From Earth and Space to Planes and Realms, Magic was the core of daily life for all. Mundane and Supernatural alike shared in the wellspring of mana that flowed throughout every portion of the cosmos in this world. And thus when the Corruption first appeared, it spread like a disease into that Wellspring of magic and seeped out into the Universe. Spreading to the Far Reaches, shifting the balance of magic that once sustained the daily lives of those who lived within it.
Once Corruption set its roots deep into the magic of the universe, things began to change. It was different for each of the environments impacted. Some becoming overgrown with lush greenery while others suffered in drought - though one thing remained constant. Change. With each passing Aberration comes different environmental influences, with some sucking up life and others providing it. Leaving the Cosmos in a constant flux and making survival difficult while adaptation became paramount to the continuation of life.
Outside of the Veiled cities mundane life does exist in small pockets and even more rarely are that of groups of supernatural beings. With the constant threat of corruption looming, these scattered groups tend to live nomadic lives and travel stealthily with only a very small settlements remaining stationary - overall they share one thing, avoiding the utilization or interaction with anything magical as it is a known beacon for Aberrations. For them, fighting an Aberration is often out of the question.
A government exists in each country, however those governments come together to act as a council for items involving the globe and its survival. The forces such as Military, Omega Red and RDA are international and answer to this council. This makes it possible for refugees from one city to migrate to other veiled cities across the globe.
The Forming of the World Council, Omega Red, and RDA can be found within the Timeline.
Before corruption, technology via electricity was very much stuck in it's beginning phases due to the lack of necessity with Magic being the prominent tool in the Universe. Once corruption was born, electricity developed further at a rapid pace (80's era tech) as it guaranteed no corruption.
However, electrical technology required resources and maintenance that came with risks. Many Veiled Cities further away from these resources became less reliant upon it. While other Veiled Cities near these resources began pushing technology forward.
In Cities (including Howling Hills) that let their Technology power grids fall due to lack of maintenance and resources, electrical technology became unstable due to a lack of infrastructure and wear and tear from the elements outside of veiled areas.
When the Veil's became a standard of living, technology evolved away from electrical to Magical electricity. Leaving electrical technology in an unstable era. It wasn't until the year 2023 when a cure was found for Bite Based Corruption that some Veiled Cities began repairing their old Technological Infrastructure.
What Tech is Magical and What Tech is Not?
Non-Magical Tech: Anything that looks like it belongs to the 80s or older.
Magical Tech: Anything that looks like it belongs in the Modern or Sci-fi Era.
Alien Tech: Magic has always existed in the world, making Alien Tech Magi-tech.
Non-Magical Vehicles
Petrol powered vehicles: Older vehicles such as these are more commonly found outside of veiled areas, created during the first waves of corruption to support travel, however they require siphoning gasoline from whatever abandoned resources can be found.
Water/Steam powered vehicles: Less commonly found but easier to fuel. Came about as an alternative means during the beginnings of corruption when gasoline was high cost and high risk.
Magical Vehicles
Different manufacturers have various methods of how Magical Vehicles work. The one thing they all have in common is that they are fueled by Mana. Whether its stored energy or from the Caster. More recent manufacturers have discovered ways to create vehicles that are powered by the Veils themselves. Meaning they only work within the Veil.
Magical Tech & Alien Tech
Most of the Tech people use such as Phones, Computers, and Gaming devices are this. The Internet within the Veiled Cities consists of Magical Tech.
Pros
Stable and Reliable
Easy to acquire, more understand how the technology works.
Cons
Prone to Attracting Aberrations
Will get corrupted if it uses Mana outside the Veil
Magical Reserves & Mana Batteries
This is magic that's stored inside of a vessel to be used for Casting and Equipment such as Cars, Weapons, and Devices.
Pros
Stored and ready to use mana
Clean mana without any corruption present
Cons
Limited amounts of stored mana
Can not be refueled outside of Veiled areas
Non-Magical Tech
Most of the Tech found outside of Veil's cities is Non-Magical in nature. Including Older Vehicles
Pros
Can't Be Corrupted
Won't attract Aberrations or be sensed by them.
