fire above all else, they are especially hardy in regards to environmental conditions, both hot and cold, and are physically one of the strongest races. Though mostly human in appearance, the Dimura develop scales on top of their skin, have sharp canine-like teeth filling their mouths and some even develop wings for flight. Small in number mostly due to their tendency to go to war with just about anything, themselves included, they are as respected for their prowess in combat as well feared.

Strengths: Physically powerful, more durable than other races.

Weaknesses: Technologically are considered 'crude' by other race standards, especially when compared to the Mura.

Varuna

Where the Dimura took to volcanoes and fiery chasms for their home, Varuna sought their shelter in the oceans that engulf nearly half of Adelon. Living beneath the surf, the Varuna have developed methods of building strong, durable structures that can withstand currents and the occasional storm that rips through the open water, truly an architectural feat. As they have been living underwater their anatomy and physiology has changed, so much so that they no longer resemble their Mura ancestors. Smaller bodies, barely averaging a meter and a half in height, their skin is blue to help hide from predators in the water, and their bodies are smaller and more streamlined. They have a combination of gills and lungs, fins growing from their forearms and calves, and while they can leave the water and go on land they need a breathing apparatus for long periods.

Strengths: Best swimmers, unparalleled knowledge of the sea, can breath air and water.

Weaknesses: Very vulnerable to heat, will die in it without their apparatus.

Ydra

The Ydra, traditionally, are a nomadic race of hunter-gatherers. Their origins actually lie in the plane which lies parallel to that of our heroes. However, for generations they have been co-existing with the Mura and the other races of the Church’s lands. Traditional Ydra families live with their tribes in the wilderness and woodlands, but there are still those who, in their curiosity, have taken to urban life. This connection to their homeland is what gives them a slightly higher rate of Magi in their midst when compared to the Mura. But in most aspects, they are a parallel existence – those with an especially strong grasp of magic are still quite rare. The Ydra also have a smaller population than the Mura, therefore finding an Ydra Magi can prove difficult. Very similar to Mura aside from their more angular features, white hair and pointed ears, the Ydra can be found within cities and towns, but more often than not outside of these settlements.

Strengths: Swift climbers, agile fighters, can easily train an animal companion.

Weaknesses: Prone to illness (due to planar differences), weak to weaponry imbued with magic or other forms of “unnatural” magic