Cons
Unstable, prone to glitching or disconnecting at random. Unreliable.
Harder to Find due to the Tech rarely being made and few with the knowledge.
Inside Howling Hills
Most Vehicles and Transportation within the city run on Magic, except for the Train system that is a relic of the past that relies upon the Electrical Currents it creates in the tracks to power it. It's almost always running on a timed schedule to help the citizens get around the city.
Inside the Veils
Most Vehicles and Transportation within the Veiled cities run on Magic in some way shape or form. Its rare to find a Non-Magical Vehicle within the City.
Outside the Veils
Due to Magic Corruption outside the Veil, its rare to find Vehicles that run on Magic as they require a stored magical energy source or risk corruption when they draw on the corrupted environment to fuel themselves. Because of this, most vehicles that do run outside the veil are still electrical and unreliable.
Long Distance Travel from Veil to Veil
The Safest and most expensive form of travel between Veils is the use of the Non-Magical Airplanes with the Anti-Aberration Devices within them. However, this is far from safe. The devices are known to attract Aberrations just like the Disaster in 2009. The cheaper transportation outside the veil, the higher the risk. Its not uncommon to expect that someone may not make it when traveling from Veil to Veil.
Inside the Veil
The network of Magical Technology within a Veil, Communication is both reliable and stable. Making it easy for individuals inside of a Veil to connect with each other.
Outside the Veil
The only form of communication that works outside of the veil is Non-Magical unless someone wanted to risk Corruption. Leaving communication in an unstable state prone to dropped calls and disconnects.
Long Distance From Veil to Veil
While technology is stable within a Veil, reaching out to another veil has a level of instability as it requires Non-Magical Tech to avoid pulling on mana between veils that cause corruption. The most RELIABLE means of communication is Old Radio waves, but even then connection can be faulty and disconnect.
Inside the Veil
Veiled Cities have interconnecting Economics that connect through the Bank System and a Sustainable Agricultural Ecosystem of Farmlands within the Veils. Some Veiled cities are known for specific resources. (RL Lore for Known Popular Trade Goods in Regions)
Outside the Veil
Settlements outside of the Veil use various forms of Trade & Money. It's not uncommon to find currency from the Veiled Economics used outside of the Veil.
These settlements have sworn off Magic for the sake of safety.
Long Distance From Veil to Veil
Items are delivered through Caravans, Planes, and Temporary Transportation Gates that don't support Living Creatures that could have a Essence capable of being Corrupted.
All beliefs are welcome in-character whether they be from real lore or personal fiction.
What's Not Allowed
Summoning a God
Playing a God or NPC'ing a God
Discussing religion oocly in our shared spaces
Taking IC beliefs to ooc shared spaces
Howling Hills, Vermont
Created in 1794 and amongst the first settlements of Vermont, this city promoted the coexistence of The Favored and Supernaturals globally. Considered a pillar in the history of peace amongst the two, Howling Hills was one of the first non-global cities to obtain a Veil.
Veils in the World
The most Resourceful Cities in the world became well known Veils. Though not every City was fully covered in a veil and some were divided into separate veils. One Example would be New York City.
Largest Known Veil
The largest known Veil resides in Switzerland, covering the city of Zurich's massive 33.93 mile span.
The First Veils & History Around Them
The very first Veil was established in India. Not by a single inventor, but through the combined efforts of magical and mundane scientists seeking a solution to the growing threat of Aberrations. At the time, the World Council had no involvement in its creation. However, at least some members of the research team were secretly affiliated with The Order, ensuring that they could protect the safety of its development.
Once the effectiveness of the Veil was proven, the World Council took notice. Recognizing its potential, they seized control over the project and spearheaded efforts to implement Veils worldwide. They appointed official agencies and trusted personnel to oversee their construction and maintenance. The location of these Veils in cities, remained however a closely guarded secret among higher officials. As a result, while The Order once held sole authority over the Veils, their influence gradually diminished as the World Council asserted control.
The secrecy surrounding the Veils is not without reason. If control fell into the hands of ordinary civilians or those easily influenced, the stability of entire cities could be thrown into chaos. The Order saw this as an unacceptable risk as the World Council began expanding the veils and embedded themselves within the teams responsible for the Veils’ creation and maintenance. Their continued presence ensures that, no matter how much influence the World Council gains, the Veils remain protected from those who would seek to manipulate or misuse them.
The true extent of The Order’s involvement however remains a deeply guarded secret known only to a select few. To the public, Veils appear to be strictly managed by official government agencies, a deliberate illusion designed to maintain order and prevent mass panic or exploitation. Only the Chief of the RDA and High-Ranking Officials are aware of The Order’s deeper role. This knowledge is carefully passed down through generations of leadership in Veiled Cities.
Known Information About How Veil's Work
Say that you're thirsty, but the available water is dirty and harmful. Now, imagine having a filter that cleans out 99% of the impurities, making it safe. The Veil works similarly—it's like a filter that removes 99% of corruption and acts as a shield against threats. Your body (unless exhausted) filters out the remining 1%.
Veils & City Power Grids
The Veiled Cities’ magic power grids are not conventional electrical systems but are instead sustained by the Veils themselves. These advanced Magi-Tech infrastructures generate and regulate energy, ensuring a stable and corruption-free environment. All Magi-Tech-based devices, including vehicles, phones, computers, the internet, and other electronic tools, are designed to function in tandem with the Veil’s magic energy field. This integration ensures that they operate efficiently without causing corruption or accelerating its spread.
Because of this dependency, any damage or disruption to the Veil can lead to widespread technological failures, communication blackouts, or even the sudden malfunction of essential systems. Some have theorized that power fluctuations within the Veil may even cause anomalies in Magi-Tech devices, leading to unpredictable effects ranging from temporary surges of energy to complete shutdowns. For this reason, maintenance of the Veil’s power source is of utmost importance, and any tampering with the grid—whether accidental or intentional—is considered a severe threat to the stability and safety of the city.
Howling Hills has no set way of how Magic Exists and Casts, only that intention is the key ingredient. We leave it up to the creative minds of players, as long as it adheres to the lore.
Inside the Veil
The majority of magic in city's exists without corruption in the mana, making it safe enough for casters to utilize the magic as long as its not abused.
Outside the Veil
Magic outside the veil is pure corruption. Drawing upon the mana outside the veil will most certainly result in corruption and ultimately the change to an Aberration. Read More on Corruption
Using Mana Batteries or magic storage that was made inside a veil, allows for someone to cast magic without corruption until its empty. As they pull magical energy from the stored magic and not from around them.
Portals
All Portals must have a Mana Source of some kind. Including Alien Technology which consists of Magical Tech. A portal that remains open will require a constant source of flowing mana. A portal that opens temporarily will require mana in the moment but close once the mana disconnects. The longer the distance traveled, the greater amount of mana required. Inter-dimensional portals and world hopping portals generally required mana beyond a single persons ability. Often resorting to the reliance of Mana-Batteries & Magi-tech devices.
Magic to Portal Ratio: A Portal Open for 1 Hr = 1 Day of Mana
Inside Veil Portals
Portals within the Veil remain stable as long as they have a healthy flow of Magic. This includes the portals that extend to the Obsidian Tower & Elysian Fields Pocket Dimensions.
Veiled City Magical Gateways
Overseen by the RDA, these transportation Gates are used as a last resort to evacuate Cities or transport Government Officials for political means. Its not uncommon for them to be used to transport High Risk Criminals, though they are seldom used due to the high cost of energy needed to activate. For more information on the Howling Hills Gate, see the RDA Resources Page.
Portals that Leave The Veil
Portals take a huge amount of magic, but should they cross into an unveiled space they will pull upon corrupted Magic unless there is a Large Enough Mana-Battery or Stored Mana that was obtained from within the Veil to sustain the portal. Its often seen as Taboo to open a portal that connects to an unveiled space, as it would be an opening in the Veil that would invite and lure Corruption or Aberrations to slip through with the attraction of Magical Energy. See Section 26, Municipal Laws for More Information.
Howling Hills does not dictate a specific method for containing magic—only that using stored magic outside a Veil may attract Aberrations. If the storage lacks proper dampening, Aberrations may detect it, much like other magical items.
Mana Batteries
Created by: Kora (rivengate)
Mana batteries are advanced energy storage devices that harness, stabilize, and regulate magical energy for magitech use. Lined with Quorvinium, they prevent mana degradation, overcharge, and corruption while reducing detectability from Aberrations.
Inside the Veil
Magic / Mana can be contained in crystals, metals, and even Mana Batteries! This is a great way to store magic, magic spells, or even mana for a rainy day. For usage in combat, see Extended Dice Rules Mana Batteries.
Outside the Veil
While magic outside the Veil is pure corruption, contained magic charged within a Veil can serve as a safe alternative source of mana for casting beyond its borders. However, beware! Using a contained magical source or mana battery may draw the attention of nearby Aberrations!
Not all Magic items need to be approved. ONLY uncommon/rare in some way that give combat advantages (not just RP flavor) require players to fill out THIS FORM.
(Disclaimer: At this time we are not accepting apps for defense boosting items, however should an item boost HP, it can either be +1, or +2 to HP (+2 is limited to PVE only) and must require recharging/repair or have a cooldown of some sort after each use.)
We only allow 1 App Based item to be made per month.
If your item requires a dice roll, subsequent -thorough- research will lower the next dice roll required by 2.
Please note: PVP is consent based - if you are utilizing your item in PVP you must oocly disclose that you have an item that gives combat advantage. This aids in deterring drama.
If someone is abusing the system please let us know.
Information on what Magic Items Need Approval and What doesn't. How they work inside the veil how they work outside the veil.
In the Universe of Howling Hills, two distinct types of weapons dominate combat: Magical and Mundane.
Magical weapons are powered by mana, drawing directly from the user's reserves of magical energy or from a stored magical resource.
~ To wield a Magical weapon, a caster must possess mana or used stored mana batteries.
Mundane weapons rely on mechanical parts and do not use mana.
Both types of weapons offer unique strengths but come with inherent risks based on their power sources.
ALL CORES must be acquired through Roleplay or from submitting a Ticket to explain how it was acquired behind the scenes.
Core (Acquired through events)
Read more in Core Q&A
News found in the Discord #IC-News Checkout the Broadcasting Station
Twitch = Glitch | Live streaming video media platform
YouTube = MeTube | Ultimate platform for video sharing
Twitter / X = Chitter | The hotspot for social Media Posting
Pinterest = PIN IT | Pin and share those ideas with the world
Tindr = Sparks | World Famous Dating App. Find your soulmate now
Facebook = Mybook | Share and connect with friends and family
Reddit = Readit | Hub for online discussions and community sharing
Tiktok = Icktok | The Spookie 18+ Media Platform or Reels and Shorts
Pornhub = XHub | Your X rated videos platform
Only Fans = Only Drip | Your X rated social media platform
Darkweb = The hidden network for anonymous and encrypted activities
Billboards can be found around the Howling Hills Sims. These Billboards can be used to advertise Sim Businesses. If you are interested in being setup, see the information below!
How To Get Setup?
Must have a Landscape 16:9 Image for the Business
A Notecard with the Business information & Contact Information.
Submitting a General Ticket to get Setup.
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In our world, with the outside of the Veil overrun by death and Aberrations, physically attending school has become a thing of the past. As a result, most traditional schools are abandoned shells, forgotten beyond the Veil. It is rare to find schools still physically located within cities protected by the Veil. Now, mostly everyone attends school or college online.
COMING SOON!
At this time Howling Hills' HUD has launched, and the economy system will be introduced at a later date. All current funds of interested players will be transferred over - players are advised to await the announcement of the transfers to submit tickets.
Howling Hills if made up of 4 Sims. There are three types of rentals on Sim.
Business Rentals
Residential Rentals
Residential & Business Hybrid Rentals
How to Rent!
Visit the Kiosk's In World Here. You can find your rentals from the Kiosk Too!
Season 1 has released!
We’re excited to announce the official release of Season 1 of our HUD – the foundational system that will evolve alongside your stories here in Howling Hills. This first release includes everything you need to enhance immersion and streamline your RP experience, with much more on the horizon.
To see what all is included in Season 1, please see the HH HUD Guide: